The table below lists every trim of the 2016 Ram 1500 with the engine, drivetrain, axle ratio, horsepower, torque, GVWR, curb weight, and payload that go with that trim's headline tow rating. Manufacturers often publish more than one tow figure per truck — a conventional bumper-hitch rating, a weight-distributing rating, and a gooseneck or fifth-wheel rating — so the highest number here is the maximum across all hitch classes the source carries for the trim.

Per-trim breakdown

Configuration Engine HP Torque Axle Tow (lb) GVWR Curb Payload
Tradesman/Express 4x2 Quad Cab 140 in. WB 305 269 3.21 4,680 6,800 4,852 1,948
HFE 4x2 Quad Cab 140 in. WB 240 420 3.55 7,950 6,945 5,337 1,608
SLT 4x2 Quad Cab 140 in. WB 305 269 3.21 4,620 6,800 4,905 1,895
Sport 4x2 Quad Cab 140 in. WB 395 410 3.21 8,210 6,900 5,218 1,682
Laramie 4x2 Quad Cab 140 in. WB 305 269 3.21 4,480 6,800 5,057 1,743
Tradesman/Express 4x4 Quad Cab 140 in. WB 305 269 3.21 4,490 6,800 5,037 1,763
SLT 4x4 Quad Cab 140 in. WB 305 269 3.21 4,450 6,800 5,081 1,719

How to interpret the headline tow figure

Tow ratings at this level are normally achievable with a conventional Class II or Class III receiver hitch. Always verify your vehicle has the manufacturer's tow package installed if you intend to tow at the upper end of the rating, and inspect the door-jamb sticker for the actual maximum permitted on your specific configuration.

How this year compares to 2015

The 2015 Ram 1500 carried a maximum tow rating of 9,180 lb. The 2016 model is rated 970 lb lower — sometimes a real spec change, sometimes a re-test under a stricter standard like SAE J2807. See the 2015 Ram 1500 page for the full per-trim breakdown of the prior year.

Other 2016 Ram models

The rest of Ram's 2016 lineup, ranked by maximum tow rating. Click through for the per-trim breakdown of any of these.

All figures sourced from manufacturer documentation. See our methodology for how the dataset is compiled. Always confirm against your vehicle's door-jamb sticker before towing.