2018 Ram 2500 Tradesman 5.7L HEMI V8 4x2 Towing Capacity: 13,890 lbs (Verified Specs)
The 2018 Ram 2500 Tradesman 5.7L HEMI V8 4x2 has a maximum towing capacity of 13,890 lbs, a payload rating of 2,950 lbs, a gross combined weight rating (GCWR) of 18,000 lbs, and a maximum tongue weight of 1,389 lbs. It uses a Class V receiver hitch when properly equipped.
All 2018 trims compared
| Trim | Max Tow | Payload | GCWR | Tongue | Hitch |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tradesman 5.7L HEMI V8 4x2 | 13,890 lbs | 2,950 lbs | 18,000 lbs | 1,389 lbs | V |
| Big Horn 6.4L HEMI V8 4x4 | 17,970 lbs | 4,010 lbs | 22,000 lbs | 1,797 lbs | V |
| Laramie 6.7L Cummins Diesel 4x4 Max Tow | 17,980 lbs | 2,890 lbs | 25,000 lbs | 1,798 lbs | V |
What can the 2018 Ram 2500 Tradesman 5.7L HEMI V8 4x2 tow?
With its 13,890 lbs max tow rating, the 2018 Ram 2500 Tradesman 5.7L HEMI V8 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)
- Large travel trailers up to 30 feet (7,500–9,000 lbs)
- Lightweight fifth-wheels (8,000–11,500 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)
- Boats up to 28 ft (7,500–8,500 lbs total)
- Two-horse straight-load horse trailers (5,500–6,800 lbs loaded)
Required equipment
For maximum capacity towing on the 2018 Ram 2500 Tradesman 5.7L HEMI V8 4x2 you need: a Class V 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 2500
- 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 2018 Ram 2500 Tradesman 5.7L HEMI V8 4x2? ▾
The 2018 Ram 2500 Tradesman 5.7L HEMI V8 4x2 has a maximum towing capacity of 13,890 lbs when properly equipped with the manufacturer's tow package.
Can a 2018 Ram 2500 tow a 30-foot travel trailer? ▾
Yes — a 30-foot travel trailer typically weighs 7,500–9,000 lbs loaded, which is within this trim's 13,890 lbs rating. Verify your specific trailer's GVWR and stay under 80% of max tow for comfortable towing.
Can a 2018 Ram 2500 tow a fifth-wheel? ▾
Yes, a lightweight fifth-wheel (8,000–11,500 lbs) is within this trim's tow rating. Note fifth-wheels also require a special in-bed hitch — confirm your model has a prepped bed.
What hitch class does the 2018 Ram 2500 use? ▾
The 2018 Ram 2500 Tradesman 5.7L HEMI V8 4x2 is rated for a Class V receiver hitch.
What is the payload of the 2018 Ram 2500 Tradesman 5.7L HEMI V8 4x2? ▾
Payload is rated at 2,950 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 2018 Ram 2500 Tradesman 5.7L HEMI V8 4x2 is rated at 18,000 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 2018 Ram 2500 typically supports a proportional integrated brake controller — confirm trim availability.
What is tongue weight on the 2018 Ram 2500 Tradesman 5.7L HEMI V8 4x2? ▾
Maximum tongue weight is 1,389 lbs (industry-standard 10% of max tow rating). Aim for 10–15% of actual trailer weight to avoid sway.
Is the 2018 Ram 2500 better than its competitors for towing? ▾
Within its capacity bracket, the 2018 Ram 2500 Tradesman 5.7L HEMI V8 4x2 is competitive at 13,890 lbs. See the "Compare with" section below for direct comparisons against same-class alternatives.