The 2027 Ram 2500 and Ram 3500 Heavy Duty trucks can now out-haul their competitors thanks to increased gross vehicle weight ratings and a new payload upgrade package.
The biggest change is an optional Payload Upgrade Package for most 2027 Ram 2500 trucks equipped with the 6.4-liter HEMI V-8. This package increases the truck’s gross vehicle weight rating from 10,000 to 11,040 pounds, resulting in a maximum payload capacity of 4,580 pounds.
Ram says that makes the properly equipped 2027 Ram 2500 the payload leader among three-quarter-ton trucks.
The package carries a manufacturer’s suggested retail price of $835 and will be available on select Tradesman, Big Horn, Lone Star, Laramie, Limited and Limited Longhorn models.
Ram 2500 Payload Upgrade Adds 3500 Hardware
This is not simply a paperwork change or a higher number printed on the truck’s certification label.
The Payload Upgrade Package adds a Ram 3500 frame, rear leaf springs and an anti-spin rear differential. That is a significant departure from the standard Ram 2500, which uses a five-link coil-spring rear suspension.
Ram’s coil-spring suspension has long been one of the 2500’s defining features because of the smoother ride it provides compared with a traditional leaf-spring setup. Buyers selecting the payload package will trade that suspension for the increased carrying capacity provided by the Ram 3500 components.
The new configuration should appeal to buyers hauling slide-in campers or towing large travel trailers and fifth-wheel campers. Payload capacity is frequently the limiting factor for a three-quarter-ton truck once passengers, cargo and trailer tongue or pin weight are included.
Ram 3500 buyers also receive higher payload ratings for 2027. The Ram 3500 4×4 single-rear-wheel Regular Cab with the 8-foot bed and Crew Cab with the 6-foot, 4-inch bed can now be configured with an 11,440-pound gross vehicle weight rating when equipped with the 6.4-liter HEMI V-8.
That represents a 400-pound increase compared with the 2026 models.
Preliminary maximum ratings for the 2027 Ram Heavy Duty lineup include up to 4,580 pounds of payload for the HEMI-powered Ram 2500 and up to 7,580 pounds for the HEMI-powered Ram 3500.
The Ram 2500 can tow up to 20,000 pounds with the Cummins diesel, while the Ram 3500 Cummins continues to offer up to 37,020 pounds of maximum towing capacity.
Other 2027 Ram Heavy Duty Changes
The previously announced Cummins-powered Ram 2500 Power Wagon joins the lineup for 2027. It pairs the Power Wagon’s off-road equipment with the 6.7-liter Cummins high-output turbo-diesel, producing 430 horsepower and 1,075 pound-feet of torque.
Ram is also adding a 2500 Emergency Response Vehicle for fleet customers. Ram describes it as the brand’s first pursuit-capable three-quarter-ton truck.
Several popular features become easier to order for 2027. A Warn electric winch will be available as a standalone option on HEMI-powered Rebel and Power Wagon models. An anti-spin rear differential becomes a standalone option on the 2500 Tradesman.
A sport performance hood will also be available separately on Rebel and Power Wagon models, along with Big Horn trucks equipped with the Night Edition or Sport Appearance Package.
HEMI-powered trucks receive Ram’s Symbol of Protest V-8 fender badge, with a Satin Black version used on several trims and Night Edition models.
New exterior colors include Serrano Green Metallic and Tank Clear-Coat, both arriving later in the model year.
The 2027 Ram 2500 and Ram 3500 Heavy Duty trucks are expected to begin arriving at dealerships in August.
