Towing Capacity of a 2016 Ram 1500 Quad Cab, 4x4, 5.7 Liter, Short Bed, with 3.21 Gears

Question

Question:

I am really needing a solid answer on this, because I have had so many different ones. Please help. I have a 2016 Ram 1500 Quad Cab 4x4, with a 6 foot 4 inch box, and a 3.21 axle, and 20inch tires, powered by a 5.7l Hemi. I am looking for the maximum towing capacity pulling a 5th wheel toy hauler, and info on the correct accessories to do so. If I need an added Trans cooler and/or trailer brake adjuster added. I found a chart for tow behind, was just a little over 8000 lbs max trailer weight, but Im more interested in the 5th wheel. Your help would be greatly appreciated.

asked by: John

1

Helpful Expert Reply:

Unlike the 3/4 and 1-ton Ram trucks the 1500 does not have a separate towing capacity for 5th wheel or gooseneck towing. Based on your truck, 2016 Ram 1500 Quad Cab 4x4 with 6 foot, 4 inch bed, 5.7 liter motor, and 3.21 rear end, and with standard rather than premium options the capacity can vary depending on the trim level of the truck:

Outdoorsman, Big Horn, and Lone Star, 8,250 pounds
Tradesman and Express, 8,150 pounds
Sport, 8,000 pounds
Laramie, 7,950 pounds

Payload in general for the 2016 Ram 1500 Quad Cab 4x4, Hemi, 3.21 is 1,580 pounds. So the pin weight of the 5th wheel trailer cannot exceed that 1,580 pounds.

To tow a 5th wheel trailer you will need a 5th wheel hitch and installation kit. I also recommend an in-bed 7-Way, and the trailer will likely have electric brakes so I do recommend a brake controller so the truck isn't doing all of the work.

Since you have a short bed I recommend a slider hitch. The Demco HiJacker, # DM8550034, is a great hitch. It offers 14 inches of travel to make tight turns and it slides automatically so you won't have to do anything to get it to slide.

For a compatible installation kit use # DM8552030-71.

For an in-bed 7-Way to make hooking up the trailer easier I recommend # 41157. I have linked videos of the hitch and wiring for you.

For a brake controller I recommend the P2 # 90885 because it is easy to set up and use and it is reliable. To plug it into your truck without having to hardwire anything you will also need harness # 3024-P.

Your truck should have a larger, external factory transmission cooler but you could certainly add a supplemental cooler. The most popular options for your truck is # D13503.

expert reply by: Michael H

1

Answer 1

Hey Steve. The 12.5K Weigh Safe True Tow Weight Distribution Hitch item #WS94RR is going to be the best option for your Jayco trailer. You've done your homework well and with the range of 760 lbs - 1,160 lbs tongue you are not going to want to go…

view full answer...

Answer 2

Yes. If you don't need the weight distribution bars attached to carry the trailer to storage, you can absolutely use just the WD hitch head and ball to tow the trailer. It will work just like a ball mount.

view full answer...

Answer 3

For your Ice Castle Fish House, the weight of the unit will determine what Equal-I-zer system will work best. A weight distribution system is based on the total tongue weight of the loaded trailer along with any cargo weight behind the rear axle of…

view full answer...

Answer 4

The difference between the Class II and Class III hitches has to do with their Gross Trailer Weight (GTW), their Tongue Weight (TW), and their Hitch Receiver Size. Class II trailer hitch receivers have a 1-1/4 inch receiver and can be rated up to…

view full answer...

Answer 5

In order to determine the torque rating for the lug nuts on your trailer you will need to know check out the chart I attached that shows all of the torque specs for all the trailer lugs available based on stud size, wheel material and wheel size.

view full answer...

Answer 6

A 4-Way trailer connector has the basic lighting functions only; running lights, left turn signal and brake lights, right turn signal and brake lights, and ground. A 7-Way has these functions and a 12 volt circuit, a circuit for electric trailer…

view full answer...

Answer 7

Hi Paul, you’re definitely on the right track here, and I can help you narrow this down with confidence. With your tandem 3,500 lb Dexter axles and 33 inch spacing, both the Dexter EZ Flex part #K71-652-00 and the Lippert Road Armor part #LC53CK are…

view full answer...

Answer 8

That's a very good question, we tend to be extra cautious and say to use 10 gauge wire because that would be more than enough. When you get into longer trailers that will end up using a lot of wire the heavier gauge wire becomes more necessary.…

view full answer...

Answer 9

To install a Redarc Tow Pro Liberty in your 2023 Toyota Tacoma Sport you will need the following parts: Redarc Tow-Pro Liberty Brake Controller item #RED24FR Plug-and-Play Wiring Harness for Redarc Tow-Pro Trailer Brake Controllers item #RED99FR…

view full answer...

Answer 10

Hi there Chris, great question. Yes the Redarc #RED87CR is truly a plug and play brake controller for your 2026 Ram 1500. It connects directly to the factory tow controller connector under the dash, so there’s no dealer programming required like you…

view full answer...

Answer 11

You're right, the mounting bracket is unique (in a good way) for the Curt TriFlex NEXT Trailer Brake Controller #C24VV. The bracket is smaller and all you do is put the included adhesive tape on the bracket and stick it wherever you like under…

view full answer...

Answer 12

Hi James! With your GVWR being 7,600 pounds, your loaded tongue weight should be around 760 pounds. With that said, I recommend going with the Weigh Safe True Tow Weight Distribution Hitch - 2" Shank - 6" Drop - 8.5K GTW, 850 lbs TW…

view full answer...

Towing Capacity of a 2016 Ram 1500 Quad Cab, 4x4, 5.7 Liter, Short Bed, with 3.21 Gears

Products Featured in This Question

Featured Help Information

Miscellaneous Media

Continue Researching