The 2016 RAM 1500 is a powerhouse pickup truck with impressive towing and payload capacities, making it an ideal choice for anyone in need of a workhorse vehicle.
Even if you’re not a professional in these industries, the RAM 1500’s towing and payload capabilities can come in handy for everyday use.
In this article, we’ll provide you with detailed charts that break down the 2016 RAM 1500’s towing and payload capacities for each engine and configuration, giving you a better understanding of what this impressive truck can do.
The 2016 RAM 1500 Towing Capacity ranges between 4,170 – 10,640 lbs. and has a maximum payload capacity of 1,890 lbs. This can vary depending on factors such as the vehicle’s Curb Weight, Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR), Payload, and other factors.
2016 RAM 1500 Towing Capacity Chart
| With Engines | GCWR | Max. Towing Capacity | Max. Payload Capacity |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3.6L Pentastar V6 / 8-Speed | 12,900 lbs. | 7,610 lbs. | 1,890 lbs. |
| 3.0L EcoDiesel V6 / 8-Speed | 14,750 lbs. | 9,210 lbs. | 1,600 lbs. |
| 5.7L HEMI V8 / 6-Speed | 15,950 lbs. | 10,640 lbs. | 1,800 lbs. |
| 5.7L HEMI V8 / 8-Speed | 15,950 lbs. | 10,620 lbs. | 1,760 lbs. |
Here’s a breakdown of the 2016 RAM 1500 Towing Capacity Chart:
- 3.6L Pentastar V6 / 8-Speed: With a Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR) of 12,900 lbs., this engine can tow up to 7,610 lbs. and has a maximum payload capacity of 1,890 lbs.
- 3.0L EcoDiesel V6 / 8-Speed: With a GCWR of 14,750 lbs., this engine has a maximum towing capacity of 9,210 lbs. and a maximum payload capacity of 1,600 lbs.
- 5.7L HEMI V8 / 6-Speed: With a GCWR of 15,950 lbs., this engine can tow up to 10,640 lbs. and has a maximum payload capacity of 1,800 lbs.
- 5.7L HEMI V8 / 8-Speed: This engine also has a GCWR of 15,950 lbs. and can tow up to 10,620 lbs. with a maximum payload capacity of 1,760 lbs.
It’s important to note that the towing capacity of your RAM 1500 will depend on the specific configuration of your vehicle, including the engine, transmission, axle ratio, and other factors.
Be sure to consult your owner’s manual or a trusted mechanic to determine the maximum towing capacity for your specific vehicle.
It is also crucial to remember that the total weight of the vehicle and the trailer should not surpass the Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR) specified for the RAM 1500.
Here I’ve collected all the 2016 RAM 1500 towing and payload capacity information from the official RAM resources including the 2016 RAM 1500 Brochure and ramtrucks.com.
Trims
The 2016 RAM 1500 comes in different trim levels to suit different needs and preferences: Tradesman, Gas HFE, EcoDiesel HFE, Express, SLT, Big Horn/Lone Star, Sport, Outdoorsman, Rebel, Laramie, Laramie Longhorn, and Limited.
Towing Capacity by Engine
The 2016 RAM 1500 comes with different engine options, each with its own unique towing capacity. Each engine is available with different axle ratios, which affect the truck’s towing capacity.
Let’s take a closer look at each engine and what they have to offer in terms of the 2016 RAM 1500 Towing Capacity.
| Engines | Axle Ratio | GCWR | Max. Towing Capacity |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3.6L Pentastar V6 / 8-Speed | 3.21 | 9,850 lbs | 4,990 lbs |
| 3.6L Pentastar V6 / 8-Speed | 3.55 | 12,200 lbs | 7,290 lbs |
| 3.6L Pentastar V6 / 8-Speed | 3.55 | 12,400 lbs | 7,270 lbs |
| 3.6L Pentastar V6 / 8-Speed | 3.55 | 12,900 lbs | 7,610 lbs |
| 3.0L EcoDiesel V6 / 8-Speed | 3.55 | 13,750 lbs | 8,240 lbs |
| 3.0L EcoDiesel V6 / 8-Speed | 3.92 | 13,750 lbs | 8,240 lbs |
| 3.0L EcoDiesel V6 / 8-Speed | 3.92 | 14,550 lbs | 8,340 lbs |
| 3.0L EcoDiesel V6 / 8-Speed | 3.92 | 14,750 lbs | 9,210 lbs |
| 5.7L HEMI V8 / 6-Speed | 3.21 | 12,350 lbs | 7,220 lbs |
| 5.7L HEMI V8 / 6-Speed | 3.92 | 14,325 lbs | 9,200 lbs |
| 5.7L HEMI V8 / 6-Speed | 3.55 | 14,400 lbs | 9,090 lbs |
| 5.7L HEMI V8 / 6-Speed | 3.92 | 15,950 lbs | 10,640 lbs |
| 5.7L HEMI V8 / 8-Speed | 3.92 | 10,250 lbs | 5,030 lbs |
| 5.7L HEMI V8 / 8-Speed | 3.21 | 13,800 lbs | 8,610 lbs |
| 5.7L HEMI V8 / 8-Speed | 3.92 | 14,350 lbs | 9,160 lbs |
| 5.7L HEMI V8 / 8-Speed | 3.92 | 15,950 lbs | 10,620 lbs |
3.6L Pentastar V6
The 3.6L Pentastar V6 engine paired with an 8-speed transmission and 3.21 axle ratio has a maximum towing capacity of 4,990 lbs. However, upgrading to a 3.55 axle ratio can increase the towing capacity up to 12,900 lbs.
3.0L EcoDiesel V6
The 3.0L EcoDiesel V6 engine paired with an 8-speed transmission and 3.55 axle ratio has a maximum towing capacity of 8,240 lbs, which can be increased to 9,210 lbs with a 3.92 axle ratio.
5.7L HEMI V8
The 5.7L HEMI V8 engine is available in both 6-speed and 8-speed transmissions, with varying towing capacities.
The 6-speed transmission paired with a 3.21 axle ratio has a maximum towing capacity of 7,220 lbs while upgrading to a 3.92 axle ratio can increase the towing capacity up to 10,640 lbs.
The 8-speed transmission, on the other hand, has a lower towing capacity with a maximum of 5,030 lbs with a 3.92 axle ratio and 10,620 lbs with a 3.92 axle ratio.
Overall, the 2016 RAM 1500 offers a wide range of towing capacities to meet different needs.
The HEMI V8 engine offers the highest towing capacity, and offers a balance between power and efficiency.
However, it’s important to note that towing capacity is affected by factors such as payload, road conditions, and driver ability, so it’s important to always adhere to safety guidelines and consult the owner’s manual before towing.
Towing Capacity by Cabs
When it comes to towing capacity, the 2016 RAM 1500 offers different options depending on the cab size and engine.
Let’s take a closer look at each engine’s towing capacity for the various cab sizes.
| Engine | Regular Cab 6′ 4″ Box | Regular Cab 8′ Box | Quad Cab 6′ 4″ Box | Crew Cab 5′ 7″ Box | Crew Cab 6′ 4″ Box |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.6L Pentastar V6 / 8-Speed | 7,290 lbs | 7,270 lbs | 7,610 lbs | 7,470 lbs | – |
| 3.0L EcoDiesel V6 / 8-Speed | – | 9,210 lbs | 8,990 lbs | 8,870 lbs | 8,340 lbs |
| 5.7L HEMI V8 / 6-Speed | 9,200 lbs | 10,640 lbs | 10,390 lbs | 10,360 lbs | 10,330 lbs |
| 5.7L HEMI V8 / 8-Speed | 9,160 lbs | 10,620 lbs | 10,360 lbs | 10,300 lbs | 10,230 lbs |
Regular Cab with a 6’4″ box
The Regular Cab 6’4″ Box comes with a towing capacity of 7,290 lbs for the 3.6L Pentastar V6 / 8-Speed engine and 9,200 lbs for the 5.7L HEMI V8 / 6-Speed engine.
Regular Cab with an 8′ box
The Regular Cab 8′ Box has a towing capacity of 7,270 lbs for the 3.6L Pentastar V6 / 8-Speed engine and 10,640 lbs for the 5.7L HEMI V8 / 6-Speed engine.
Quad Cab with a 6’4″ box
The Quad Cab with a 6’4″ box can tow up to 7,600 lbs with the 3.6L Pentastar V6 engine and 10,340 lbs with the 5.7L HEMI V8 engine, and 8,870 lbs with the 3.0L EcoDiesel V6 engine.
Crew Cab with a 5’7″ box
The Crew Cab with a 5’7″ box has a towing capacity of 7,510 lbs with the 3.6L Pentastar V6 engine, 10,220 lbs with the 5.7L HEMI V8 engine, and 8,960 lbs with the 3.0L EcoDiesel V6 engine.
Crew Cab with a 6’4″ box
The Crew Cab with a 6’4″ box has a towing capacity of 10,200 lbs with the 5.7L HEMI V8 engine and 8,340 lbs with the 3.0L EcoDiesel V6 engine.
Payload Capacity
The 2016 RAM 1500 offers three different engine options that provide varying payload capacities.
Let’s take a closer look at each engine’s payload capacity for the various configurations.
| Engines | GVWR | Max. Payload Capacity |
|---|---|---|
| 3.6L Pentastar V6 / 8-Speed | 6,010 lbs | 1,440 lbs |
| 3.6L Pentastar V6 / 8-Speed | 6,025 lbs | 1,500 lbs |
| 3.6L Pentastar V6 / 8-Speed | 6,300 lbs | 1,560 lbs |
| 3.6L Pentastar V6 / 8-Speed | 6,600 lbs | 1,880 lbs |
| 3.6L Pentastar V6 / 8-Speed | 6,800 lbs | 1,890 lbs |
| 3.0L EcoDiesel V6 / 8-Speed | 6,600 lbs | 1,510 lbs |
| 3.0L EcoDiesel V6 / 8-Speed | 6,945 lbs | 1,510 lbs |
| 3.0L EcoDiesel V6 / 8-Speed | 6,950 lbs | 1,600 lbs |
| 5.7L HEMI V8 / 6-Speed | 6,350 lbs | 1,600 lbs |
| 5.7L HEMI V8 / 6-Speed | 6,600 lbs | 1,700 lbs |
| 5.7L HEMI V8 / 6-Speed | 6,900 lbs | 1,800 lbs |
| 5.7L HEMI V8 / 8-Speed | 6,200 lbs | 1,350 lbs |
| 5.7L HEMI V8 / 8-Speed | 6,350 lbs | 1,590 lbs |
| 5.7L HEMI V8 / 8-Speed | 6,600 lbs | 1,690 lbs |
| 5.7L HEMI V8 / 8-Speed | 6,900 lbs | 1,760 lbs |
3.6L Pentastar V6
The GVWR of the vehicle with a 3.6L Pentastar V6 engine with an 8-speed transmission ranges from 6,010 lbs to 6,800 lbs, depending on the specific model.
The maximum payload capacity for this engine is 1,440 lbs to 1,890 lbs, depending on the GVWR of the vehicle. This engine is ideal for those who need a reliable truck for everyday use and light-duty hauling.
3.0L EcoDiesel V6
Another engine available for the 2016 RAM 1500 is the 3.0L EcoDiesel V6 engine with an 8-speed transmission.
This engine has a GVWR of either 6,600 lbs or 6,945 lbs, depending on the model. The maximum payload capacity for this engine ranges from 1,510 lbs to 1,600 lbs, depending on the GVWR.
This engine is a great option for those who are looking for a more fuel-efficient engine that can still handle moderate hauling.
5.7L HEMI V8
For those who require more power, the 2016 RAM 1500 also comes with the 5.7L HEMI V8 engine, which is available in both a 6-speed and 8-speed transmission.
The GVWR of the vehicle ranges from 6,200 lbs to 6,900 lbs, depending on the model. The maximum payload capacity for this engine ranges from 1,350 lbs to 1,760 lbs, depending on the GVWR of the vehicle.
This engine is an excellent option for those who need a truck that can handle heavy-duty hauling and towing.
What you can tow with the 2016 RAM 1500?
The 2016 RAM 1500 boasts an impressive towing capacity of up to 10,640 lbs, making it a powerful choice for hauling various types of trailers. Here are some trailers that can be towed by the 2016 RAM 1500:
- Travel Trailers: The 2016 RAM 1500 can tow a range of travel trailers, from small teardrop trailers weighing around 1,500 lbs to larger travel trailers weighing up to 9,000 lbs. This makes it a great option for families who love to travel and want to bring along their home on wheels.
- Boat Trailers: The RAM 1500 is also a great choice for boat owners who need to transport their boats to the water. It can tow boats weighing up to 9,000 lbs, making it a suitable option for a variety of boats, including fishing boats, pontoon boats, and ski boats.
- Horse Trailers: For equestrians, the 2016 RAM 1500 can also tow horse trailers weighing up to 7,000 lbs. This makes it a reliable option for those who need to transport their horses to shows, competitions, or other events.
- Utility Trailers: The RAM 1500 can also tow utility trailers weighing up to 7,000 lbs, making it a versatile option for those who need to transport equipment, tools, or other heavy items.
- Flatbed Trailers: If you need to transport large equipment or machinery, the RAM 1500 can also tow flatbed trailers weighing up to 10,000 lbs. This makes it a great option for farmers, construction workers, or anyone else who needs to haul heavy loads.
Towing Equipment required:
Here are some essential towing equipment required for towing trailers and other things with the 2016 RAM 1500:
- Hitch Receiver: A hitch receiver is an essential piece of equipment required for towing. It’s a metal bar that’s bolted to the frame of the truck, which connects to the trailer hitch.
- Trailer Hitch: A trailer hitch is a device attached to the chassis of a vehicle that enables it to tow a trailer.
- Trailer Wiring: Trailer wiring is an electrical connection that connects the vehicle’s electrical system to the trailer’s lighting system. This connection is essential for towing, as it allows the driver to control the trailer’s lights and turn signals.
- Brake Controller: A brake controller is a device that activates the trailer’s brakes when the driver applies the brakes in the towing vehicle. It’s important for towing heavy loads to ensure safe stopping.
- Mirrors: Mirrors are another essential piece of equipment required for towing. Towing mirrors are larger than standard mirrors and are designed to provide the driver with a better view of the trailer.
- Weight Distribution Hitch: A weight distribution hitch is an additional piece of equipment that helps distribute the weight of the trailer evenly across the towing vehicle and trailer axles. It helps to improve stability and handling while towing.
- Sway Control: Sway control is a device that helps reduce trailer sway, which is caused by wind, uneven roads, or passing vehicles. It helps to improve the stability of the towing vehicle and trailer.
These are some of the essential towing equipment required for safe and efficient towing. It’s important to ensure that all the equipment is in good condition and properly installed before towing to avoid accidents or damage to the towing vehicle and trailer.
Useful Resources
Conclusion
To sum it up, the 2016 RAM 1500 offers impressive towing and payload capacities, making it a reliable and powerful option for those in need of a truck for work or play.
With a range of towing capacity options between 4,170 – 10,640 lbs. and a maximum payload capacity of 1,890 lbs., the RAM 1500 is a versatile vehicle that can handle a variety of tasks.
However, it is important to keep in mind that the towing and payload capacities can vary based on different factors, such as the vehicle’s weight, payload, and other factors.
Nonetheless, the 2016 RAM 1500’s towing and payload capabilities make it a popular choice among truck enthusiasts and professionals alike.
Explore Capacities by Vehicle Make
