2016 RAM 3500 Towing Capacity & Payload (with Charts)

As a heavy-duty pickup truck designed to haul heavy loads, the 2016 RAM 3500 has an impressive towing capacity and payload.

However, before you start hitching trailers to your RAM 3500, it’s essential to understand its towing capacity and payload to ensure safe and efficient use of the vehicle.

In this article, we will provide a detailed guide on the towing and payload capacity of the 2016 RAM 3500, including charts, VIN Decoder, and tables for easy reference.

The 2016 RAM 3500 has a maximum Towing Capacity of 31,210 pounds and a maximum Payload Capacity of 7,390 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 3500 Towing Capacity & Payload Capacity Chart

It is important to note that the towing and payload capacity may vary depending on the specific model, trim, and additional equipment installed.

It’s important to keep in mind that the combined weight of the truck and trailer should not exceed the Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR) set for the 2016 RAM 3500.

Here I’ve collected all the 2016 RAM 3500 towing and payload capacity information from the official RAM resources including the 2016 RAM 3500 Brochure and ramtrucks.com.

Towing and Payload Capacity Charts – 2016 RAM 3500

Towing Capacity Chart

Payload Capacity Chart

Towing & Payload Capacity by Engines

The chart above displays the three different engine options available for the RAM 3500, along with their corresponding horsepower, torque, maximum towing capacity, and maximum payload capacity.

The RAM 3500 comes in either a 6-speed automatic or a 6-speed manual transmission, with rear-wheel drive as the drivetrain option.

5.7L HEMI V8 Engine

The 5.7L HEMI V8 engine is a standard engine that produces 383 horsepower and 400 lb-ft of torque. With this engine, you can tow up to 13,910 lbs and carry a maximum payload capacity of 4,390 lbs.

• Horsepower: 383 hp
• Torque: 400 lb-ft
• Maximum Towing Capacity: 13,910 lbs
• Maximum Payload Capacity: 4,390 lbs

6.4L HEMI V8 Engine

The 6.4L HEMI V8 engine is the second option that provides an impressive 410 horsepower and 429 lb-ft of torque. This engine can haul up to 16,520 lbs of towing capacity and has a maximum payload capacity of 7,390 lbs.

• Horsepower: 410 hp (and 370 hp for 3500 Mega Cab® only)
• Torque: 429 lb-ft
• Maximum Towing Capacity: 16,520 lbs
• Maximum Payload Capacity: 7,390 lbs

6.7L Cummins Turbo Diesel Engine (auto)

The 6.7L Cummins Turbo Diesel (auto) engine is another great option, boasting an impressive 350 horsepower and a whopping 660 lb-ft of torque.

This engine can tow up to 22,550 lbs and has a maximum payload capacity of 6,720 lbs.

• Horsepower: 350 hp
• Torque: 850 lb-ft
• Maximum Towing Capacity: 22,550 lbs
• Maximum Payload Capacity: 6,720 lbs

6.7L Cummins Turbo Diesel Engine (manual)

The 6.7L Cummins Turbo Diesel (manual) engine is the fourth option and has a horsepower of 350 and a torque of 660 lb-ft.

With this engine, you can tow up to 18,510 lbs and have a maximum payload capacity of 6,680 lbs.

• Horsepower: 350 hp
• Torque: 660 lb-ft
• Maximum Towing Capacity: 18,510 lbs
• Maximum Payload Capacity: 6,680 lbs

6.7L Cummins High Output Turbo Diesel Engine

Finally, the 6.7L Cummins High Output Turbo Diesel engine is the most potent engine option, producing a horsepower of 385 and a torque of 850 lb-ft.

With this engine, you can tow up to a whopping 31,210 lbs and carry a maximum payload capacity of 6,580 lbs.

• Horsepower: 385 hp
• Torque: 850 lb-ft
• Maximum Towing Capacity: 31,210 lbs
• Maximum Payload Capacity: 6,580 lbs

Fifth Wheel/Gooseneck Towing Capacity

If you are looking to tow heavy loads with your 2016 Ram 3500, it’s important to keep in mind the recommended tongue weight and hitch requirements.

For a conventional hitch, it is recommended that the tongue weight be 10-15% of the gross trailer weight, while for a gooseneck or fifth wheel hitch, the recommended tongue weight is higher, at 20-25% of the gross trailer weight.

Additionally, the maximum tongue weight for the Ram 3500’s gooseneck hitch is limited to 6000 pounds, while the fifth wheel hitch is limited to 5000 pounds.

It’s also important to note that a fifth-wheel or gooseneck hitch is required for trailers over 17,000 pounds, while a gooseneck hitch is required for trailers over 25,000 pounds.

Keeping these guidelines in mind can help ensure safe and successful towing with your 2016 Ram 3500.

2016 RAM 3500 Towing Capacity by VIN Decoder

If you already own a 2016 RAM 3500 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.

Other Useful Information

Gross Axle Weight Ratings (GAWRs), Gross Vehicle Weight Ratings (GVWRs), and Gross Combined Weight Ratings (GCWRs) are crucial for safe towing. You should never exceed these ratings to prevent accidents and damage to your vehicle.

Drivetrain Options:

The 2016 RAM 3500 offers two drivetrain options:

• 4×2 – Lower towing capacity than 4×4
• 4×4 – Higher towing capacity than 4×2

Cab Configuration:

The 2016 RAM 3500 offers three cab configurations:

1. Regular Cab – Higher towing capacity than Crew Cab and Mega Cab
2. Crew Cab – Lower towing capacity than Regular Cab and Mega Cab
3. Mega Cab – Lower towing capacity than Regular Cab and higher than Crew Cab

Payload Calculation:

• Payload is calculated by subtracting the Curb Weight from the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR). (Payload = GVWR – Curb Wt.)
• Note that in some cases, the payload value may be rounded down to the nearest 10 pounds.
• In the case of the 3500 Regular Cab, 4×2, 6.4L with 4.10 axle ratio, the GVWR of 13,800 lb applies to the Tradesman and ST packages only.
• For all other price classes for this configuration (Reg Cab, 4×2, 6.4L with 4.10 axle ratio), the GVWR is 13,700 lb.

Maximum Trailer Weight:

• The maximum trailer weight is the weight that can be safely towed by the vehicle.
• Note that in some cases, the maximum trailer weight may be rounded down to the nearest 50 pounds.
• Payload and maximum trailer weight are mutually exclusive, meaning that if the maximum payload weight is reached, the maximum trailer weight should not be exceeded.

GCWR Calculation:

• Gross Combination Weight Rating (GCWR) is a defined value in pounds.
• Base weights may change due to a production audit or product change.
• GCW can be calculated by adding the base weight, driver weight (150 pounds), maximum trailer weight, and 20 pounds. (GCW = Base weight + 150 lbs (Driver weight) + Max Trailer + 20 lbs)

Recommended Tongue Weight:

• For a conventional hitch, the recommended tongue weight is 10-15% of the gross trailer weight.
• The maximum tongue weight for Class V (the receiver hitch) is limited to 1700 pounds.
• For a Gooseneck and Fifth wheel hitch, the recommended tongue weight is 20-25% of the gross trailer weight.
• The maximum tongue weight for Ram 3500 Gooseneck Hitch is limited to 6000 pounds, and for the fifth wheel hitch is limited to 5000 pounds.

Hitch Requirements:

• A fifth-wheel or gooseneck hitch is required for trailers over 17,000 pounds.
• A gooseneck hitch is required for trailers over 25,000 pounds.

GVWR & GAWR Limitations:

• It is important to note that the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) and Gross Axle Weight Ratings (GAWR) should never be exceeded.
• The GVWR is the maximum weight that the vehicle can carry, including passengers, cargo, and fuel.
• The GAWR is the maximum weight that each axle can support.

Useful Resources

2016 RAM 3500 Towing Capacity PDF

Conclusion

In conclusion, the 2016 RAM 3500 Heavy-Duty Truck is a powerful vehicle with impressive towing and payload capacities. With a towing capacity of 31,210 pounds and a maximum payload capacity of 7,390 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 3500 is a reliable and capable vehicle that won’t disappoint.