2016 RAM 2500 Towing Capacity & Payload (with Charts)

If you own a 2016 RAM 2500 and are planning to tow a trailer or haul a heavy payload, it’s essential to know the maximum towing capacity and payload capacity of your vehicle.

In this article, we will provide a detailed guide on the towing and payload capacity of 2016 RAM 2500, including charts, VIN Decoder, and tables for easy reference.

The 2016 RAM 2500 has a maximum Towing Capacity of 17,980 pounds and a maximum Payload Capacity of 3,990 pounds. This can vary depending on factors such as the vehicle’s Curb Weight, Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR), Payload, and other factors.

2016 RAM 2500 (Heavy-Duty) Towing and Payload Capacity Chart

EngineHorsepowerTorqueMax. TowingMax. Payload
5.7-liter HEMI V8383 HP400 LB-FT13,890 lbs.3,060 lbs.
6.4-liter HEMI V8410 HP429 LB-FT16,320 lbs.3,990 lbs.
6.7-liter Cummins (manual)350 HP660 LB-FT16,890 lbs.3,060 lbs.
6.7-liter Cummins (auto)370 HP800 LB-FT17,980 lbs.3,160 lbs.

The 5.7L and 6.4L HEMI® engines come with a 6-speed automatic transmission, while the Cummins® Turbo Diesel I6 offers the choice between a 6-speed manual or automatic transmission.

It’s important to note that the towing capacity of your RAM 2500 will depend on the specific configuration of your vehicle, including the engine, transmission, axle ratio, and other factors.

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 2500 RAM.

Here I’ve collected all the 2016 RAM 2500 towing and payload capacity information from the official RAM resources including the 2016 RAM 2500 Brochure and ramtrucks.com.

Be sure to consult your owner’s manual or a trusted mechanic to determine the maximum towing capacity for your specific vehicle.

2016 RAM 2500 Trims

The 2016 Ram 2500 is a versatile pickup truck with eleven different trim levels to choose from, each one offering unique features and capabilities.

These trim levels include the Tradesman, SLT, Lone Star, Big Horn, Laramie, Outdoorsman, Power Wagon Tradesman, Power Wagon, Laramie Longhorn, Limited, and Power Wagon Laramie.

With so many options available, there is sure to be a Ram 2500 that fits your needs and preferences.

Using VIN Decoder

If you already own a 2016 RAM 2500 truck and want to know the towing capacity, payload capacity, trim, curb weight, axle ratio code, and other information about your truck, you can use a VIN decoder.

A VIN decoder is an online tool that allows you to decode the unique Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) of your vehicle and provides you with detailed information about its specifications and history.

One of the popular VIN decoders is the Dodge VIN Decoder. It’s free and easy to use. Just type your vehicle VIN and get most of the information about your specific model.

Towing Capacity by Engines

The 2016 RAM 2500 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.

2016 RAM 2500 Towing Capacity Chart
2016 RAM 2500 Towing Capacity Chart
EngineHorsepowerTorqueMax. TowingMax. Payload
5.7-liter HEMI V8383 HP400 LB-FT13,890 lbs.3,060 lbs.
6.4-liter HEMI V8410 HP429 LB-FT16,320 lbs.3,990 lbs.
6.7-liter Cummins (manual)350 HP660 LB-FT16,890 lbs.3,060 lbs.
6.7-liter Cummins (auto)370 HP800 LB-FT17,980 lbs.3,160 lbs.

Here’s the breakdown of the above table:

5.7-liter HEMI V8:

  • Horsepower: 383 HP
  • Torque: 400 LB-FT
  • Maximum Towing Capacity: 13,890 lbs.
  • Maximum Payload Capacity: 3,060 lbs.

The 5.7-liter HEMI V8 engine produces 383 horsepower and 400 lb-ft of torque. It has a maximum towing capacity of 13,890 lbs and a maximum payload capacity of 3,060 lbs.

6.4-liter HEMI V8:

  • Horsepower: 410 HP
  • Torque: 429 LB-FT
  • Maximum Towing Capacity: 16,300 lbs.
  • Maximum Payload Capacity: 3,990 lbs.

With 410 horsepower and 429 lb-ft of torque, the 6.4-liter HEMI V8 engine is a powerful option. It can tow up to 16,300 lbs and has a maximum payload capacity of 3,990 lbs.

6.7-liter Cummins (manual):

  • Horsepower: 350 HP
  • Torque: 660 LB-FT
  • Maximum Towing Capacity: 16,700 lbs.
  • Maximum Payload Capacity: 3,060 lbs.

The 6.7-liter Cummins (manual) engine produces 350 horsepower and 660 lb-ft of torque, making it a strong option for towing. It can tow up to 16,700 lbs and has a maximum payload capacity of 3,060 lbs.

6.7-liter Cummins (auto):

  • Horsepower: 370 HP
  • Torque: 800 LB-FT
  • Maximum Towing Capacity: 17,980 lbs.
  • Maximum Payload Capacity: 3,160 lbs.

The 6.7-liter Cummins (auto) engine is a high-performance option, producing 370 horsepower and 800 lb-ft of torque. It has a maximum towing capacity of 17,980 lbs and a maximum payload capacity of 3,160 lbs.

Payload Capacity

The 2016 RAM 2500 is a workhorse when it comes to payload capacity.

2016 RAM 2500 Payload Capacity Chart
2016 RAM 2500 Payload Capacity Chart

Let’s take a look at the different engine options and their corresponding payload capacities.

EngineHorsepowerTorqueMax. Payload
5.7-liter HEMI V8383 HP400 LB-FT3,060 lbs.
6.4-liter HEMI V8410 HP429 LB-FT3,990 lbs.
6.7-liter Cummins (manual)350 HP660 LB-FT3,060 lbs.
6.7-liter Cummins (auto)370 HP800 LB-FT3,160 lbs.

Towing and Payload Capacity Charts

Regular Cab Towing and Payload

2016 RAM 2500 (REGULAR CAB) Towing and Payload Capacity Chart 2
Regular Cab
2016 RAM 2500 (REGULAR CAB) Towing and Payload Capacity Chart
Regular Cab

Crew & Mega Cab Towing and Payload

2016 RAM 2500 (CREW CAB) Towing and Payload Capacity Chart
Crew Cab
2016 RAM 2500 (CREW CAB) Towing and Payload Capacity Chart 2
Crew Cab
2016 RAM 2500 (CREW CAB) Towing and Payload Capacity Chart 3
Crew Cab
2016 RAM 2500 (MEGA CAB) Towing and Payload Capacity Chart
Mega Cab

Gooseneck and Fifth-Wheel Towing

The 2016 Ram 2500 has a towing capacity of up to 17,980 pounds but may require a heavy-duty gooseneck/fifth-wheel hitch for towing standard semi-trailers.

These hitches are designed explicitly for heavier loads and attach to the bed of the truck, allowing for heavier towing and hauling gooseneck trailers.

2016 Ram 2500 Towing Safety Features

  1. Anti-lock brakes: This safety feature increases the vehicle’s ability to turn while braking. ABS brakes automatically sense when a tire has stopped rotating under extreme braking and modulates brake pressure.
  2. Stability control: It senses when the vehicle’s handling limits have been exceeded and reduces engine power and/or applies brakes to prevent the driver from losing control of the vehicle.
  3. Front-impact airbags: Designed to protect the head during a frontal crash, these airbags are located on the driver and passenger sides.
  4. Side impact airbags: These airbags protect the torso during a side impact collision and are located in the front seats.
  5. Overhead airbags: Used to protect the occupant’s heads in the event of a side collision or rollover.
  6. Pretensioners: Seatbelt pretensioners automatically tighten seatbelts to place the occupant in the optimal seating position during a collision.
  7. Security system: Equipped with an ignition disable device that prevents the engine from starting if the correct original manufacturer key is not used.

Important Notes

Payload and Trailer Weight Information

  1. Payload and Max Trailer Weights are estimated values.
  2. All values are shown in pounds unless otherwise stated.
  3. Payload and Max Trailer Weight values are rounded to the nearest 10lb.
  4. Payload = GVWR – Base Weight.
  5. Payload and Trailer Weight Ratings are mutually exclusive.
  6. GAWRs, GVWRs, and GCWRs should never be exceeded.
  7. Trailer Weight Rating and Tow Vehicle Trailering Weight are calculated as specified in SAE J2807.

Weight Factors for Trailering

  1. Passenger Weight = 300 lb.
  2. Options Weight = 100 lb.
  3. Trailering Equipment Weight: 75 lb for conventional hitch, 70 lb for gooseneck, and 250 lb for 5th-wheel.
  4. Tongue weight: 10 percent of the gross trailer weight for conventional hitch, 15 percent of the gross trailer weight for a 5th-wheel or gooseneck hitch.
  5. Payload and GAWR should never be exceeded and must account for all of the above weights, including the appropriate trailering equipment and tongue weight.
  6. Box-Off Body Completion Weight = 80 lb per foot from end of cab to end of frame.

Maximum Capability

  1. RAM 2500 boasts a maximum towing capacity of 17,980 pounds with the available 6.7L Cummins® Turbo Diesel I6 engine.
  2. RAM 2500 has a maximum payload capacity of 3,990 pounds with the standard 6.4L HEMI® V8 engine.
  3. The maximum tongue weight for Class V (hitch receiver) is limited to 1,800 lb.
  4. A 5th-wheel or gooseneck hitch is required for trailers over 18,000 lb.
  5. 13,800 lb GVWR stated for Regular Cab, 4×2, 6.4L V8 with 4.10 axle ratio applies to Tradesman® and ST packages only.
  6. All other price classes for this configuration (Regular Cab, 4×2, 6.4L V8 with 4.10 axle ratio) is 13,700 lb.

Useful Resources

2016 RAM 2500 Towing Capacity PDF

Conclusion

In conclusion, the 2016 RAM 2500 Heavy-Duty Truck is a powerful vehicle with impressive towing and payload capacities. With a towing capacity of 17,980 pounds and a maximum payload capacity of 3,990 pounds, this truck is capable of handling a variety of heavy-duty tasks.

However, it’s essential to keep in mind that these capacities can vary depending on several factors, so it’s essential to consult the charts and consider all relevant factors before towing.

Whether you’re hauling a trailer or transporting heavy equipment, the RAM 2500 is a reliable and capable vehicle that won’t disappoint.

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