2016 Ram 3500 Big Horn Max Towing Capacity & Payload
Max Towing Capacity
28,820 lbs
Safe limit: 23,056 lbs (80% rule)
Max Payload
4,430 lbs
Often the real limiting factor
Fuel Economy
13.7 mpg
12 city / 16 hwy (EPA Est.)
The 2016 Ram 3500 Big Horn is rated to tow up to 28,820 lbs powered by the 5.7L. For real-world towing, the practical limit is 23,056 lbs — that's 80% of max, giving you margin for hills, headwinds, and load variation. The payload rating of 4,430 lbs is the number to watch closely — once you add passengers, hitch weight, and gear, it fills faster than most people expect. With this setup, you're looking at a great selection of travel trailers, toy haulers, and many fifth wheels.
Recommended Equipment
Towing Gear for This Truck
Matched to this trim's Class V hitch class and 28,820 lb tow rating
Class V Hitch Receiver
Required for towing. 2" receiver is standard on tow-equipped models.
a•
Shop on Amazon
→
Trailer Wiring Adapter
7-pin to 4-pin adapters for trailer brake lights and signals.
a•
Shop on Amazon
→
Brake Controller
Required by law in most states for trailers over 3,000 lbs.
a•
Shop on Amazon
→
Weight Distribution Hitch
Strongly recommended for trailers over 6,000 lbs to level the load and reduce sway.
a•
Shop on Amazon
→
Full Data
Specifications
Towing & Capacity
Engine & Performance
Dimensions
SpecificationValueShopLearn More
Towing
Payload & Weight
Curb Weight
6,875 lbs
SpecificationValueShopLearn More
Engine
Engine
5.7L
Horsepower
383 HP @ 5600 rpm
Torque
400 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm
Transmission
6-speed shiftable automatic
Drive Type
Four Wheel Drive
Fuel Type
Regular unleaded
Fuel Tank
31.0 gallons
Fuel Economy (EPA)
City12 mpg
Highway16 mpg
Combined14 mpg
Real-World (Fuelly, 158 owners)13.7 mpg
SpecificationValueShopLearn More
Dimensions
Overall Length248.4"
Overall Width79.1"
Height79.7"
Cab Typemega
What Can I Tow?
RV Class Compatibility
Based on a safe tow limit of 23,056 lbs and 4,430 lb payload. Shows what % of each RV class in our database you can tow.
RV Type
Weight Range
Coverage
Status
⚠ Vehicle capacity only — does not include passengers, gear, or tongue weight. Run the full calculator →
Compare Configurations
Other 2016 Ram 3500 Trims
| Configuration | Max Towing | MPG | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 Ram 3500 Tradesman RWD | 37,090 lbs | 11.0 mpg | View → |
| 2024 Ram 3500 Tradesman 2dr Regular Cab LB (6.4L 8cyl 8A) | 37,090 lbs | — | View → |
| 2024 Ram 3500 Tradesman 4WD | 34,650 lbs | 11.0 mpg | View → |
| 2024 Ram 3500 Tradesman 2dr Regular Cab 4WD LB (6.4L 8cyl 8A) 4WD | 34,650 lbs | — | View → |
| 2024 Ram 3500 Tradesman 4WD | 34,460 lbs | 11.0 mpg | View → |
| 2024 Ram 3500 Tradesman 4dr Crew Cab 4WD SB (6.4L 8cyl 8A) 4WD | 34,460 lbs | — | View → |
| 2024 Ram 3500 Tradesman 4WD | 34,070 lbs | 11.0 mpg | View → |
| 2024 Ram 3500 Tradesman 4dr Crew Cab 4WD LB (6.4L 8cyl 8A) 4WD | 34,070 lbs | — | View → |
| 2024 Ram 3500 Tradesman RWD | 24,100 lbs | 11.0 mpg | View → |
| 2024 Ram 3500 Tradesman 4dr Crew Cab SB (6.4L 8cyl 8A) | 24,100 lbs | — | View → |
Questions & Answers
Common Questions
How much can I actually tow with my 2016 Ram 3500 Big Horn?
+
The 2016 Ram 3500 Big Horn is rated at 28,820 lbs maximum — but the real-world best practice is the 80% rule: target 23,056 lbs as your practical limit. This gives you margin for hills, headwinds, braking distance, and real-world load variance. More critically, check your payload first — the door sticker tells you your specific truck's limit, and payload may be your actual binding constraint.
What about payload — how much stuff can I put in the truck?
+
You have 4,430 lbs of payload capacity — that's everything going IN the truck: passengers (~150 lbs each), camping gear, coolers, and critically the tongue weight from your trailer. For bumper pull trailers, tongue weight is typically 10–15% of the trailer's loaded weight. It fills up faster than most people expect, especially on longer trips.
What kind of hitch do I need?
+
For the 2016 Ram 3500 Big Horn, you need a Class V receiver hitch rated for 28,820 lbs. Don't skimp here — the hitch is the critical link between truck and trailer. For fifth wheel towing, you'll need a dedicated kingpin-style fifth wheel hitch mounted in the truck bed.
What types of RVs will work with my truck?
+
With your 23,056 lb safe towing capacity, you're looking at a great selection of travel trailers, toy haulers, and many fifth wheels. The compatibility chart above shows what percentage of each RV class in our database you can handle. Use the Tow Calculator to check a specific RV including gear, water, and passengers.
What does GVWR mean and why should I care?
+
GVWR is Gross Vehicle Weight Rating — the maximum your truck can weigh when fully loaded with people, gear, and fuel. Your truck's GVWR is 11,300 lbs. Exceed it and you're over-stressing brakes, suspension, and tires. This is different from towing capacity — it's about what the truck itself can carry.
Leave the Noise Behind.
Reconnect Outdoors.
Our mission is to help people make well-informed RV buying decisions, so they can leave the noise and screens behind, reconnect with family, and create unforgettable memories in the great outdoors.
Free tools. No sales pressure. Just better decisions.