The 2026 Ram 2500 tows up to 9,071 kg (20,000 lb) with the High-Output 6.7L Cummins Turbo Diesel I6. Its top payload, up to 2,077 kg (4,580 lb), is listed for the 6.4L HEMI V8; with the Cummins, Ram lists up to 1,633 kg (3,600 lb) (Ram Canada). The 2026 Ram 3500 tows up to 16,606 kg (36,610 lb) with the Cummins and is listed at up to 3,443 kg (7,590 lb) of payload. Ram lists those maximums separately, so confirm both for the same configuration (Ram Canada). The 2500 rides on link-coil rear suspension and the 3500 on two-stage longitudinal leaf springs. Ram's ratings depend on engine and configuration, and options, passengers and cargo can lower a real truck's numbers.
Eight longer guides cover these Ram heavy duty trucks in detail. Below, they're grouped by topic with a note on the question each one answers, so you can go straight to yours.
Key Takeaways
- The 2026 Ram 3500 has the higher ceilings: up to 16,606 kg (36,610 lb) of towing and 3,443 kg (7,590 lb) of payload when properly equipped, listed separately by Ram (Ram Canada).
- Both 2026 trucks reach their top tow ratings with the High-Output 6.7L Cummins Turbo Diesel I6 (Ram Canada).
- Published maximums describe a base configuration. Options, equipment, passengers and cargo may lower what your truck can tow or carry.
- If you're still choosing, start with the capability and engine guides. If you already own a diesel, the Alberta ownership guides are the better first stop.
Ram 2500 or 3500: which one fits your work?
If your heaviest trailer and load sit inside the 2500's ratings, the 2500 does the job. If they don't, move up to the 3500. Here's how Ram Canada's 2026 figures compare.
| 2026 Ram | Towing, when properly equipped | Payload, when properly equipped | Rear suspension |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2500 | Up to 9,071 kg (20,000 lb) | Up to 2,077 kg (4,580 lb) with the HEMI; up to 1,633 kg (3,600 lb) with the Cummins | Link-coil |
| 3500 | Up to 16,606 kg (36,610 lb) | Up to 3,443 kg (7,590 lb) | Two-stage longitudinal leaf springs |
Source: Ram Canada. Both towing maximums are with the High-Output 6.7L Cummins Turbo Diesel I6. Ram lists payload by engine and configuration, so one truck may not reach both its towing and payload maximums.
Capability: what decides how much your truck can tow and carry?
The truck's configuration does. Ram Canada lists its maximum ratings by engine and configuration, and its 3500 page notes that "additional options, equipment, passengers, and cargo weight may affect payload/towing weights." The headline number is the top of the range. The three guides in this section help you find where a specific truck sits.
For 2500 owners, the Ram 2500 towing capacity guide shows how cab, box length, rear axle ratio and drivetrain move the rating. It also explains what a fifth-wheel or gooseneck hitch does to the weight on the truck, and how to work out your own limit from the label on the driver's door.
If you haven't settled on a model, the Ram 2500 vs Ram 3500 comparison looks at when the step up to a 3500 is worth it, and when a 2500 already handles the trailer you tow.
Leaning toward a 3500? Read the Ram 3500 payload guide comparing dually and single rear wheel trucks next. It covers what counts against payload, including trailer pin weight, and the day-to-day trade-offs of dual rear wheels, such as how they behave on snow with an empty box.
Engines: should you choose the Cummins or the HEMI?
Choose the Cummins if you plan to tow near the top of the range, because Ram Canada lists the maximum tow ratings for both 2026 trucks with the High-Output 6.7L Cummins Turbo Diesel I6. The 2026 Ram 2500 is also listed with a 6.4L HEMI V8, which has a lower towing maximum (Ram Canada). Payload runs the other way on the 2500: Ram lists up to 2,077 kg (4,580 lb) with the HEMI and up to 1,633 kg (3,600 lb) with the Cummins (Ram Canada). Which one suits you comes down to how heavy your loads are and how often you tow them.
The Ram 2500 Cummins vs HEMI comparison for Alberta puts the two engines side by side on towing, payload, cold starts and cost of ownership. Start there if you're weighing heavy, frequent towing against lighter, occasional loads.
For the diesel itself, the 6.7L Cummins explained covers why an inline-six diesel makes so much torque and how to tell the High-Output and standard-output versions apart on a used listing. It also walks through what the particulate filter and diesel exhaust fluid systems do.
Diesel ownership in Alberta: what should you plan for?
Plan for diesel-specific maintenance, winter starting and, if the truck works for a living, a spec that matches the job. Each one has its own guide.
The Ram 2500 diesel maintenance guide for Alberta owners explains where to find the right oil change interval for a diesel and how the oil change indicator and exhaust filter cleaning cycle work. It also covers keeping fuel from gelling when the truck sits outside all winter.
Cold starts get a page of their own. The block heater guide for diesel trucks in Alberta covers what a block heater warms, how it differs from the engine's own pre-heat system, and when to plug in and for how long.
For business buyers, the guide to choosing a diesel truck for oil patch and fleet work matches truck configurations to jobs like trailer hauling and service bodies. It also points out the warranty terms fleet buyers should read closely.
Shopping and service: where do you go next?
Sherwood Dodge, at 230 Provincial Ave in Sherwood Park, sells and services Ram trucks. To compare trucks by configuration, browse new Ram 2500 inventory or new Ram 3500 inventory.
Business buyers can start with fleet services. If you already own a 2500 or 3500, see our service department page.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much can a 2026 Ram 2500 tow?
Up to 9,071 kg (20,000 lb) when properly equipped with the High-Output 6.7L Cummins Turbo Diesel I6 (Ram Canada). Ram lists it depending on engine and configuration, and options, equipment, passengers and cargo can lower a specific truck's rating. Check the configuration of the exact truck before you hitch up a heavy trailer.
What is the difference between the Ram 2500 and Ram 3500?
The 3500 is rated for more: up to 16,606 kg (36,610 lb) of towing and 3,443 kg (7,590 lb) of payload, against 9,071 kg (20,000 lb) and 2,077 kg (4,580 lb) for the 2026 Ram 2500 (Ram Canada). Ram lists these maximums by engine and configuration, so one truck may not reach both. The 2500 uses link-coil rear suspension; the 3500 uses leaf springs.
Do options lower a Ram heavy duty truck's towing and payload ratings?
They can. Ram Canada shows its maximum ratings for a base configuration and says additional options, equipment, passengers and cargo weight may affect payload and towing. A 2026 Ram 3500 rated up to 3,443 kg (7,590 lb) of payload may have less capacity left once it's optioned up and carrying a crew, and the same goes for towing.
Sources
- Ram Canada: 2026 Ram 2500, retrieved October 2026
- Ram Canada: 2026 Ram 3500, retrieved October 2026
