2016 Ram 2500 6.4 Hemi Specs Chart by Cab, Box, and Axle

The 2016 Ram 2500 with the 6.4L HEMI V8 makes 410 horsepower and 429 lb-ft of torque, numbers that stay the same across every trim and cab configuration. What doesn’t stay the same is towing capacity, payload, and GVWR. Those shift by thousands of pounds depending on cab style, box length, and axle ratio.

Most spec pages give you one towing number and call it done. That number is only correct for one specific configuration. This guide breaks down the actual 2016 Ram 2500 6.4 Hemi specs by cab, box, and axle, using the official factory towing chart, so you know the real figures for your exact truck.

2016 Ram 2500 6.4L HEMI Engine Specifications

The 2016 Ram 2500’s 6.4L HEMI V8 is an eight-cylinder, 90-degree V-type engine with variable valve timing (VVT) and Multi-Displacement System (MDS), which deactivates four cylinders under light load to improve fuel economy.

There’s no manual or 8-speed option paired with the 6.4 Hemi in 2016. The ZF 8-speed automatic didn’t arrive on Ram HD trucks until the 2019 redesign, so every 2016 6.4 Hemi runs the 66RFE. If you’re checking oil filter location for a service on this engine, the process is the same across all 2014 to 2018 model years since the engine itself didn’t change.

2016 Ram 2500 6.4 Hemi Towing Capacity by Cab, Box, and Axle

This is where most listings get vague. The 6.4 Hemi’s towing capacity ranges from roughly 12,940 lbs to 16,320 lbs depending entirely on cab style, box length, and rear axle ratio. Here’s the official 2016 Ram factory chart broken down by configuration.

Figures reflect the SAE J2807-compliant 2016 Ram 2500 factory towing chart. Payload and base weight vary further by trim level and options, so treat these as configuration baselines rather than your exact truck’s number.

The pattern holds across every cab style: the 4.10 axle adds roughly 3,000 lbs of max trailer weight over the 3.73, at the cost of slightly lower cruising RPM efficiency. If you want the full picture across the whole 2500 lineup and every engine option, the Ram 2500 towing capacity chart covers the 5.7 Hemi and 6.7 Cummins figures for comparison.

Why Your 2016 Ram 2500 Door Tag May Not Match the Official Chart

Here’s something the factory chart doesn’t tell you. Owners on RamForumZ have reported their actual door tag GAWR numbers running higher than what the official SAE towing chart lists for the same configuration. One 2016 Ram 2500 owner with a 6.4 Hemi, 66RFE, and 3.73 axle found their door tag listed rear GAWR at 6,500 lbs, while the published towing chart for that exact configuration showed 6,000 lbs.

This isn’t a typo. Individual trucks can carry slightly different certified weight ratings than the published chart average, based on options and build variance. Always check your driver’s door jamb sticker for your truck’s actual certified GVWR and GAWR figures before running towing or payload calculations off a published chart alone.

2016 Ram 2500 6.4 Hemi Payload Capacity by Cab and Axle

Payload follows the same configuration-dependent pattern as towing capacity. The formula is straightforward: Payload = GVWR minus Base Weight.

Based on the factory chart, payload on the 2016 Ram 2500 6.4 Hemi ranges from around 3,380 lbs to 3,990 lbs depending on cab and box length, with Crew Cab Long Box configurations sitting at the higher end. Shorter box and Mega Cab configurations trend lower because more of the GVWR budget goes to the added cab structure and rear seating.

If you’re carrying a heavy fifth-wheel pin weight or camper, payload is usually the limiting factor before max trailer weight ever comes into play. For a full year-by-year breakdown across the Ram lineup, the Ram payload capacity chart covers 1500 through 3500 configurations.

2016 Ram 2500 6.4 Hemi Real-World MPG and Owner Feedback

Official EPA fuel economy figures weren’t published for HD trucks in this class during this era, but real owner reports give a useful baseline. One 2016 Ram 2500 4×4 owner running the 6.4 Hemi reported averaging 13.4 mpg in mixed city and highway driving, with highway-only trips reaching closer to 17 mpg unloaded.

The MDS cylinder deactivation system helps most on steady highway cruising, where the engine can run on four cylinders. Under load or in stop-and-go traffic, expect mileage to drop noticeably, since MDS disengages under those conditions. Before buying a used 2016 2500 with this engine, it’s worth reviewing common 6.4 Hemi problems that tend to show up as these trucks age, particularly around the lifter and camshaft wear associated with the “Hemi tick.”

Used 2016 Ram 2500 6.4 Hemi trucks currently trade in a wide range depending on mileage and condition, with low-mileage examples commanding a premium over higher-mileage units.

How the 2016 6.4 Hemi Compares to 2017 and 2018 Model Years

If you’re cross-shopping a 2016 against a 2017 or 2018 Ram 2500 6.4 Hemi, the mechanical answer is simple: there isn’t one. RamForum owners consistently confirm the 6.4L HEMI, 66RFE transmission, and driveline components carried over unchanged from 2014 through 2018.

The real differences are cosmetic and tech-related. The 2018 model year added Android Auto and Apple CarPlay support along with a slightly revised grille design. Neither change affects horsepower, torque, towing capacity, or payload. For a full spec breakdown of the later model year, see the 2018 Ram 2500 6.4 Hemi specs.

Given the mechanical parity, the buying decision within this generation comes down to mileage, maintenance history, and price rather than model year alone.

What the 2016 Ram 2500 6.4 Hemi Specs Mean for Buyers

The 2016 Ram 2500 6.4 Hemi delivers a consistent 410 hp and 429 lb-ft across every configuration, but towing capacity and payload swing by thousands of pounds based on cab, box, and axle ratio. Always check your door tag against the factory chart before towing near the limit.

Since the engine and drivetrain are unchanged through 2018, a well-maintained 2016 truck offers the same core performance as a newer example at a lower price point. Configuration and condition matter more than model year here.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the towing capacity of a 2016 Ram 2500 with the 6.4 Hemi?

It ranges from about 12,940 lbs to 16,320 lbs depending on cab style, box length, and axle ratio. Crew Cab Long Box configurations with the 4.10 axle hit the highest rating. Always verify against your specific door tag.

How much horsepower does the 2016 Ram 2500 6.4 Hemi make?

The 6.4L HEMI V8 produces 410 horsepower at 5,600 rpm and 429 lb-ft of torque at 4,000 rpm. This figure is identical across all 2014 to 2018 model years.

What oil does the 2016 Ram 2500 6.4 Hemi take?

The engine holds 7.0 quarts of oil with a filter change. Always confirm the correct viscosity and specification against your owner’s manual before a service.

Is the 2016 or 2018 Ram 2500 6.4 Hemi a better buy?

Mechanically they’re identical, so the 2018 mainly adds Android Auto and Apple CarPlay support. A well-maintained 2016 at a lower price is often the better value.

Why does my Ram 2500 door tag GAWR not match the towing chart?

Individual trucks can carry different certified weight ratings than the published chart average based on options and build variance. Always use your driver’s door jamb sticker as the final authority for your specific truck.