All pickup trucks are getting more and more capable. This is especially the case with the heavy duty one-ton pickups. This specific 2016 Ram 3500 HD Crew Cab 4×4 Limited is rated at a maximum 30,310 lbs of towing capacity. What kind of weight can we tow to challenge these beasts on the extreme Ike Gauntlet?
We again chose the total trailer weight of 21,400 lbs for our HD test gooseneck trailer. First, we can directly compare the runs against last year because we are using the same trailer and same weight. Also, this weight can be handled by all trucks in the segment: including GM and Ford trucks.
The 2016 model year truck is powered by the high output 6.7L I6 Cummins that makes 385 horsepower and 900 lb-ft of torque. Yep, it has 35 lb-ft of torque more than previous year.
Take a look at this TFLtruck Ike Gauntlet video, featuring the 2016 Ram 3500 Dually with the high output Cummins motor. (Spoiler alert: the table below the video shows the results of the Ike Gauntlet run.)
Also, check out Ike Gauntlet results for all trucks.
| 2015 Ram 3500 | 2016 Ram 3500 | ||
| Model | CrewCab Laramie LongHorn 4×4 | CrewCab Limited 4×4 | |
| Estimated $ | $69,915 | $75,275 | |
| Engine | 6.7-liter I6 | 6.7-liter I6 | |
| Transmission | 6-speed | 6-speed | |
| Power (hp / lb-ft) | 385 / 865 | 385 / 900 | |
| Payload (lbs) | 5,680 | 5,680 | |
| Tow Rating (lbs) | 29,010 (4.10 axle) | 30,310 (4.10 axle) | |
| Test Load (trailer + cargo + ppl) | 22,350 lbs | 22,150 lbs | |
| Suspension Sag | 4 in | 0.5 in | |
| Ambient Temp F | 40 F | 37 F | |
| Relative Humidity | 40% | 30% | |
| Barometric Pressure (at top) | 29.76 inHg | 29.76 inHg | |
| Calculated Power Loss | N / A | N / A | |
| Up: Time | 10:09.43 | 9:58.66 | |
| Up: MPG | 3.0 | 3.0 | |
| Up: Interior dB | N / A | N / A | |
| Up: Transmission Temp | normal | normal | |
Andre Smirnov is a life-long automotive enthusiast, writer, reporter, and software engineer. He has been writing and reporting at TFL since 2011.
