2026 Ram 1500 Tradesman 3.6L Pentastar V6 eTorque 4x2 Towing Capacity: 8,380 lbs (Verified Specs)
The 2026 Ram 1500 Tradesman 3.6L Pentastar V6 eTorque 4x2 has a maximum towing capacity of 8,380 lbs, a payload rating of 1,670 lbs, a gross combined weight rating (GCWR) of 12,500 lbs, and a maximum tongue weight of 838 lbs. It uses a Class IV receiver hitch when properly equipped.
All 2026 trims compared
| Trim | Max Tow | Payload | GCWR | Tongue | Hitch |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tradesman 3.6L Pentastar V6 eTorque 4x2 | 8,380 lbs | 1,670 lbs | 12,500 lbs | 838 lbs | IV |
| Big Horn 3.0L Hurricane I-6 SST 4x4 | 11,550 lbs | 1,880 lbs | 16,800 lbs | 1,155 lbs | V |
| Laramie 3.0L Hurricane I-6 HO 4x4 Max Tow | 11,580 lbs | 1,820 lbs | 16,800 lbs | 1,158 lbs | V |
| RHO 3.0L Hurricane I-6 HO 4x4 | 8,380 lbs | 1,520 lbs | 14,400 lbs | 838 lbs | IV |
What can the 2026 Ram 1500 Tradesman 3.6L Pentastar V6 eTorque 4x2 tow?
With its 8,380 lbs max tow rating, the 2026 Ram 1500 Tradesman 3.6L Pentastar V6 eTorque 4x2 can pull these typical trailer types when properly equipped:
- Pop-up tent campers (typically 1,000–3,000 lbs)
- Small travel trailers up to 22 feet (typical dry weight 3,500–4,500 lbs)
- Mid-size travel trailers up to 26 feet (5,000–7,000 lbs)
- Single-jet-ski / two-PWC trailers (1,500–2,500 lbs)
- Boats up to 22 ft on a trailer (4,000–5,500 lbs total)
- Two-horse straight-load horse trailers (5,500–6,800 lbs loaded)
Required equipment
For maximum capacity towing on the 2026 Ram 1500 Tradesman 3.6L Pentastar V6 eTorque 4x2 you need: a Class IV receiver hitch, a proportional brake controller (legally required on trailers over 3,000 lbs in most US states), trailer wiring harness, and — for trailers above 5,000 lbs — a weight-distribution hitch.
5 common towing mistakes with the Ram 1500
- Loading the trailer past the manufacturer's max tow rating without verifying GCWR margin
- Ignoring tongue weight: keep it 10–15% of total trailer weight or the trailer will sway
- Skipping a brake controller on trailers over 3,000 lbs — most US states require trailer brakes above this weight
- Forgetting to redistribute payload from cargo when carrying passengers; payload includes occupants
- Running stock tires beyond their D/E load rating when towing near the max — upgrade if towing weekly
Compare with similar vehicles
Frequently asked questions
What is the towing capacity of a 2026 Ram 1500 Tradesman 3.6L Pentastar V6 eTorque 4x2? ▾
The 2026 Ram 1500 Tradesman 3.6L Pentastar V6 eTorque 4x2 has a maximum towing capacity of 8,380 lbs when properly equipped with the manufacturer's tow package.
Can a 2026 Ram 1500 tow a 30-foot travel trailer? ▾
Marginal. A 30-foot travel trailer typically weighs 7,500–9,000 lbs loaded, which exceeds this trim's 8,380 lbs rating. Choose a higher-capacity trim or a shorter trailer.
Can a 2026 Ram 1500 tow a fifth-wheel? ▾
Not recommended. Most fifth-wheels start at 8,000 lbs and exceed this trim's 8,380 lbs capacity. Step up to a heavy-duty model.
What hitch class does the 2026 Ram 1500 use? ▾
The 2026 Ram 1500 Tradesman 3.6L Pentastar V6 eTorque 4x2 is rated for a Class IV receiver hitch.
What is the payload of the 2026 Ram 1500 Tradesman 3.6L Pentastar V6 eTorque 4x2? ▾
Payload is rated at 1,670 lbs. Remember payload includes passengers, cargo, hitch tongue weight, and any aftermarket equipment.
What is GCWR and why does it matter? ▾
Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR) is the max combined weight of the loaded vehicle and trailer. The 2026 Ram 1500 Tradesman 3.6L Pentastar V6 eTorque 4x2 is rated at 12,500 lbs. Exceeding GCWR is a leading cause of brake and transmission failure.
Do I need a weight-distribution hitch? ▾
For trailers above 5,000 lbs, Ford/GM/Ram/Toyota all recommend a weight-distribution hitch. It transfers tongue weight back across both axles, restoring proper steering and braking.
Do I need a brake controller for this trim? ▾
Yes, when towing a trailer over 3,000 lbs (most US states legally require trailer brakes above this weight). The 2026 Ram 1500 typically supports a proportional integrated brake controller — confirm trim availability.
What is tongue weight on the 2026 Ram 1500 Tradesman 3.6L Pentastar V6 eTorque 4x2? ▾
Maximum tongue weight is 838 lbs (industry-standard 10% of max tow rating). Aim for 10–15% of actual trailer weight to avoid sway.
Is the 2026 Ram 1500 better than its competitors for towing? ▾
Within its capacity bracket, the 2026 Ram 1500 Tradesman 3.6L Pentastar V6 eTorque 4x2 is competitive at 8,380 lbs. See the "Compare with" section below for direct comparisons against same-class alternatives.