Published: 2026-03-02 · Updated: 2026-03-02
2017 RAM 1500 Towing Capacity by Trim & Engine
- Maximum towing capacity is 10,620 lbs — only achievable with the 5.7L HEMI, 3.92 axle, Regular Cab, and Max Tow Package on a 4x2 model
- The 3.0L EcoDiesel tops out at 9,210 lbs and is the best choice for long-distance towing with fuel economy in mind
- The 3.6L Pentastar V6 maxes at 7,610 lbs — enough for mid-size boats and utility trailers, but it struggles on mountain grades with loads over 5,000 lbs
- Tongue weight (10–15% of trailer weight) counts against your 1,880-lb payload rating — you can run out of payload well before you hit the tow limit
- The 3.92 rear axle ratio is non-negotiable for max tow ratings; the 3.21 and 3.55 ratios cut capacity by up to 3,000 lbs
What Is the 2017 RAM 1500 Towing Capacity?
The 2017 RAM 1500 towing capacity peaks at 10,620 pounds with the right configuration. This puts the truck near the top of the half-ton segment for its model year — competitive with the 2017 Chevy Silverado 1500 and the 2017 Ford F-150. But that headline number only applies to one specific build. Most trucks on used lots are configured for less.
The 2017 RAM 1500 sits in what RAM called the fourth generation of the modern 1500 (2009–2018). For 2017, the truck carried over its coil-spring rear suspension — a setup unique to RAM in the half-ton class that year. Ford and GM used leaf springs at the rear; RAM's coil arrangement gave it a notably smoother unloaded ride but slightly different towing dynamics when trailer sway kicked in. The integrated trailer brake controller became standard on most trims above the base Tradesman, which was a meaningful safety addition over prior model years.
You can use our towing capacity lookup tool to pull your specific truck's numbers by VIN or configuration before you hitch anything up.
What Is the Maximum Towing Capacity of a 2017 RAM 1500?
The 2017 RAM 1500's maximum conventional towing capacity is 10,620 pounds, achieved with the 5.7L HEMI V8, 3.92 rear axle ratio, Regular Cab body, and the Max Tow Package on a 4x2 drivetrain. That figure drops meaningfully with different cab sizes, axle ratios, or the absence of the tow package — often by 1,000 to 3,000 pounds.
To hit 10,620 lbs, your truck needs the factory Max Tow Package (sales code TRW). That package includes a Class IV receiver hitch, integrated trailer brake controller, 7-pin/4-pin wiring harness, full-size spare tire upgrade, and an upgraded 180-amp alternator. Without the TRW package, the same engine and axle combination rates lower — RAM's published capacity tables are package-specific, not just engine-specific.
The GCWR (Gross Combined Weight Rating) on a maxed-out 2017 RAM 1500 reaches approximately 16,000 lbs. That's the ceiling for combined truck weight plus loaded trailer. If you're not sure what GCWR means for your setup, our GCWR explainer breaks it down clearly. For a side-by-side comparison of what each half-ton truck can realistically pull, the half-ton truck towing capacity guide is worth a read.
How Much Can a 2017 RAM 1500 With a 5.7 Hemi Tow?
The 2017 RAM 1500 5.7L HEMI V8 tows between 7,610 and 10,620 pounds depending on configuration, making it the most capable engine available in this truck that year. At 395 horsepower and 410 lb-ft of torque, it's the right choice if you're regularly pulling trailers over 7,000 pounds — anything from a loaded car hauler to a larger travel trailer.
The HEMI pairs with RAM's 8-speed TorqueFlite transmission (either the 8HP70 or 8HP75 depending on the build). Tow-Haul Mode on this transmission adjusts shift points to keep the engine in its power band on grades and prevents the hunting between gears that wears out transmissions prematurely. Before any extended towing season, change the transmission fluid — RAM specifies ATF+4 for the TorqueFlite. Towing near max capacity with degraded fluid is the primary cause of transmission failure in trucks this age.
Worked example: Say you're towing a 9,500-lb fifth-wheel camper. Tongue weight at 25% (typical for pin weight on a fifth-wheel) is 2,375 lbs — but wait, that's a conventional trailer tongue weight estimate, not pin weight. On a fifth wheel, pin weight runs 20–25% of trailer weight, so roughly 1,900–2,375 lbs. Add a driver at 200 lbs, a passenger at 160 lbs, and 150 lbs of gear in the cab. That's roughly 2,410 to 2,885 lbs against a maximum payload rating of 1,880 lbs. You're over payload before you've added fuel. This truck simply can't safely handle a 9,500-lb fifth-wheel. A 3/4-ton RAM 2500 is the right tool for that job.
What Is the Towing Capacity of a 2017 RAM 1500 EcoDiesel?
The 2017 RAM 1500 3.0L EcoDiesel V6 turbodiesel tows between 7,640 and 9,210 pounds, pairing 240 horsepower and 420 lb-ft of torque with the 8-speed TorqueFlite. The torque advantage over the base V6 is real — 420 lb-ft at relatively low RPM means the EcoDiesel pulls steadily from a stop and holds speed on grades better than the Pentastar at equivalent loads.
The EcoDiesel is only available with the 3.92 axle ratio, which means every EcoDiesel-equipped 2017 RAM 1500 is already running the gear ratio you'd need for maximum towing. That's a genuine advantage if you're shopping used and want to simplify your configuration research.
Fuel economy during long-haul towing is where the EcoDiesel earns its premium. Per RAM's data and owner-reported figures cited by Edmunds, the EcoDiesel typically delivers 19–21 mpg highway when unloaded versus 14–17 mpg for the HEMI. When towing a 7,000-lb trailer, expect a larger drop — but the diesel still comes out ahead over 500+ mile trips.
One honest limitation: The EcoDiesel's 2017 vintage had a history of DEF system and software-related issues that resulted in multiple NHTSA recall notices. Before buying a used 2017 RAM 1500 EcoDiesel, run the VIN through NHTSA's recall database to confirm all recall work has been completed.
Does the 2017 RAM 1500 3.6L V6 Have Enough Power to Tow?
The 3.6L Pentastar V6 supports a maximum towing capacity of 7,610 pounds, producing 305 horsepower and 269 lb-ft of torque. For many owners, this is enough — it handles a single-axle enclosed cargo trailer, a pontoon boat under 6,000 lbs, or a small travel trailer with reasonable margin.
Where the V6 falls short is on sustained grades with loads above 5,000 lbs. At 6,000–7,000 lbs and 5,000 feet of elevation, naturally aspirated engines lose roughly 3% power per 1,000 feet of altitude. At 7,000 feet in Colorado or Wyoming, you're pulling with about 15% less effective power than the spec sheet suggests. The HEMI's additional torque cushion matters a lot in that scenario. The EcoDiesel's turbocharger partially offsets altitude effects, giving it another practical edge in mountain terrain.
The Pentastar V6 does offer one real benefit: it's typically paired with a lower purchase price on the used market. If your heaviest load is a 16-foot bass boat at 3,500 lbs, you don't need the HEMI's capability, and you'll save money buying the V6 configuration.
How Does Cab Size Affect 2017 RAM 1500 Towing Capacity?
Cab configuration directly reduces 2017 RAM 1500 towing capacity because larger cabs add curb weight, which cuts into your available payload and lowers the published tow rating. The Regular Cab reaches the highest figures; the Crew Cab with a 5'7" bed sits at the bottom of the range for each engine.
Here's what that means practically: a Crew Cab 4x4 with the 5.7L HEMI and 3.92 axle might be rated at 9,570 lbs — over 1,000 lbs less than the Regular Cab equivalent. For most buyers, the Crew Cab's back-seat utility is worth that trade-off. But if you're right at the edge of what a half-ton can handle, cab choice matters. See the full towing and payload breakdown in our towing capacity vs. payload guide.
What Axle Ratio Do I Need for Maximum Towing in a 2017 RAM 1500?
The 3.92 rear axle ratio is required to hit maximum towing capacity figures in the 2017 RAM 1500, regardless of engine. This ratio gives the drivetrain greater mechanical advantage when pulling heavy loads from a stop, climbing grades, or recovering on a boat ramp. The 3.21 and 3.55 options reduce tow ratings by 1,000 to 3,000 pounds and are better suited for highway commuting with light trailer work.
To find the axle ratio on a used 2017 RAM 1500, check the door-jamb sticker on the driver's side B-pillar — it lists the axle code. You can also pull the door sticker's broadcast sheet code: "DFF" indicates the 3.92 axle. Cross-reference with the Trailer Towing Supplement, which RAM published separately from the standard owner's manual for this generation.
If you want to see how axle ratio interacts with towing capacity across the full RAM 1500 lineup, the RAM 1500 towing capacity hub covers all model years in detail.
What Payload Can a 2017 RAM 1500 Carry While Towing?
The 2017 RAM 1500 carries a maximum payload of 1,880 pounds, but tongue weight from your trailer counts directly against that number. For a conventional trailer, tongue weight runs 10–15% of total trailer weight. Exceed your payload rating — even if you're under the tow rating — and you've created an unsafe, overloaded truck.
Worked example: You're towing a 7,000-lb travel trailer. Tongue weight at 12% is 840 lbs. Add a driver (200 lbs), two passengers (340 lbs combined), a full tank of fuel (~180 lbs), and 150 lbs of gear in the bed. That's 1,710 lbs — you're at 91% of a 1,880-lb payload rating before you've packed a single bag inside the trailer. There's essentially no margin left. This is how owners unknowingly overload trucks that are technically "within tow rating."
The payload rating is stamped on the yellow load limit sticker inside the driver's door jamb — not in the owner's manual, not online. That sticker reflects your specific truck's build, not the model average. Use our payload calculator to run your numbers before you load up.
For a deeper look at how payload and towing capacity interact — and why tow rating alone doesn't tell the full story — our towing capacity vs. payload guide walks through the math step by step.
2017 RAM 1500 Towing Capacity by Engine and Configuration
| Engine | Max Horsepower / Torque | Best Axle Ratio | Max Tow Capacity | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.6L Pentastar V6 | 305 hp / 269 lb-ft | 3.55 | 7,610 lbs | Entry-level; adequate for boats and light campers |
| 5.7L HEMI V8 | 395 hp / 410 lb-ft | 3.92 | 10,620 lbs | Regular Cab 4x2 w/ Max Tow Package required for peak figure |
| 3.0L EcoDiesel V6 | 240 hp / 420 lb-ft | 3.92 (standard) | 9,210 lbs | Diesel torque advantage; check NHTSA for open recalls |
| 5.7L HEMI V8 (4x4, Crew Cab) | 395 hp / 410 lb-ft | 3.92 | ~9,570 lbs | Typical real-world spec for most Crew Cab buyers |
Source: RAM Trucks Trailer Towing Guide 2017, cross-referenced with Edmunds vehicle specifications.
What Won't the 2017 RAM 1500 Do?
The 2017 RAM 1500's 10,620-lb ceiling is firm. If your loaded fifth-wheel, heavy equipment trailer, or large boat exceeds that number, this isn't your truck — and the margin disappears fast when you account for payload, passengers, and gear.
Specifically: a loaded 10,000-lb fifth-wheel with 2,000 lbs of pin weight, two passengers, and standard gear will push you over payload in nearly every 2017 RAM 1500 configuration. You need a 3/4-ton truck minimum — a RAM 2500, Chevy Silverado 2500HD, or Ford F-250 — for that duty cycle. Our how to find towing capacity guide explains how to read GCWR, GVWR, and payload together so you can accurately assess any truck.
If you're comparing the 2017 RAM 1500 against what came just after it, the 2018 RAM 1500 carried similar specs before the all-new fifth generation arrived for 2019.