2016 Ram 5500 Overview
The 2016 Ram 5500 stands as a formidable contender in the heavy-duty truck segment, engineered for demanding vocational tasks and serious hauling needs. Building upon Ram's reputation for robust construction and capability, the 5500 is a workhorse designed to tackle the toughest jobs with confidence and reliability. This overview delves into its key features, ownership experience, and potential considerations for those in the market for a truck that means business.
Highlights
The 2016 Ram 5500 is equipped with a suite of features designed for maximum productivity and driver support.
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Engine Options:
- 6.7L Cummins® Turbo Diesel I6: This legendary engine is the heart of the Ram 5500, delivering exceptional torque and towing capacity. Known for its durability and fuel efficiency in heavy-duty applications, the Cummins is the go-to choice for those who need serious power for towing fifth-wheels, goosenecks, and commercial loads. It provides ample grunt for steep inclines and sustained heavy work.
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Safety Features:
- Electronic Stability Control (ESC): While more common in lighter vehicles, ESC in a heavy-duty truck like the 5500 is crucial for maintaining vehicle control during sudden maneuvers or in challenging road conditions. It helps prevent rollovers and loss of traction by automatically applying brakes to individual wheels and reducing engine power.
- Trailer Sway Control: This advanced system detects and helps correct trailer sway, a common and potentially dangerous issue when towing. It works in conjunction with ESC to ensure a more stable towing experience, especially at highway speeds or in windy conditions.
- Antilock Braking System (ABS): Standard on all models, ABS prevents wheel lock-up during hard braking, allowing the driver to maintain steering control and reduce stopping distances, especially on slippery surfaces.
- Heavy-Duty Brakes: The Ram 5500 is equipped with robust braking systems designed to handle the immense weight it's capable of carrying and towing.
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Trim Summary:
- Tradesman: This is the no-nonsense, work-focused trim. It prioritizes essential functionality, durability, and value. Expect a spartan but functional interior with durable materials designed for the rigors of job sites. It's the ideal choice for fleet buyers and those who need a straightforward, reliable work truck.
- SLT: The SLT trim adds a touch of comfort and convenience over the Tradesman. It typically includes features like power windows, power door locks, a more comfortable seating arrangement, and potentially an upgraded audio system. It strikes a balance between work capability and everyday usability for those who spend significant time in their truck.
- Laramie: For those seeking a more premium experience without sacrificing capability, the Laramie trim offers a significantly more refined interior. Expect features like leather-trimmed seating, heated and ventilated front seats, an upgraded infotainment system, and more advanced convenience features. It's a great option for owners who tow frequently and want a more comfortable and feature-rich environment.
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Other Notable Aspects:
- Chassis Cab Configuration: The 5500 is primarily offered in a chassis cab configuration, meaning it's sold without a pre-built bed. This allows customers to customize the rear of the truck with specific bodies, such as flatbeds, service bodies, dump beds, or specialized vocational equipment, catering precisely to their unique needs.
- Towing and Hauling Prowess: The defining characteristic of the Ram 5500 is its exceptional towing and hauling capacity, far exceeding that of lighter-duty trucks. It's designed for commercial applications where heavy loads are the norm.
- Robust Powertrain: The combination of the Cummins diesel engine and a heavy-duty transmission (typically an Aisin automatic or a manual option) provides the durability and torque required for continuous, demanding use.
- Ram Heavy Duty Uconnect System: Depending on the trim level, the Uconnect infotainment system offers features like navigation, Bluetooth connectivity, and integrated access to vehicle information, enhancing the driver's experience and productivity.
What to Expect
Owning a 2016 Ram 5500 is an experience centered around capability and utility.
- Ownership Experience: The Ram 5500 is not a vehicle for the casual driver. It’s built for those who regularly haul heavy loads, tow large trailers, or operate specialized equipment. The driving experience is commanding, with a high seating position offering excellent visibility. Due to its size and weight, maneuverability in tight urban environments can be challenging, but it excels on the open road and in commercial settings. Ride quality can be firm, especially when unloaded, as it's engineered for payload capacity.
- Maintenance: Like any heavy-duty commercial vehicle, the Ram 5500 requires diligent maintenance to ensure its longevity and optimal performance. Regular oil changes, fluid checks, and filter replacements are paramount, especially with the Cummins diesel engine. The intervals for these services are generally designed for heavy use. Expect to follow the manufacturer's recommended service schedule rigorously. Maintenance may be more expensive than for light-duty trucks due to the specialized components and larger quantities of fluids.
- Insurance: Insurance costs for a 2016 Ram 5500 will likely be higher than for a personal-use pickup truck. This is due to its higher purchase price, its classification as a commercial vehicle, and its substantial towing and hauling capabilities, which can increase the risk of accidents or damage. Commercial insurance policies will be the norm, and rates will vary based on usage, driver history, and the specific coverage selected.
Potential Considerations
While the Ram 5500 is a highly capable machine, there are certain aspects buyers should be aware of.
- Ride Quality When Unloaded: As a truck built for heavy loads, the ride can feel quite stiff and less refined when the truck is empty. This is a common characteristic of heavy-duty vehicles designed to prioritize payload over passenger comfort.
- Fuel Economy: While the Cummins diesel is relatively efficient for its class, expect significantly lower fuel economy compared to gasoline-powered or lighter-duty trucks, especially when towing or under heavy load. This is the trade-off for its immense power and capability.
- Size and Maneuverability: The sheer size of the Ram 5500 can make it challenging to navigate in tight spaces, urban environments, or crowded parking lots. Its turning radius can be considerable, and drivers need to be acutely aware of its dimensions.
- Potential for Customization: While the chassis cab offers flexibility, buyers will need to factor in the cost and lead time associated with sourcing and installing their desired body or upfitting. This adds another layer to the acquisition process.
- Interior Refinement (Lower Trims): The lower trims, particularly the Tradesman, are very utilitarian. While durable and functional, they lack the creature comforts and advanced technology found in higher trims or luxury vehicles. This is a deliberate design choice for its intended purpose, but it's something to consider if comfort is a high priority.
Overall Summary
The 2016 Ram 5500 is an exceptionally capable and resilient heavy-duty truck designed for professionals who demand the utmost in towing, hauling, and vocational application performance. Its legendary 6.7L Cummins Turbo Diesel engine, robust chassis, and availability in customizable chassis cab configurations make it an ideal platform for a wide array of demanding tasks. While its size, ride quality when unloaded, and fuel economy are inherent characteristics of its heavy-duty nature, these are often outweighed by its sheer utility and durability for its intended user base. For businesses and individuals requiring a serious workhorse that can handle extreme loads with reliability, the 2016 Ram 5500 remains a compelling and powerful choice.