Ram 1500 Engine and Gear Ratios Made Simple for Towing in Columbus, Ohio

Getting your Ram 1500 set up right can totally transform your weekend plans around Columbus. Whether you’re hauling a boat to Lake Erie or taking a camper to Hocking Hills, understanding how your truck’s engine works with its gear ratios will give you the confidence to safely enjoy your trip. Join our team at Bob Caldwell Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram (CDJR) as we look at the best axle ratios for towing with your Ram 1500.

Understanding Ram 1500 Engine Options for Columbus Towing Needs

The 2025 Ram 1500 offers three engines for your Columbus towing needs:

• 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6: This base engine is perfect for budget-conscious weekend hauling, delivering 305 horsepower and 269 lb-ft of torque and towing up to 8,110 pounds. It achieves 20 mpg city, 26 mpg highway, and 23 mpg combined, with a 2,370-pound payload capacity.
• 3.0-liter Hurricane I-6: Standard in Warlock, Laramie, and Rebel models or available in Tradesman and Big Horn trucks, this engine packs 420 horsepower and 469 lb-ft of torque and tows up to 11,550 pounds — ideal for bigger RVs or work trailers. Fuel economy drops to 18 mpg city, 25 mpg highway, and 21 mpg combined, with 1,980 pounds payload capacity.
• 3.0-liter High-Output Hurricane I-6: Standard on RHO, Limited, Limited Longhorn, and Tungsten models, this high-output engine delivers 540 horsepower and 521 lb-ft of torque and tows up to 9,920 pounds, moving heavy loads with serious authority. Fuel economy hits 15 mpg city, 21 mpg highway, and 17 mpg combined, with a 1,520-pound payload capacity.

All engines pair with an eight-speed automatic transmission, and the 3.6-liter V-6 and standard output Hurricane I-6 are available with two-wheel drive or four-wheel drive (4WD). The high-output Hurricane I-6 only comes with 4WD.

Ram 1500 Gear Ratios: What Columbus Drivers Need To Know

Gear ratios simply show engine rotations versus wheel rotations. A 3.92 ratio means your engine turns almost four times per wheel rotation. The 2025 Ram 1500 offers three axle ratios: 3.21, 3.55, and 3.92. Each balances towing power, acceleration, and fuel economy differently so you can match them to your driving habits. So, what axle ratio is best for towing? Higher numbers provide more towing power but get worse highway mileage, while lower numbers save gas when cruising on I-71 but offer less pulling power. With 4WD, front and rear differentials need matching ratios — mixing them damages your drivetrain.

3.21 Rear Axle Ratio: Best for Fuel Economy and Light Towing

If you mostly drive around Columbus for work and only tow on occasional weekends, the 3.21 rear axle might be your best bet. The most fuel-efficient of the bunch, it’s perfect for daily commutes while still handling smaller loads such as utility trailers, Jet Skis, or that pop-up camper you take to Alum Creek. Pair it with the 3.0-liter Hurricane I-6, and you can still pull up to 8,480 pounds — plenty for most weekend fun without burning extra fuel Monday through Friday.

3.55 Rear Axle Ratio: The Balanced Choice for Most Applications

The 3.55 ratio hits the middle ground with decent fuel economy for daily drives around Ohio and enough pulling power when you need it. It’s perfect if you’re heading to work downtown on Monday but hooking up a camper for Mohican State Park on Friday.

Choose the 3.6-liter V-6 with this 3.55 ratio and you can tow up to 8,110 pounds — enough for most campers, boats, or horse trailers. You’ll have sufficient low-end power to tackle boat ramps at Buckeye Lake without using too much gas on regular drives. It’s a good option if your towing needs vary throughout the year.

3.92 Rear Axle Ratio: Maximum Towing Power for Heavy Loads

For serious hauling, such as pulling big boats up slippery ramps at Lake Erie or dragging loaded horse trailers through southern Ohio hills, the 3.92 ratio is your best setup. With the 3.0-liter Hurricane I-6, the 3.92 ratio manages 11,550 pounds of towing while giving you better acceleration and pulling power. If you frequently tow near your truck’s limits, you’ll love how this setup reduces strain when things get tough. You’ll pay more at the pump during highway drives since your engine runs faster, but for serious towers that confidence is worth it.

Anti-Spin Differential vs. Electronic Locking Rear Axle

Ram trucks offer two traction solutions for tricky conditions. Anti-spin differentials work automatically — when one wheel slips on wet ramps or icy Columbus streets, power transfers to the other wheel. This option is perfect for casual off-roading and muddy campsites.

Electronic locking rear axles are the heavy-duty option. Push a button and both rear wheels lock together, spinning at identical speeds. This delivers maximum grip for deep snow, mud, or steep ramps. Even factory all-season tires can struggle in Ohio winters, so plan for winter tires and a proper differential setup.

Columbus-Specific Towing Considerations

Ohio towing rules are strict for Columbus drivers. Every trailer needs a Bureau of Motor Vehicles title and registration. Trailers over 4,000 pounds need separate license plates. Regular licenses cover up to 10,000 pounds gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) — anything bigger is classed as a commercial vehicle. It’s recommended to cross safety chains under your hitch, and trailers over 2,000 pounds GVWR require independent braking systems.

Vehicle-trailer combinations can’t exceed 65 feet in length, 8.5 feet in width, or 13.5 feet in height. Trailers over 80 inches wide need extra clearance lights. Oversized loads require Ohio Department of Transportation permits — call 614-351-2300 or use the online system.

Find Your Perfect Ram 1500 Configuration at Bob Caldwell CDJR

We make finding the right engine and best gear ratio for towing simple at Bob Caldwell CDJR. Our team knows Columbus towing needs inside and out and can match your situation with the right Ram 1500 setup. Whether it’s boats to Buckeye Lake, work trailers around Franklin County, or camping trips to Hocking Hills, we’ll help you find the perfect configuration. Drop by Bob Caldwell CDJR to check out our Ram 1500 lineup or call 614-888-2331. You can also reach out online to discuss your needs. We’ll help you choose the perfect Ram 1500 for your Columbus adventures.

A red truck drives through the water. by Lucas Cogrossi is licensed with Unsplash License

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