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

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

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.