This advantage puts Dodge in the lead for load hauling and towing capacities. How far? The 5.7-L Hemi equipped 2500 pulls a minimum of 4,332 kg (9,550 lb) and a maximum of 5,262 kg (11,600 lb), depending on the body and transmission combination in question. The Ford F250 starts with a towing capacity of 3,992 kg (8,800 lb) which grows to 4.264 kg (9,400 lb) when configured best for towing, clearly behind the Dodge, while the GM 2500 series with standard engine can tow between 4,536 kg (10,000 lb), slightly more than the least capable Dodge, and 4,763 kg (10,500 lb), 499 kg (1,100 lb) less than the optimally configured Dodge. Again, Dodge averages at the top of its class.
According to GM's retail website, as no towing ratings are available in their press materials, their heavy-duty 1 tons equipped with the 6.6-L Isuzu built Duramax V8 turbo-diesel can tow up to 5,443 kg (12,000 lb). How about Ford? The F350 with PowerStroke diesel is capable of towing quite a bit more at 6,441 kg (14,200 lb), but only in its short bed 2WD configuration. Its average in all drive and body types is 6,140 kg (13,536 lb). The Dodge leaves them all packing for two trips with its best in class towing capacity of 6,963 kg (15,350 lb). That's 522 kg (1,150 lb) more pull than the Ford and significant 1,520 kg (3,350 lb) more trailer towing muscle than GM's top hauler!
That can't be true? Really, it is. To be sure I tested it by hauling a gooseneck trailer stuffed to its maximum with a Ford F350 and Chevy Silverado 3500 HD. The gross combined weight of trailer, cargo and truck tallied over 11,340 kg (25,000 lb), 907 kg (2,000 lb) more than Dodge's maximum GCWR. Not only did it feel capable while idling up to speed in first gear, but adding a dab of throttle caused the high-output diesel equipped Ram to charge forward with the grunt of a big rig. It felt extremely stable at highway speeds too, despite my minimal towing experience. Especially appreciated were Dodge's optional flip-up side-view mirrors that even extended far enough to see around the massive gooseneck.