If you've spent any time around trucks in Texas, you've probably heard a few "facts" about towing that get passed around like they’re written in stone. But not all of them hold up. Whether you're hauling livestock, pulling a 5th-wheel camper, or towing heavy equipment through the Hill Country, believing the wrong thing about RAM towing can cost you time, money, and peace of mind. For drivers in Gatesville, Texas, getting to the truth matters—especially when you're counting on your truck to do real work.
Myth #1: All RAM Trucks Tow the Same
This is one of the most common RAM towing myths, and it's simply not accurate. The RAM 1500, RAM 2500, and RAM 3500 aren’t just bigger versions of each other—they’re all built for a different level of work. The RAM 1500 is a capable half-ton truck perfect for everyday towing tasks, while the RAM 2500 and RAM 3500 are heavy-duty workhorses designed for serious loads.
The RAM 3500, for example, is engineered for maximum pulling power of around 36,000 lbs.—it’s built to handle the most demanding towing situations. The RAM 2500, with the available High-Output 6.7L Cummins Turbo Diesel I6 engine, delivers Best-in-Class diesel torque at 1,200 lbs.-ft. While they’re both superbly powerful, they are not interchangeable when it comes to what they can haul.
Myth #2: More Horsepower Always Means Better Towing
Horsepower gets a lot of attention, but when it comes to towing, torque is more relevant. Torque is what actually moves a heavy load from a standstill and keeps it moving uphill. That's why RAM's diesel-powered heavy-duty trucks are so respected for towing—they're tuned to deliver the kind of low-end pulling force that matters most when you're loaded up.
The RAM 2500 Power Wagon® delivers Best-in-Class available base diesel torque of 1,075 lbs.-ft., letting it pull around 20,000 lbs. That kind of muscle doesn't come from horsepower alone. Understanding the difference helps you choose the right powertrain for the work you actually need to do.
Myth #3: Off-Road Trucks Can't Handle Heavy Towing
Just because a truck is designed for off-roading, doesn’t mean it can’t tow. The RAM 2500 Power Wagon® is a good example of why that thinking is outdated. It comes equipped with front and rear electronic locking differentials, a class-exclusive electronic front sway bar disconnect, a Bilstein® shock system, and Hill Descent Control—all while still being capable of serious towing.
The RAM 1500 Rebel® X is another strong example. It offers 420 hp and 469 lbs.-ft. of torque, along with off-road hardware like Bilstein® front and rear shocks, 33” all-terrain tires, and underbody skid plates. You don't have to choose between trail-ready capability and pulling power.
Myth #4: A Half-Ton Truck Isn't Enough for Serious Work
The RAM 1500 is often underestimated, and that's a mistake. While it may not replace a heavy-duty truck for the biggest jobs, it's a highly capable vehicle that handles a wide range of towing tasks with ease. Texas drivers who need to tow a boat, a utility trailer, or a midsize camper will find that the RAM 1500 is more than up to the challenge.
The RAM 1500 offers performance-focused trims like the RHO and the TRX SRT, which features a supercharged 6.2L HEMI® V8 engine. The RHO boasts a 540-hp High-Output Hurricane engine, letting you tow up to 8,330 lbs.—and it’s able to go from 0 to 60 in 4.6 seconds, as well as take on off-road challenges with features like 35” all-terrain tires and mind-blowing enhancements. The RHO is a perfect example of towing power coupled with other high-performance features. The RAM towing myths surrounding the 1500's limitations don't give the truck nearly enough credit.
What to Actually Look for in a RAM Towing Setup
Beyond busting RAM towing myths, it helps to know what to prioritize when evaluating a truck's towing capability. Look at the powertrain options available, the available trailering technology, the gross vehicle weight rating, and the payload capacity. These numbers work together, and focusing on just one of them gives you an incomplete picture.
RAM's warranty coverage is also worth considering when you're putting your truck to work. Select 2026 RAM trucks and vans come backed by a 10-year/100,000-mile limited powertrain warranty, which reflects the confidence RAM has in how these trucks are built to perform over time.
The Truth About RAM Towing Is Worth Knowing
Separating fact from fiction when it comes to RAM towing myths isn't just an academic exercise — it's the kind of knowledge that helps you make a smarter decision and get more out of your truck for years to come. Whether you're shopping for your first heavy-duty truck or looking to upgrade your current setup, understanding what RAM's lineup actually offers puts you in a much better position than relying on word-of-mouth assumptions.
If you're ready to explore which RAM truck is the right match for your towing needs, the team at Spur Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram is here to help you find the right fit.
