2013 2500 Configurations

54 configurations across 6 trim levels

Configuration Max Towing Payload MPG Engine
5.7L V8
18,220 lbs 3,090 lbs 5.7L V8
383 hp • 400 lb-ft
5.7L V8 • 6-Speed Automatic
18,220 lbs 3,090 lbs
12/16
city/hwy
5.7L V8
383 hp • 400 lb-ft
5.7L V8
17,850 lbs 2,870 lbs 5.7L V8
383 hp • 400 lb-ft
5.7L V8 • 6-Speed Automatic
17,850 lbs 2,870 lbs
12/16
city/hwy
5.7L V8
383 hp • 400 lb-ft
5.7L V8
4WD
17,780 lbs 2,630 lbs 5.7L V8
383 hp • 400 lb-ft
5.7L V8 • 6-Speed Automatic
4WD
17,780 lbs 2,630 lbs
12/16
city/hwy
5.7L V8
383 hp • 400 lb-ft
5.7L V8
17,710 lbs 2,680 lbs 5.7L V8
383 hp • 400 lb-ft
5.7L V8 • 6-Speed Automatic
17,710 lbs 2,680 lbs
12/16
city/hwy
5.7L V8
383 hp • 400 lb-ft
5.7L V8
17,570 lbs 2,580 lbs 5.7L V8
383 hp • 400 lb-ft
5.7L V8 • 6-Speed Automatic
17,570 lbs 2,580 lbs
12/16
city/hwy
5.7L V8
383 hp • 400 lb-ft
5.7L V8
4WD
17,430 lbs 2,430 lbs 5.7L V8
383 hp • 400 lb-ft
5.7L V8 • 6-Speed Automatic
4WD
17,430 lbs 2,430 lbs
12/16
city/hwy
5.7L V8
383 hp • 400 lb-ft
5.7L V8
4WD
17,290 lbs 2,220 lbs 5.7L V8
383 hp • 400 lb-ft
5.7L V8 • 6-Speed Automatic
4WD
17,290 lbs 2,220 lbs
12/16
city/hwy
5.7L V8
383 hp • 400 lb-ft
5.7L V8
4WD
17,120 lbs 2,110 lbs 5.7L V8
383 hp • 400 lb-ft
5.7L V8 • 6-Speed Automatic
4WD
17,120 lbs 2,110 lbs
12/16
city/hwy
5.7L V8
383 hp • 400 lb-ft

Recommended Towing Gear

Equipment recommended for a Class V hitch setup

Class V Hitch
Rated for heavy duty towing
Shop Hitches
Brake Controller
Required for trailers over 3,000 lbs
Shop Controllers
Towing Mirrors
Extended visibility for safer towing
Shop Mirrors
Weight Distribution
Stabilize heavy loads
Shop WDH

Other 2500 Model Years

View All Years

Common Questions

Answers based on our research and real owner data

What can a 2013 2500 actually tow?

It depends on which configuration you get. The 2013 2500 ranges from 11,120 to 18,350 lbs. That's a big spread! The difference usually comes down to cab style, drivetrain, and engine choice. We always recommend staying around 80% of your max — so 14,680 lbs for safe towing.

Which configuration should I pick?

Start with what you're towing. If you know your RV or trailer weight, work backwards. Generally, 4WD adds safety at boat ramps and campgrounds but reduces towing capacity slightly. Crew cabs give you passenger room but less payload. Check the table above — we highlight towing and MPG so you can compare at a glance.

How does payload affect what I can tow?

Here's what catches people off guard: tongue weight counts against your payload. For bumper pull trailers, that's typically 10-15% of the trailer's loaded weight. So if your trailer weighs 8,000 lbs, you're putting 800-1,200 lbs in your truck bed. Add passengers and gear, and payload fills up fast.

What hitch do I need for a 2500?

For the 2013 2500, we recommend a Class V receiver hitch. It's rated for the full towing capacity of 18,350 lbs. Don't skimp here — your hitch is the critical link between truck and trailer.