RAM 2500 Trailer Setup Guide

What Factors Determine a RAM's Towing Capacity?

RAM, among other manufacturers, determines a vehicle’s towing capacity based on several variables, including:

• Engine configuration

• Power output

• Axle gear ratio

• Cab configuration (regular, quad, crew, or mega)

• Bed configuration (short box or long box)

• Drive configuration (2WD or 4WD)

• Transmission type (automatic or manual)

What Is My RAM’s Towing Capacity?

Towing capacities vary significantly by year and specifications; because of this, you'll need to know your particular vehicle’s towing capacity, so as not to overload the chassis. To determine your RAM’s towing capacity, locate the Safety Compliance Certification Label on the driver’s door jamb. If the value isn’t explicitly listed on the label, browse your RAM’s owner’s manual for the applicable chart.

Can I Exceed My RAM’s Towing Capacity?

Never, under any circumstances, is it safe or legal to exceed your RAM’s towing capacity; this value exists for a reason! Your RAM’s towing capacity reflects far more than the strength of the drivetrain; just because your RAM can physically tow more doesn't mean the chassis, suspension, or brakes will like it.

Exceeding your RAM’s towing capacity can result in significant mechanical damage to your vehicle or injury to yourself and other drivers due to poor stability, reduced braking performance, excessive stopping distances, and other driveability issues.

Curt OEM-Style Gooseneck Hitch

Every rugged RAM 2500 deserves an equally heavy-duty hitch, like the Curt OEM-Style Gooseneck Hitch! This premium hitch features a factory-style design, requiring no drilling into the frame or chassis; the only modifications required are to your RAM’s bed floor! This product is manufactured entirely from heavy-duty steel for maximum durability; on the surface, a corrosion-resistant black A-coat guards the hitch against rust and scaling, ensuring a long-lasting finish. 

The Curt OEM-Style Gooseneck Hitch can tow up to 35,000 pounds, far beyond your RAM’s maximum towing capacity; regardless of the trailer, this hitch has you covered! Each order includes a 2-5/16-inch ball, heavy-duty ⅝-inch safety chain loops, and all hardware required for installation. 

The Curt OEM-Style Gooseneck Hitch is assembled in the USA and backed by a limited lifetime warranty. 

Features: 

• Tow up to 35,000 lbs. gross trailer weight and 7,500 lbs. vertical load

• Coated with a highly durable, rust-resistant, black liquid A-coat

• Includes 2-5/16" ball

• Heavy-duty 5/8" safety chain loops

• No drilling except for the truck bed holes

• Everything you need to install is included

• Tested for safety per SAE J2638

• Assembled in the USA

• Limited lifetime warranty

B&W Class V Trailer Hitch

If you plan to tow a conventional trailer rather than a 5th wheel or gooseneck, consider investing in a heavy-duty B&W Class V Trailer Hitch! This premium, all-steel hitch features a modular 3-piece design for easy mounting and assembly. With six contact points with the frame, the B&W Class V Trailer Hitch offers exceptional strength, towing up to 16,000 pounds! 

For added durability, all B&W Class V Trailer Hitches are finished in a glossy powder coat, guarding the underlying steel against rust, corrosion, impacts, abrasions, oil, and chemicals. 

Each order includes high-strength, zinc-plated grade 8 hardware for a simple bolt-on installation. 

The B&W Class V Trailer Hitch is made in the USA and backed by a limited lifetime warranty, ensuring top-tier quality and maximum longevity. 

Features: 

• 2" receiver class V hitch

• 16,000 lbs. GTW / 1,600 lb. TW

• Constructed from heavy-duty steel

• Glossy black powder-coat finish

• 3-piece interlocking design

• Six-point frame mount

• Steel gusset with safety chain openings

• Includes trailer plug bracket

• Grade 8 mounting hardware

• USA-made

• Limited lifetime warranty

GEN-Y Drop Hitch

The GEN-Y Drop Hitch is the ultimate addition to your lifted RAM 2500, moving the hitch ball downwards by 5–22.5 inches to level your trailer. The hitch offers simple 1-pin adjustability, allowing you to fine-tune your hitch height in seconds! And don’t think you’ll have to compromise strength for adjustability; the GEN-Y Drop Hitch offers towing capacities from 10,000 to 32,000 pounds, meeting and exceeding SAE-J684 standards. 

GEN-Y hitches are manufactured in the USA out of the finest-quality laser-cut steel. All hitches are coated in durable epoxy powder coating, offering exceptional corrosion resistance and a striking hammered gray finish. 

A limited lifetime warranty backs the GEN-Y Drop Hitch against defects. 

Features: 

• Hitch drop from 5" to 22.5"

• Towing capacity from 10,000lbs to 32,000lbs

• High-quality steel

• Epoxy powder-coat finish

• One-pin easy adjustment

• Tested & exceeds SAE-J684 weight testing requirements

• USA-made

• Lifetime warranty

Trimax Anti-Rattle Hitch Pin

Whether you’re looking to minimize hitch pin noise while driving or improve security while towing, the Trimax Anti-Rattle Hitch Pin has you covered! This premium stainless steel hitch pin features an innovative anti-rattle design, preventing irritating noise from the hitch receiver. This hitch pin is not only quiet but also secure, thanks to its key-lockable design and drill-resistant 7-pin lock. 

Each hitch pin includes two matching keys and a premium rubber dust cap, keeping debris and water from jamming and corroding the lock cylinder. If any issues do arise during normal use, Trimax backs each hitch pin with an industry-leading limited lifetime warranty! 

Features: 

• Secures trailered vehicle

• Fits 2" receiver hitches

• Rugged stainless steel construction

• Integrated rubber dust cap

• ⅝” O.D.

• Polished finish

• Anti-rattle design

• Resists attempted drill outs

• Patented 1/4 turn technology

• Includes 2 keys

• Limited lifetime warranty

Supreme Suspensions Ratchet Strap

Especially if you plan to pull an open-deck cargo trailer, don’t forget to upgrade your ratchet straps! At RealTruck, we offer several high-quality tie-downs, including the Supreme Suspensions Ratchet Straps, to properly secure your cargo. These straps feature high-quality, professional-grade polyester manufacturing for maximum tensile strength. With adjustable lengths between two and ten feet and 1,460-pound WLL, you can strap down a variety of cargo without the risk of loosening or shifting. 

Supreme Suspension Ratchet Straps are made in the USA and backed by a limited lifetime warranty.  

Features: 

• Keeps your cargo secure while towing 

• Professional-grade, high-tensile woven polyester strap with double-stitched webbing 

• Adjustable length of 2’ to 10’ (with soft loop tie-downs) 

• 1045 structural steel ratchet assembly, release tabs & ‘S’ hooks with safety latches 

• Great resistance to deformation & deflection under heavy loads 

• Waterproof & UV-protected 

• Tie down your vehicle with a safe working load capacity of 1,460 lbs. 

• Material break strength of 5,060 lbs. (4,400 lbs. after stitching)

• Limited lifetime warranty 

• Made in the USA

Curt Echo Under-Dash Trailer Brake Controller

Most states require you to install trailer brakes and a brake controller if you plan to tow a trailer with a gross weight rating over 1,500 pounds, lessening stopping distances and brake fade. 

 The Curt Echo Under-Dash Trailer Brake Controller is the next generation in trailer braking, featuring a stealthy hidden design and full Bluetooth support, allowing for complete control over your trailer's brake system from your smartphone! This product enables your RAM to integrate seamlessly with your trailer’s electronic braking system; as you depress the pedal, a signal is sent to your trailer’s brakes to actuate. 

The Curt Echo Under-Dash Trailer Brake Controller features a compatible smartphone application for easy adjustments, brake monitoring, and status updates. Orders include an adhesive pad and nylon cable ties for a simple installation. Curt backs each controller with a limited lifetime warranty. 

Features:  

• Bluetooth connection controls all brake settings from your smartphone

• Custom-designed app monitors brake activity & sends status updates

• Triple-axis, motion-sensing accelerometer for highly responsive, smooth stops 

• Stores multiple trailer profiles

• Operates 2-8 trailer brakes at a time (1-4 axles) 

• Multi-color LED indicator for easy setup & troubleshooting 

• Clear, in-app warning system for voltage recognition & no-brake situations

• Sleep mode feature included to reduce power drain

• Downloadable app available Apple iOS & Android OS 

• Simple installation using included adhesive pad & zip ties

• Limited lifetime warranty

Firestone Coil-Rite Air Bag Kit

Bolster your RAM’s rear suspension with a Firestone Coil-Rite Air Bag Kit, offering 3,000–5,000 pounds of load-leveling assistance per pair! This kit includes everything necessary to install Firestone’s pneumatic airbags between your RAM’s chassis and axle, leveling the rear end and dampening bumps with a trailer on the hitch. 

Contents include dual airbags, heavy-duty steel mounting brackets, air lines, fittings, and hardware. Due to the manual inflation with the included Schrader valves, no wiring is required for installation!  

Features: 

• Rear-to-front leveling capability

• Increases stability while maximizing load capacity

• 3,000 - 5,000lbs of load-leveling capacity per set

• Can be adjusted for changing loads

• Individual inflation valves for side-to-side adjustment

• Installs between the frame and suspension

• Improves steering control and braking effectiveness

• Levels headlight beams and reduces tire wear

• Reduces suspension fatigue and sagging

• USA-made

• Reduces the chance of bottoming out

Air Lift 1000 Air Bag Kits

For smaller loads, consider an Air Lift 1000 Air Bag Kit, utilizing in-coil airbags to provide up to 1,000 pounds of leveling capacity! These bags are designed exclusively for coil-sprung vehicles, like your RAM 2500, and require no complex mounts or bracketry; simply slip the bags into your RAM’s rear coil springs, connect the flexible air lines, and route them to an externally-installed schrader valve!

A limited lifetime warranty backs the Air Lift 1000 Air Bags against manufacturing defects.

Features: 

• Provide up to 1,000 lbs of leveling capacity

• Engineered for coil-sprung vehicles

• Reduce bottoming out when towing or hauling heavy loads

• Helps to balance uneven loads, increasing traction and stability

• Installs inside of existing coil spring

• Available for front and rear applications

• Backed by a limited lifetime warranty

Firestone RED Label Air Bag Suspension Kits

The Firestone RED Label Air Bag Kit is a commercial-grade, heavy-duty airbag system engineered for loads requiring up to 7,500 pounds of load-leveling! The RED label kit, short for Ride-Rite Extreme Duty, features heavy-duty airbags, similar to what’s used in the heavy-duty trucking industry, withstanding up to 150 psi of pressure for maximum leveling and performance. These airbags also dramatically improve stability, preventing shifting from uneven loads for maximum confidence while towing. 

All Firestone RED Label Air Bag Systems are made in the USA and backed by a limited lifetime warranty, ensuring years of heavy hauling and towing! 

Features: 

• Levels rear-to-front

• Stabilizes and maximizes your load capacity

• Each air spring is pressure tested before leaving the factory

• RED Label springs use commercial-grade bellows

• Made using high-strength steel components

• Mounts between the frame and suspension

• USA-made

• Rated up to 7500 lbs per pair

• Limited lifetime warranty