The 2025 Ram 1500 Towing Guide

Written by: Izzy B.

Last Updated: 11/17/2024

Est time to read: 9 mins.

With a laundry list of upgrades for 2025, this year’s Ram 1500 has certainly raised the bar when it comes to power, comfort, and technological sophistication. It even managed to clinch the number one spot on Car and Driver’s list of Best Full-Sized Pickups for 2025. This could come as a bit of a surprise to folks who might’ve expected to see a name like Ford or Chevy in the number one spot. But rest assured, Ram has definitely earned its place at the top this year. With 3 different engines to choose from, advanced safety and driving features, and superior reliability, the 2025 Ram 1500 has something for every kind of hauler. And no matter your mission, we’ve got the upgrades and accessories to take your new Ram truck to the next level.

What Engines Options Are Available For 2025?

Across the board, the 2025 Ram 1500 is stronger than ever before. Thanks to the new 3.0L Hurricane Engines (replacing the previous V8 Engine options), the Ram 1500 now boasts a max towing capacity of over 11k lbs, and surpasses the Ford Raptor, GMC Sierra 1500, Chevy Silverado 1500, Nissan Titan, and Toyota Tundra in available horsepower. When it comes to the 2025 Ram 1500, what’s under the hood makes all the difference.

3.6L Pentastar V6 Engine With Etorque

Standard on Tradesman, Tradesman HFE, and Big Horn

305 horsepower
269 lb-ft. of torque
8,110 lbs of towing capacity
2,370 lbs of payload capacity

Even on the most basic trim levels, the 2025 Ram 1500 is no slouch when it comes to engine quality. The 3.6L Pentastar Engine with Etorque promises superior engine performance, without having to pay through the nose for unnecessary upgrades. Thanks to its mild hybrid powertrain system, this engine gives you the strength and torque you need, plus the fuel economy you want. If you’re looking for a high powered hauler that doesn’t break the bank, this engine will definitely deliver.

3.0L Hurricane I6 Engine

Standard on Warlock, Laramie, and Rebel. Available on Tradesman HFE and Big Horn

420 horsepower
469 lb-ft. of torque
11,550 lbs of towing capacity
1,980 lbs of payload capacity

If you’re in the market for an all around beast of an engine, look no further than the 3.0L Hurricane I6. It’s built for absolute towing power, with the highest towing capacity of any engine available on the 2025 Ram 1500. And even with all that brute strength, the 3.0L Hurricane maintains a respectable fuel economy, making it ideal for hauling heavy loads over long distances.

High Output 3.0L Hurricane I-6 Engine

Standard on RHO, Limited, Limited Longhorn, and Tungsten

540 horsepower
521 lb-ft. of torque
9,920 lbs of towing capacity
1,520 lbs of payload capacity

For the 2025 Ram 1500, practicality doesn’t have to come at the cost of luxury, especially on models equipped with the High Output 3.0L Hurricane I6. This engine is definitely more of a racehorse than a workhorse. Combining both towing capacity and peak performance, you’ll know exactly what they mean by “high output” as soon as you hit the gas. If you want to haul heavy loads and enjoy an ultra-premium driving experience, this engine is the one for you.

What Makes It the Most Advanced Ram 1500 Yet?

And Which of those Features Will Help You Tow?

Beyond engine performance, it's clear that a great deal of consideration went into all of the advanced tech available on this year's Ram 1500. In 2025, safety and convenience is the name of the game, especially where the options aimed at towing enthusiasts are concerned. Here are just a few of our favorite towing features available for 2025!

Trailer Auto Hitch Assist: Say goodbye to the headaches of lining up your truck’s hitch ball with the trailer tongue. The available Auto Hitch Assist system enables your Ram 1500 to steer itself into alignment with the trailer, while you man the gas and brakes.
Active-Level™ Four Corner Air Suspension: No need to worry about this truck sagging under heavy loads. With the available active air suspension system, the Ram 1500 automatically lowers during highway driving to reduce drag and improve efficiency, support hefty payloads, and give you a smoother towing experience.
Trailer Reverse Steering Control: Backing up your trailer doesn’t need to be a hassle. With the 2025 Ram 1500, you can use the available reverse steering control knob to precisely direct the angle of your trailer when you’re in reverse.
Trailer Reverse Guidance with Dynamic Gridlines: With this available feature, when you’re towing in reverse, you’ll see live video of your trailer on the truck's infotainment screen, along with dynamic gridlines that adjust based on your truck’s steering angle. These gridlines help to visualize the path of both your truck and trailer as you’re turning, and help you avoid the risk of jackknifing.
Integrated Trailer Brake Controller: No need to worry about banging your knee on a bulky aftermarket brake controller, or drilling holes in the dash. This optional integrated brake controller makes all that a thing of the past!
Trailer Sway Control: This feature comes standard on all trim levels. Ram’s automatic trailer sway control detects and reduces trailer sway by adjusting the truck's brakes and engine power, improving stability on the road.
Power-Fold Trailer Tow Mirrors: These optional towing mirrors extend and fold at the push of a button, giving you better visibility when you’re towing. Then, they conveniently fold away when they aren’t in use.
Trailer Tire Pressure Monitoring System: Now you have the option to keep tabs on your trailer tire pressure in real time! This available feature can monitor up to 12 trailer tires, and alert you about potential tire safety issues while you’re on the road.
Digital Rearview Mirror with Tow Mode: An optional rear facing camera offers you a clear, unobstructed view of the area behind your truck and trailer (displayed on the rearview mirror).

So How Can I Take My Ram 1500 from Great to AWESOME?

We know that the 2025 Ram 1500 comes standard with/has options for some pretty helpful towing features and tech. But you don't have to stop at what the manufacturer sends you home with! If you want to make the most of your new tow rig, you'll need to to outfit yourself with the right aftermarket accessories for the job. Lucky for you, we have just about everything you could want or need! Check out some of our favorite add-ons for this year's Ram 1500, that are sure to help you take your rig to the next level!

One accessory that's always helpful to have when you're towing larger loads is a weight distribution system. It's a good rule of thumb to start using weight distribution when your trailer's weight exceeds 50% of your vehicle's weight. Now, your owner's manual might suggest you to start using weight distribution when that number is higher than 50%. But as you probably know, vehicle manufacturers aren't always totally accurate with their numbers, and it's better to be safe than sorry.

A weight distribution system is great for making sure your trailer's weight is evenly distributed, and your vehicle isn't sagging out. Many weight distribution systems even come with added sway control, to help keep trailer sway at a minimum. They're also great for improving your steering control, and should help you have a much smoother ride while you're towing.

Speaking about sway, and other great accessory to add to your new Ram 1500 is a sway bar. Sway bars are great to have because they improve vehicle stability, help maintain a level ride when you're driving over rough terrain, and improve your vehicle's steering and handling. They also help to minimize side-to-side vehicle motion, which makes it easier and safer for you to turn sharp corners and make other difficult driving maneuvers without risking an accident. Sway bars are also handy for keeping your vehicle steady during strong crosswinds, and can be good for preventing cargo from shifting around while you're on the road. Protect your brand new Ram 1500 with an accessory that will help you keep all four wheel planted firmly on the ground.

Now you don't have to stop at weight distribution and sway bars. If you want to level up your Ram and take it from a very powerful truck to an absolute beast on the road, you can always upgrade your exhaust system. Upgrading to a premium aftermarket exhaust system will significantly improve your engine's overall performance. The increase in exhaust flow will help boost your horsepower, torque, and fuel efficiency. Your engine will be able to operate way more efficiently, making it that much more effective for hauling those heavy loads, day in, day out.

Where Do I Go From Here?

You can really do a lot to kit out your new truck, way more than we're able to cover here. If you're interested in getting the absolute most out of your new ride, head over to some of our other articles, like this one about anti-rattle devices (hint: they help deal with that awful noise from your hitch receiver, definitely worth a read). If you want to keep browsing accessories for your new Ram, check our our list of parts that are all confirmed to fit the 2025 Ram 1500. Lastly, once you've got all your accessories picked out and ready to go, make sure you use our installer locator to help find an etrailer-approved installer near you!

About Izzy B.

My journey with etrailer has had a number of twists and turns. I first started here in 2019 as a Summer Intern with our Content Department. I ended up enjoying the experience so much, that I came back to work at etrailer during several academic breaks throughout my college years. After some time away, I returned last Spring to work at our main warehouse, first as a Picker, and eventually on our Audit Team. Then, at the start of 2024, I was offered the chance to come aboard etrailer's Marketing Department, as a Writer for the Shopping Guide Team. Now, I help our neighbors by creating informational content to aid their shopping experience, ensuring they find the info, products, and solutions they need to get their own journeys underway!

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