Dodge Ram Pickup Truck: What Boat’s Can It Tow? [21 Examples]

Owning a Dodge Ram pickup truck can bring you many benefits. One of those benefits is a very long list of boats you can tow. So, if you are a fisherman or just a lover of boats in general, your Dodge Ram can do the job. 

Let’s discuss some of the details about the towing capacity of your Dodge Ram and which boats you may like to consider for your needs or wants. 

How Much Weight Can a Dodge Ram Tow?

Considering that there are different models of the Dodge Ram pickup truck, this question can’t be answered with one number. Let’s take a quick look at some models for our answer. Remember that, even though the capacity may be large, there is still a limit for a reason. You should be very careful not to go over the limit if you wish to avoid damaging your Dodge Ram.

Dodge Ram 1500

This model, when combined with the 3.0L EcoDiesel V6 engine, combines 480 pound-feet of torque and a half-ton diesel towing capacity of an impressive 12,560 pounds.

Dodge Ram 1500 Classic

This model has a slightly lower towing capacity at 10,710 pounds. But it still offers 395 horsepower and 420 pound-feet of torque. So, you will still have a long list of boat options that fit the capacity of the Dodge Ram 1500 Classic.

Dodge Ram 2500

If this is the model you own, you can easily tow up to 19,780 pounds if equipped with the available 6.7L Cummins turbo diesel engine. It has a standard horsepower of 410.

Dodge Ram 3500

This engine can tow an impressive 35,100 pounds if it has the 6.7L high-output Cummins turbo diesel engine. With 1,000 pound-feet of diesel torque, there won’t be many boats that your Dodge Ram 3500 can’t handle.

Remember that the first step is always to check the towing capacity of your model. You wouldn’t want to tow the 35,100-pound capacity of the Ram 3500 if you own the 1500 classic. Knowing your model and the weight limit is very important.

Once you know this, you can begin shopping for a boat that meets your needs. But you should also figure in the weight of the trailer, as well as any passengers and other items you will be carrying along, like life vests and fishing gear. Most boat trailers will be 2,000 pounds or less.

So, if you would like a place to start as you consider boats that will fit into your Ram’s towing capacities, read on for some suggestions.

What Boats Can a Dodge Ram Pickup Truck Tow? Max Towing Capacity

Types of Boats That a Dodge Ram Pickup Truck Can Tow

The Dodge Ram is well-known for towing, and for good reason, as we’ve seen that its towing capacity is high. Because of this, you will have a lot of boats to choose from. Provided below is a graph with some general examples. 

Type of Boat Average Dry Weight
Speed Boat 8,000 pounds
Center Console 5,000 pounds
Pontoon Boats Go?”>Pontoon Boat 3,100 pounds
Cabin Cruiser 8,700 pounds
Sailboat 8,800 pounds
Ski Boat 3,500 pounds
Cuddy Cabin 3,750 pounds

Speed Boats

Speed boats have a sleek build that allows them to move faster than some other watercraft through the water. If speed is your thing, you can pick from several different speed boats to find one you like. Many will work with the towing capacity of your Dodge Ram.

  • Cigarette 38 Top Gun – 9,000 pounds
  • 32 Thunder Cat – 5,400 pounds
  • M35 – 9,250 pounds

As you can see, all these options fit within the limits for each Dodge Ram model. These are just a few examples of some speed boats that you could tow. Many others would work, as well.

Center Console

These boats are most often used for fishing since they often have a deck area that is great for standing to cast off and reel in.

Five thousand pounds is the average weight for a Center Console Boat?”>center console boat, so there are plenty of options in this category that could be towed behind your Dodge Ram. Here are three.

  • 2019 Boston Whaler 170 Dauntless – 1,680 pounds
  • 2020 Bayliner Element F21 – 2,000 pounds
  • 2019 Boston Whaler 150 Montauk – 1,049 pounds

Pontoon Boats

A Dodge Ram is perfect for towing these large boats. Most often used for water recreation, pontoon boats are a great option if you want a day on the water skiing, fishing, or swimming. They are equipped with ladders for easy access to the water, as well. Some of the pontoon boats seat as many as 10 people. Here are a few models that you may like.

  • 2016 Cypress Cay 230 SLE – 4,200 pounds
  • Sun Tracker Party Barge 24 DLX – 4,361 pounds
  • 2015 Harris Flotebote Crowne 250 – 3,858 pounds

Because of the size, you should exercise extra caution if you decide to go with a pontoon boat. Their bulkiness can be hard to maneuver.

Cabin Cruiser

These are also large boats that have the appearance of a small yacht. Normally, they possess a sleeping area and a small bathroom situated in a small cabin. Some cabin cruisers can sleep up to 10 people. Here are a few options, but always remember that some of these may not be a good option for you if you have a Dodge Ram model with one of the lower towing capacities.

  • Rinker 301 Express Cruiser – 12,000 pounds
  • Bayliner 285 SB – 8,000 pounds
  • Larson 274 Cabrio – 6,000 pounds

Sailboats

Sailboats are not powered with a motor. They are propelled by the wind that fills the sails attached to the boat. Sailing is a sport in and of itself. So, if you’re looking for a good day on the water and you live near a bay or large lake, this might be a good option for you, and many of them could easily be towed behind your Dodge Ram.

  • Pearson 39 – 17,000 lbs
  • Ericson 28.5 – 7,500 pounds
  • C&C 27 – 5,180 pounds

Ski Boats

Often mistaken for speed boats, they aren’t the same. But they still give you speed and fun all in one. As the name suggests, they are used for skiing. They can also be used for water tubing and wakeboarding. Here are some that would work with your Dodge Ram.  

  • 2015 Moomba Mobius LSV – 3,801 pounds
  • 2018 MasterCraft Prostar – 3,300 pounds
  • 2020 Campion WS 23 – 4,037 pounds

Cuddy Cabin

If you’re looking to get out on the water for a day of fun and relaxation, or maybe even an overnight trip, a cuddy cabin boat can give you that. Cuddy cabin boats are made for getting out on the water to swim, open-water cruising, and lounging. There are even options for porta-potties, a shower, and a sink for comfort and convenience.

  • 2016 Bayliner 642 Overnighter – 3,084 pounds
  • 2013 Beneteau Flyer 650 Cabrio – 3,329
  • 2015 Regal 2250 Cuddie – 3,900

A Few Things You May Want to Know

Knowing the weight limit of your Dodge Ram pickup truck is important, but there are a few other things you may also want to take into consideration.

Towing safety is very important, so you should be sure that you have all of the proper towing equipment before setting out with your boat. Checking for rust and making sure you have towing chains in case your trailer detaches are important steps.

Make sure the lights are functioning properly so that other vehicles see when you are turning, stopped, or backing up.

Another important thing is to make sure your tongue weight equals 10 to 15 percent of your load. If it doesn’t equal this amount, it could cause your trailer to sway while you’re driving. Swaying could make you lose control or flip the boat or vehicle.

You should also check the laws in your state and any state you plan to travel through to see if a braking system is required.

Watch your speed while towing, especially if you choose any of the boats that are large or that weigh more. Crosswinds can cause problems, but a slower speed will give you better control. It is wise to avoid using cruise control while towing.

Once your boat is in the water, you should consider wisely where you park your truck and trailer. Whenever possible, vehicles with trailers should not be parked on a grade. However, if it is necessary, place wheel chocks under the trailer’s wheels to keep it from rolling. Make sure you park in an area that is going to be easy to exit.

Bonus Read: How To Launch A Boat By Yourself!

Closing Thoughts

If you own a Dodge Ram pickup truck, you have many options to choose from when it comes to towing a boat. We’ve provided several for you to consider, but remember that you should also figure in the weight of the boat trailer and any passengers and gear.

If none of these boat options please you, there are lots of others to choose from. Just remember to check the weight before you purchase.

Before towing, be sure that you have the proper towing equipment and that you have done a safety check. If you follow all these tips, you will be ready to pull out!

Towing Capacity: What Boats Can a Dodge Ram Tow?