2017 Ram 3500 6.4 Hemi Specs: Towing & Payload Chart
The 2017 Ram 3500 with the 6.4L Hemi V8 makes 410 horsepower at 5,600 rpm and 429 lb-ft of torque at 4,000 rpm. It sits between the base 5.7L Hemi and the 6.7L Cummins Turbo Diesel in the 3500 lineup, offering more towing muscle than the 5.7L without the diesel’s higher upfront cost or maintenance demands.
This guide breaks down the 6.4L Hemi’s engine architecture, its towing and payload numbers by configuration, and how it stacks up against its two 3500 engine siblings.
2017 Ram 3500 6.4L Hemi
Specs, Towing, and Payload Compared to the 5.7L Hemi and 6.7L Cummins
Max Towing Capacity by Engine
Max Payload Capacity by Engine
6.4L Hemi Towing by Axle Ratio
| Axle Ratio | GVWR | GCWR | Max Trailer Weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3.73 | 10,400 lbs | 19,900 lbs | 12,970 lbs |
| 4.10 | 10,400 lbs | 22,900 lbs | 15,970 lbs |
2017 Ram 3500 6.4 Hemi Engine Specs at a Glance
The truck-tuned 6.4L Hemi shares its basic architecture with the SRT performance version but runs a lower compression ratio for durability under load. Here is the full spec breakdown.
| Spec | 2017 Ram 3500 6.4L Hemi |
|---|---|
| Displacement | 6.4L (6,417cc / 392 cubic inches) |
| Bore x Stroke | 4.09 in x 3.72 in (103.9mm x 94.6mm) |
| Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 |
| Valvetrain | OHV, 2 valves per cylinder, 16 total |
| Block Material | Cast iron, deep skirt design |
| Cylinder Head Material | Aluminum |
| Ignition | Twin spark plugs per cylinder |
| Special Features | Variable Valve Timing, Multi Displacement System, piston cooling jets, oil to water oil cooler |
| Horsepower | 410 hp at 5,600 rpm |
| Torque | 429 lb-ft at 4,000 rpm |
| Standard Transmission | 66RFE 6-speed automatic |
The 10.0:1 compression ratio is lower than the 10.9:1 used in the SRT version of this engine, which is why the truck application runs on regular gasoline instead of the premium fuel the SRT variant calls for. The Multi Displacement System (MDS) shuts down four cylinders under light load to improve fuel economy, then reactivates all eight when the truck needs full power for towing or acceleration.
Owners chasing more detail on how the internals hold up over time can check the 6.4 Hemi problems guide for common failure points by mileage.
2017 Ram 3500 6.4 Hemi Towing Capacity by Configuration
Towing capacity on the 6.4L Hemi shifts by several thousand pounds depending on cab style, axle ratio, and drivetrain. A single rounded number does not tell the full story, so here is the verified breakdown for a Regular Cab 4×4 SRW configuration straight from Ram’s official body builder documentation.
| Engine | Axle Ratio | GVWR (lbs) | Payload (lbs) | GCWR (lbs) | Max Trailer Weight (lbs) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5.7L Hemi V8 | 3.73 | 10,300 | 3,930 | 18,400 | 11,560 |
| 5.7L Hemi V8 | 4.10 | 10,300 | 3,930 | 20,400 | 13,560 |
| 6.4L Hemi V8 | 3.73 | 10,400 | 3,940 | 19,900 | 12,970 |
| 6.4L Hemi V8 | 4.10 | 10,400 | 3,940 | 22,900 | 15,970 |
| 6.7L Cummins Diesel (manual) | 3.42 | 11,500 | 4,190 | 24,300 | 16,520 |
Stepping up from the 3.73 to the 4.10 axle ratio adds roughly 3,000 lbs of max trailer weight on the 6.4L Hemi, at the cost of slightly lower highway gearing. Across the full 3500 configuration range, gas-engine 6.4L Hemi trucks span roughly 12,700 to 16,520 lbs of towing capacity depending on cab size, box length, and drivetrain, so buyers comparing trims should pull the exact row for their build from the official body builder PDF rather than relying on a single headline figure.
Anyone cross-shopping the towing charts across the Ram lineup can compare against the Ram 3500 towing capacity charts for other model years.
2017 Ram 3500 6.4 Hemi Payload Capacity by Cab and Drivetrain
Payload and towing capacity move independently. Towing is governed by GCWR, the combined weight of the truck and trailer, while payload is governed by GVWR minus the truck’s own curb weight.
On the Regular Cab 4×4 SRW configuration shown above, payload holds steady at 3,940 lbs regardless of axle ratio, since axle gearing changes towing math but not how much weight the frame and suspension can carry in the bed and cab. Across the full 3500 lineup, dealer documentation aligned with Ram’s official specs shows 6.4L Hemi payload ranging from roughly 4,350 lbs up to 7,390 lbs on higher-capacity dual rear wheel configurations.
Dual rear wheel (DRW) trucks trade a wider rear track and lower per-tire load for significantly higher payload ratings than single rear wheel (SRW) trucks, which is why dually configurations post the highest payload numbers in the 3500 range even though their towing ceiling is similar.
6.4 Hemi vs 5.7 Hemi vs 6.7 Cummins in the 2017 Ram 3500
Buyers picking between the three 2017 Ram 3500 engines are really deciding between upfront cost, simplicity, and maximum capability.
| Engine | Horsepower | Torque | Max Towing | Max Payload | Transmission |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5.7L Hemi V8 | 383 hp | 400 lb-ft | Up to 13,910 lbs | Up to 4,480 lbs | 66RFE 6-speed automatic |
| 6.4L Hemi V8 | 410 hp | 429 lb-ft | Up to 16,520 lbs | Up to 7,390 lbs | 66RFE 6-speed automatic |
| 6.7L Cummins Turbo Diesel | 350 to 385 hp | 660 to 900 lb-ft | Up to 31,210 lbs | Up to 6,580 lbs | G56 manual or 68RFE / Aisin automatic |
The 6.4L Hemi is the middle option for a reason. It outguns the 5.7L in every capability metric while avoiding the 6.7L Cummins’ higher purchase price, DEF fluid requirements, and DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter) maintenance. Buyers who tow under 16,000 lbs and do not need diesel-level torque get most of the HD truck’s capability without the diesel ownership costs.
Anyone towing consistently above the 6.4L Hemi’s ceiling should step up to the 6.7L Cummins, since gooseneck and fifth wheel trailers routinely exceed 17,000 lbs loaded.
2017 Ram 3500 6.4 Hemi Oil Type and Capacity
The 2017 Ram 3500 6.4L Hemi takes 7 quarts (6.6 liters) of oil with a filter change. Ram specifies SAE 0W-40 full synthetic oil meeting FCA Material Standard MS-12633, a viscosity spec unique to this engine and different from the 5W-20 or 0W-20 used in lighter Ram 1500 engines.
This 0W-40 and MS-12633 combination applies specifically to 2014 through 2021 model year trucks. Later 6.4L Hemi applications from 2022 onward shifted to a 0W-20 spec, so owners should not assume a newer oil recommendation carries over to a 2017 truck.
The maximum service interval is 8,000 miles or 12 months, whichever comes first, under normal duty. Trucks used for frequent towing, heavy hauling, or dusty conditions should follow the severe duty interval instead, which is considerably shorter.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much horsepower does a 2017 Ram 3500 6.4 Hemi have?
The 2017 Ram 3500 6.4L Hemi V8 produces 410 horsepower at 5,600 rpm and 429 lb-ft of torque at 4,000 rpm, making it the second most powerful engine option in the 3500 lineup that year.
What is the towing capacity of a 2017 Ram 3500 with the 6.4 Hemi?
Towing capacity ranges from roughly 12,700 to 16,520 lbs depending on cab style, axle ratio, and drivetrain, with the higher figures coming from 4.10 axle ratio configurations.
How many quarts of oil does a 6.4 Hemi take?
The 6.4L Hemi takes 7 quarts (6.6 liters) of SAE 0W-40 full synthetic oil meeting FCA Material Standard MS-12633 on 2017 model year trucks.
Is the 6.4 Hemi or 6.7 Cummins better for towing in a 2017 Ram 3500?
The 6.7L Cummins tows significantly more, up to 31,210 lbs versus the 6.4L Hemi’s 16,520 lb ceiling, making the diesel the better choice for anyone regularly towing above 17,000 lbs.
What transmission comes with the 2017 Ram 3500 6.4 Hemi?
The 6.4L Hemi pairs standard with the 66RFE 6-speed automatic transmission across all 2017 Ram 3500 configurations.
What the 6.4 Hemi Brings to the 2017 Ram 3500
The 2017 Ram 3500 6.4L Hemi delivers 410 hp, 429 lb-ft of torque, and up to 16,520 lbs of towing capacity depending on configuration, positioning it as the capable middle ground between the base 5.7L Hemi and the 6.7L Cummins. It suits owners who need real towing capability without diesel ownership costs.
Anyone whose trailer weight regularly pushes past this engine’s ceiling should look at the 6.7L Cummins numbers above before buying. For everyone else, the 6.4L Hemi covers the vast majority of heavy-duty towing needs in a gas-engine package.
