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Ram 1500 · Model year 2021

2021 Ram 1500 specs, maintenance & manuals

Owner and shopper reference for the 2021 Ram 1500, built from Stellantis and Mopar data: the factory spec sheet, the maintenance schedule, fluid capacities and 14 manufacturer publications, plus a tow rating of up to 12,750 lb.

Max towing
12,750 lb
Schedule covers
150k miles
Publications
14

2021 Ram 1500 specs & features

Engines, gear ratios, suspension, brakes, dimensions and capacities as published in the manufacturer's 2021 specification sheets.

General information+
Vehicle TypeQuad Cab and Crew Cab: 4x2, 4x4
Assembly PlantSterling Heights Assembly Plant, Sterling Heights, Michigan
EPA Vehicle ClassStandard Pickup
Body/chassis+
Layout4x2 — Longitudinal, front engine; 4x4 — Longitudinal, front engine, transfer case
Construction4x2 — Ladder-type frame, steel cab, double-wall steel pickup box; 4x4 — Ladder-type frame, steel cab, double-wall steel pickup box
Engine: 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 with eTorque+
Type and Description60-degree gasoline V-6 with variable valve timing, V-type, liquid-cooled
Hybrid Battery48-volt, 12-cell lithium-ion, nickel manganese cobalt (NMC) graphite chemistry, .43 kWh
Belt-starter Generator9kW power, 90 lb.-ft. launch torque
Displacement220 cu. in. (3,604 cu. cm)
Bore x Stroke3.78 x 3.27 (96.0 x 83.0)
Valve SystemChain-driven DOHC, 24 valves and hydraulic end-pivot roller rockers
Fuel InjectionSequential, multiport, electronic, returnless
ConstructionAluminum deep-skirt block, aluminum alloy heads
Compression Ratio11.3:1
Power305 hp (224 kW) @ 6,400 rpm
Torque269 lb.-ft. (364 N•m) @ 4,800 rpm
Max. Engine Speed6,400 rpm (electronically limited)
Fuel RequirementUnleaded regular, 87 octane
Oil Capacity6.0 quarts (5.7 liters)
Coolant Capacity14.0 quarts (13.25 liters)
Emission ControlsDual three-way catalytic converters, heated oxygen sensors
EPA Fuel Economy mpg (city/hwy)20/25
Engine: 3.0-liter EcoDiesel V-6+
Type and Description90-degree diesel V-6
Displacement182 cu. in. (2,988 cu. cm)
Bore x Stroke3.27 x 3.60 (83 x 92)
Valve SystemChain driven DOHC, 24 valves
Fuel InjectionCommon rail, 29,000 psi (2000 bar), solenoid injectors
ConstructionCast-iron block, aluminum alloy heads
Compression Ratio16.0:1
Power260 hp (194 kW) @ 3,600 rpm
Torque480 lb.-ft. (651 N•m) @ 1,600 rpm
Max. Engine Speed5,800 rpm
Fuel RequirementUltra-low sulfur diesel
Oil Capacity10.5 quarts (7.8 liters)
Coolant Capacity12.0 quarts (11.4 liters)
Emission ControlsCooled EGR, oxidation catalyst, diesel particulate filter, SCR with urea injection
EPA Fuel Economy mpg (city/hwy)22/32
Engine: 5.7-liter HEMI V-8+
Type and Description90-degree gasoline, V-8 with variable cam timing
Displacement345 cu. in. (5,654 cu. cm)
Bore x Stroke3.92 x 3.58 (99.5 x 90.9)
Valve SystemVariable-cam timing, pushrod-operated overhead valves, 16 valves, hydraulic lifters with roller followers
Fuel InjectionSequential, multiport, electronic, returnless
ConstructionDeep-skirt cast-iron block with cross-bolted main bearing caps, aluminum alloy heads with hemispherical combustion chambers
Compression Ratio10.5:1
Power395 hp (291 kW) @ 5,600 rpm
Torque410 lb.-ft. (556 N•m) @ 3,950 rpm
Max. Engine Speed5,800 rpm
Fuel RequirementUnleaded mid-grade, 89 octane — recommended; Unleaded regular, 87 octane — acceptable
Oil Capacity7.0 quarts (6.6 liters)
Coolant Capacity14.0 quarts (13.33 liters)
Emission ControlsThree-way catalytic converters, heated oxygen sensors and internal engine features
EPA Fuel Economy mpg (city/hwy)15/22
Engine: 5.7-liter HEMI V-8 eTorque+
Type and Description90-degree gasoline V-8 with variable cam timing
Hybrid Battery48-volt, 12-cell lithium-ion, nickel manganese cobalt (NMC) graphite chemistry, .43 kWh
Belt-starter Generator12kW power, 130 lb.-ft. launch torque
Displacement345 cu. in. (5,654 cu. cm)
Bore x Stroke3.92 x 3.58 (99.5 x 90.9)
Valve SystemVariable-cam timing, pushrod-operated overhead valves, 16 valves, hydraulic lifters with roller followers
Fuel InjectionSequential, multiport, electronic, returnless
ConstructionDeep-skirt cast-iron block with cross-bolted main bearing caps, aluminum-alloy heads with hemispherical combustion chambers
Compression Ratio10.5:1
Power395 hp (291 kW) @ 5,600 rpm
Torque410 lb.-ft. (556 N•m) @ 3,950 rpm
Max. Engine Speed5,800 rpm
Fuel RequirementUnleaded mid-grade, 89 octane — recommended; Unleaded regular, 87 octane — acceptable
Oil Capacity7.0 quarts (6.6 liters)
Coolant Capacity14.0 quarts (13.33 liters)
Emission ControlsThree-way catalytic converters, heated oxygen sensors and internal engine features
EPA Fuel Economy mpg (city/hwy)17/23
Transmission: TorqueFlite 850RE eight-speed automatic+
AvailabilityStandard with 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6
DescriptionAdaptive electronic control, automatic or Electronic Range Select (ERS) manual control. Five-clutch-pack design with only two open clutches in any gear. Torque converter lock with turbine torsional damper for low lock-up speeds in 1st through 8th gear
1st4.71
2nd3.14
3rd2.10
4th1.67
5th1.29
6th1.00
7th0.84
8th0.67
Reverse3.30
Axle Ratios3.21, 3.55, 3.92 (Rebel only)
Transmission: TorqueFlite 8HP75 eight-speed automatic+
AvailabilityStandard with 3.0-liter EcoDiesel V-6, 5.7-liter HEMI V-8 and 5.7-liter V-8 with eTorque
DescriptionAdaptive electronic control, automatic or ERS manual control. Five-clutch-pack design with only two open clutches in any gear. Torque converter lock with turbine torsional damper for low lock-up speeds in 1st through 8th gear
1st4.71
2nd3.14
3rd2.10
4th1.67
5th1.29
6th1.00
7th0.84
8th0.67
Reverse3.30
Axle Ratios3.21, 3.55 (excluding 5.7-liter HEMI V-8), 3.92
Transfer case: BW 48-12 part-time+
Availability3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 4x4 with eTorque, 3.0-liter EcoDiesel V-6, 5.7-liter HEMI V-8 4x4 and 5.7-liter HEMI V-8 with eTorque assist
Shift MechanismElectric
Available SpeedsTwo-speed
Operating Modes2WD High; 4WD High, Locked; Neutral; 4WD Low, Locked
Low-range Ratio2.64
Center Differential TypeNone
Transfer case: BW 48-11 on-demand+
Availability3.0-liter EcoDiesel V-6, 5.7-liter HEMI V-8 4x4 and 5.7-liter HEMI V-8 with eTorque assist
Shift MechanismElectric
Available SpeedsTwo-speed
Operating Modes2WD High; 4WD Auto; 4WD High, Locked; Neutral; 4WD Low, Locked
Low-range Ratio2.64
Center Differential TypeNone
Axles+
Front215mm
Rear235mm (standard) with available open, limited-slip or electronic-locking differential; 256mm (optional max tow with Dana Super 60 center section)
Available Ratios3.21, 3.55, 3.92
Electrical system+
ArchitecturePowernet
Alternator160-amp, 180-amp, 220-amp (Special Services Package)
BatteryGroup 94R, low-maintenance H7 730 CCA
Suspension+
FrontUpper and lower A-arms, coil springs, twin-tube shock absorbers and stabilizer bar. Optional air suspension replaces twin-tube shock absorbers and progressive rate coil springs
RearFive-link with track bar, progressive rate coil springs, stabilizer bar, twin-tube shock absorbers, solid axle. Optional air suspension replaces progressive rate coil springs
Brakes+
Front: Size and Type14.9 x 1.2 (378 x 30) vented disc with 2.2 in. (57 mm) two-piston pin-slider caliper and anti-lock braking system (ABS)
Front: Swept Area493.6 sq.in. (3,184 sq.cm)
Rear: Size and Type14.8 x 0.87 (375 x 22) disc with 2.2 in. (57 mm) single-piston pin-slider caliper and ABS
Rear: Swept Area367.6 sq.in. (2,371.9 sq.cm)
Power-assistDual-rate, tandem diaphragm vacuum
Steering+
Power assistElectric power steering
Air bags+
Quad Cab6
Crew Cab6
Cargo box+
5ft., 7in. (Crew)6ft., 4in. (Regular, Quad or Crew)
SAE volume, cu. ft. (cu m)53.9 (1.5)61.5 (1.7)
Length-at-Floor, Tailgate Closed67.4 (1,711)76.3 (1,937)
Cargo Width66.4 (1,687)66.4 (1,687)
Distance Between Wheelhouses51.0 (1,295)51.0 (1,295)
Depth21.4 (543)21.5 (545)
Tailgate Opening Width60.0 (1,525)60.0 (1,525)
Exterior dimensions: Quad Cab pickup, 6ft., 4in. box+
4x2 - 275/55R204x4 - 275/55R20
Wheelbase (nominal)140.5 (3,569)140.5 (3,569)
Track, Front68.5 (1,741)68.5 (1,741)
Track, Rear68.1 (1,729)68.1 (1,729)
Overall Length228.9 (5,814)228.9 (5,814)
Overall Width82.1 (2,084)82.1 (2,084)
Overall Height77.6 (1,971)77.7 (1,973)
Ground clearance: Quad Cab pickup, 6ft., 4in. box+
4x2 - 275/55R204x4 - 275/55R20
Front Axle7.8 (199)8.2 (208)
Rear Axle8.7 (221)8.7 (221)
Open Tailgate to Ground34.6 (979)34.4 (875)
Pickup Body Height21.4 (545)21.4 (545)
Approach Angle, degrees18.118.9
Departure Angle, degrees25.225.0
Ramp Breakover Angle Without Skid Plate, degrees19.519.9
Ramp Breakover Angle With Skid Plate, degrees—17.8
Ground Clearance Without Skid Plate8.4 (213)8.7 (221)
Ground Clearance With Skid Plate—8.2 (208)
Fuel Tank Capacity23-gal. (87-liter) (standard); 26-gal. (98-liter) (standard); 33-gal. (125-liter) (optional)23-gal. (87-liter) (standard); 26-gal. (98-liter) (standard); 33-gal. (125-liter) (optional)
Exterior dimensions: Quad Cab pickup, 6ft., 4in. box, air suspension, 4x2 and 4x4 (tire size 275/55R20)+
Entry / exitNormal ride heightOff road 1Off road 2
Wheelbase (nominal)140.5 (3,569)140.5 (3569)140.5 (3,569)140.5 (3,569)
Track, Front68.5 (1,741)68.5 (1,741)68.5 (1,741)68.5 (1,741)
Track, Rear68.1 (1,729)68.1 (1,729)68.1 (1,729)68.1 (1,729)
Overall Length228.9 (5,814)228.9 (5,814)228.9 (5,814)228.9 (5,814)
Overall Width82.1 (2,084)82.1 (2,084)82.1 (2,084)82.1 (2,084)
Overall Height75.9 (1,927)77.7 (1,973)78.7 (1,998)79.7 (2,025)
Front Axle8.2 (208)8.2 (208)8.2 (208)8.2 (208)
Rear Axle8.7 (221)8.7 (221)8.7 (221)8.7 (221)
Open Tailgate to Ground32.9 (836)34.4 (875)35.1 (893)36.4 (925)
Pickup Body Height21.4 (545)21.4 (545)21.4 (545)21.4 (545)
Approach Angle, degrees14.418.921.523.1
Departure Angle, degrees22.525.025.927.3
Ramp Breakover Angle Without Skid Plate, degrees16.519.921.823.5
Ramp Breakover Angle With Skid Plate, degrees14.417.819.721.3
Ground Clearance Without Skid Plate6.7 (169)8.7 (221)9.9 (251)10.7 (273)
Ground Clearance With Skid Plate6.1 (156)8.2 (208)9.4 (238)10.2 (260)
Fuel Tank Capacity23-gal. (87-liter) (standard); 26-gal. (98-liter) (standard); 33-gal. (125-liter) (optional)23-gal. (87-liter) (standard); 26-gal. (98-liter) (standard); 33-gal. (125-liter) (optional)23-gal. (87-liter) (standard); 26-gal. (98-liter) (standard); 33-gal. (125-liter) (optional)23-gal. (87-liter) (standard); 26-gal. (98-liter) (standard); 33-gal. (125-liter) (optional)

Column headings are the air-suspension modes.

Exterior dimensions: Crew Cab pickup (tire size 275/55R20)+
4x2 - 5ft., 7in. box4x2 - 6ft., 4in. box4x4 - 5ft., 7in. box4x4 - 6ft., 4in. box
Wheelbase (nominal)144.6 (3,672)153.5 (3,898)144.6 (3,672)153.5 (3,898)
Track, Front68.5 (1,741)68.5 (1,741)68.5 (1,741)68.5 (1,741)
Track, Rear68.1 (1,729)68.1 (1,729)68.1 (1,729)68.1 (1,729)
Overall Length232.9 (5,916)241.8 (6,142)232.9 (5,916)241.8 (6,142)
Overall Width82.1 (2,084)82.1 (2,084)82.1 (2,084)82.1 (2,084)
Overall Height77.5 (1,968)77.4 (1,966)77.6 (1,971)77.5 (1,968)
Ground clearance: Crew Cab pickup (tire size 275/55R20)+
4x2 - 5ft., 7in. box4x2 - 6ft., 4in. box4x4 - 5ft., 7in. box4x4 - 6ft., 4in. box
Front Axle7.8 (199)7.8 (199)8.2 (209)8.1 (207)
Rear Axle8.6 (220)8.7 (220)8.7 (220)8.6 (220)
Open Tailgate to Ground34.5 (877)34.4 (875)34.3 (872)34.3 (871)
Pickup Body Height21.4 (543)21.4 (545)21.4 (543)21.4 (545)
Approach Angle, degrees18.018.119.018.9
Departure Angle, degrees25.125.024.924.9
Ramp Breakover Angle Without Skid Plate, degrees19.018.419.518.7
Ramp Breakover Angle With Skid Plate, degrees——17.516.7
Ground Clearance Without Skid Plate8.3 (211)8.3 (212)8.7 (222)8.6 (220)
Ground Clearance With Skid Plate——8.2 (209)8.1 (207)
Fuel Tank Capacity23-gal. (87-liter) (standard); 26-gal. (98-liter) (standard); 33-gal. (125-liter) (optional)23-gal. (87-liter) (standard); 26-gal. (98-liter) (standard); 33-gal. (125-liter) (optional)23-gal. (87-liter) (standard); 26-gal. (98-liter) (standard); 33-gal. (125-liter) (optional)23-gal. (87-liter) (standard); 26-gal. (98-liter) (standard); 33-gal. (125-liter) (optional)
Exterior dimensions: Crew Cab, 5ft., 7in. box, air suspension, 4x2 and 4x4 (tire size 275/55R20)+
Entry / exitNormal ride heightOff road 1Off road 2
Wheelbase (nominal)144.6 (3,672)144.6 (3,672)144.6 (3,672)144.6 (3,672)
Track, Front68.5 (1,741)68.5 (1,741)68.5 (1,741)68.5 (1,741)
Track, Rear68.1 (1,729)68.1 (1,729)68.1 (1,729)68.1 (1,729)
Overall Length232.9 (5,916)232.9 (5,916)232.9 (5,916)232.9 (5,916)
Overall Width82.1 (2,084)82.1 (2,084)82.1 (2,084)82.1 (2,084)
Overall Height75.8 (1,926)77.6 (1,971)78.6 (1,996)79.6 (2,023)
Front Axle8.2 (209)8.2 (209)8.2 (209)8.2 (209)
Rear Axle8.7 (220)8.7 (220)8.7 (220)8.7 (220)
Open Tailgate to Ground32.8 (833)34.3 (872)35.0 (890)36.3 (923)
Pickup Body Height21.4 (543)21.4 (543)21.4 (543)21.4 (543)
Approach Angle, degrees14.619.021.723.3
Departure Angle, degrees22.424.925.827.2
Ramp Breakover Angle Without Skid Plate, degrees16.219.521.423.0
Ramp Breakover Angle With Skid Plate, degrees14.217.519.321.0
Ground Clearance Without Skid Plate6.7 (170)8.7 (222)9.9 (252)10.8 (273)
Ground Clearance With Skid Plate6.2 (157)8.2 (209)9.4 (239)10.3 (261)
Fuel Tank Capacity23-gal. (87-liter) (standard); 26-gal. (98-liter) (standard); 33-gal. (125-liter) (optional)23-gal. (87-liter) (standard); 26-gal. (98-liter) (standard); 33-gal. (125-liter) (optional)23-gal. (87-liter) (standard); 26-gal. (98-liter) (standard); 33-gal. (125-liter) (optional)23-gal. (87-liter) (standard); 26-gal. (98-liter) (standard); 33-gal. (125-liter) (optional)

Column headings are the air-suspension modes.

Exterior dimensions: Crew Cab, 6ft., 4in. box, air suspension, 4x2 and 4x4 (tire size 275/55R20)+
Entry / exitNormal ride heightOff road 1Off road 2
Wheelbase (nominal)153.5 (3,898)153.5 (3,898)153.5 (3,898)153.5 (3,898)
Track, Front68.5 (1,741)68.5 (1,741)68.5 (1,741)68.5 (1,741)
Track, Rear68.1 (1,729)68.1 (1,729)68.1 (1,729)68.1 (1,729)
Overall Length241.8 (6,142)241.8 (6,142)241.8 (6,142)241.8 (6,142)
Overall Width82.1 (2,084)82.1 (2,084)82.1 (2,084)82.1 (2,084)
Overall Height75.7 (1,922)77.5 (1,968)78.4 (1,993)79.5 (2,019)
Front Axle8.1 (207)8.1 (207)8.1 (207)8.1 (207)
Rear Axle8.6 (220)8.6 (220)8.6 (220)8.6 (220)
Open Tailgate to Ground32.7 (832)34.3 (871)35.0 (889)36.3 (922)
Pickup Body Height21.4 (545)21.4 (545)21.4 (545)21.4 (545)
Approach Angle, degrees14.518.921.523.1
Departure Angle, degrees22.724.925.827.1
Ramp Breakover Angle Without Skid Plate, degrees15.518.720.622.1
Ramp Breakover Angle With Skid Plate, degrees13.516.718.520.1
Ground Clearance Without Skid Plate6.6 (168)8.6 (220)9.8 (250)10.7 (271)
Ground Clearance With Skid Plate6.1 (155)8.1 (207)9.3 (237)10.2 (259)
Fuel Tank Capacity23-gal. (87-liter) (standard); 26-gal. (98-liter) (standard); 33-gal. (125-liter) (optional)23-gal. (87-liter) (standard); 26-gal. (98-liter) (standard); 33-gal. (125-liter) (optional)23-gal. (87-liter) (standard); 26-gal. (98-liter) (standard); 33-gal. (125-liter) (optional)23-gal. (87-liter) (standard); 26-gal. (98-liter) (standard); 33-gal. (125-liter) (optional)

Column headings are the air-suspension modes.

Interior dimensions: accommodations+
Quad CabCrew Cab
Seating Capacity, F/R3/33/3
Interior dimensions: front+
Quad CabCrew Cab
Headroom40.9 (1,038)40.9 (1,038)
Legroom40.9 (1,040)40.9 (1,040)
Shoulder Room66.0 (1,676)66.0 (1,676)
Hip Room63.4 (1,610)63.4 (1,610)
Seat Travel8.7 (220)8.7 (220)
Recliner Range (degrees)Total travel 71 degrees (from full forward); 18 degrees forward (from design); 53 degrees rearward (from design)Total travel 71 degrees (from full forward); 18 degrees forward (from design); 53 degrees rearward (from design)
Interior dimensions: rear+
Quad CabCrew Cab
Headroom39.2 (995)39.8 (1,011)
Legroom35.6 (903)45.2 (1,147)
Shoulder Room65.7 (1,668)65.7 (1,670)
Hip Room63.4 (1,610)63.4 (1,611)
Interior volume+
Quad CabCrew Cab
Front – cu. ft. (cu m)63.9 (1.8)63.9 (1.8)
Rear – cu. ft. (cu m)53.3 (1.5)68.5 (1.9)
Steering specifications: Quad Cab pickup+
2WD short bed2WD long bed4WD short bed4WD long bed4WD Rebel
Wheelbase (nominal; in/mm)140.5 / 3,569140.5 / 3,569140.5 / 3,569140.5 / 3,569140.5 / 3,569
Overall Ratio16.3:116.3:116.3:116.3:117.8:1
Steering Wheel Turns (lock-to-lock)3.13.13.13.13.4
18-in. Tire Turning Diameter (ft. / M)*46.2 / 14.146.2 / 14.146.2 / 14.146.2 / 14.146.2 / 14.1
20-in. Tire Turning Diameter (ft. / M)*45.1 / 13.7445.1 / 13.7445.1 / 13.7445.1 / 13.74—

Curb-to-curb turning diameter is measured at the outside of the tires at curb height; turning diameters and lock-to-lock turns may differ with optional tires and wheels.

Steering specifications: Crew Cab pickup+
2WD short bed2WD long bed4WD short bed4WD long bed4WD Rebel
Wheelbase (nominal)144.6 / 3,672153.5 / 3,898144.6 / 3,572153.5 / 3,898144.6 / 3,572
Overall Ratio16.3:115.5:116.3:115.5:117.8:1
Steering Wheel Turns (lock-to-lock)3.12.93.12.93.4
18-in. Tire Turning Diameter (ft. / M)*46.2 / 14.0848.7 / 14.8446.2 / 14.0848.7 / 14.8446.2 / 14.1
20-in. Tire Turning Diameter (ft. / M)*46.2 / 14.0848.7 / 14.8446.2 / 14.0848.7 / 14.84—

Curb-to-curb turning diameter is measured at the outside of the tires at curb height; turning diameters and lock-to-lock turns may differ with optional tires and wheels.

Source: 2021 Ram 1500 Specifications (Stellantis media site).

2021 Ram 1500 maintenance schedule

The factory schedule for normal driving. Oil changes follow the oil-change indicator on most models; severe use (towing, dusty roads, lots of idling) shortens some intervals.

A dot means the service is due at that mileage or after that many years, whichever comes first. Engines: ERG, EZH, EZL, ESD.

Service20k2 yr30k3 yr40k4 yr50k5 yr60k6 yr70k7 yr80k8 yr90k9 yr100k10 yr110k11 yr120k12 yr130k13 yr140k14 yr150k15 yr
Additional Inspections
Inspect the CV/Universal joints.
Inspect front suspension, tie rod ends, and replace if necessary.
Inspect the front and rear axle surfaces. If gear oil leakage is suspected, check the fluid level. If using your vehicle for police, taxi, fleet, off-road or frequent trailer towing, change axle fluid.
Inspect the brake linings, replace as necessary.
Inspect transfer case fluid.
Additional Maintenance
Replace cabin air filter.
Replace engine air cleaner.
If equipped with Stop/Start, replace accessory drive belt with OEM grade Mopar® belt.
Replace spark plugs. The spark plug change interval is mileage based only; yearly intervals do not apply.
Flush and replace the engine coolant at 10 years or 150,000 miles (240,000 km) whichever comes first.
Inspect the transfer case fluid, change for any of the following: police, taxi, fleet, or frequent trailer towing.
Change the transfer case fluid.
Inspect and replace PCV valve if necessary.

At Every Oil Change Interval As Indicated By Oil Change Indicator System

  • Change the oil and filter.
  • Rotate the tires. Rotate at the first sign of irregular wear, even if it occurs before the oil indicator system turns on.
  • Inspect the battery and clean and tighten terminals as required.
  • Inspect the CV/Universal joints.
  • Inspect the brake pads, shoes, rotors, drums, and hoses.
  • Inspect the engine cooling system protection and hoses.
  • Inspect the exhaust system.
  • Inspect the engine air cleaner if using in dusty or off-road conditions, replace the engine air cleaner, as necessary.
  • Inspect and replace the Evaporative System Fresh Air Filter as necessary; replacement may be more frequent if vehicle is operated in extreme dusty conditions.

2021 Ram 1500 fluids & capacities

Oil, coolant, transmission and axle fluids with their capacities and specifications, wheel torque and fuel requirements, from the owner's manual.

Fluid capacities

SystemApplies toUSMetric
Fuel tank (approximate)1500 Regular Cab Shortbed/Crew/Quad Cab models23 gal87 L
1500 Regular Cab Shortbed/Crew/Quad Cab models26 gal98 L
1500 Regular Cab Longbed/Crew/Quad Cab models (optional)33 gal121 L
Engine oil with filter3.6L engine5 qt4.7 L
5.7L engine7 qt6.6 L
Cooling system3.6L engine13.7 qt13 L
3.6L motor generator unit1.8 qt1.7 L
5.7L engine18.3 qt17.3 L
Fuel tank (approximate)3.0L turbo diesel engine26 gal98.5 L
Diesel exhaust fluid tankTradesman/Rebel models5.14 gal19.5 L
All other models5.74 gal21.7 L
Engine oil with filter3.0L turbo diesel engine8.5 qt8.0 L
Cooling system3.0L turbo diesel engine11.6 qt11 L

Engine fluids

ComponentFluid / gradeStandardMopar product
Engine coolant (Gasoline engines)10-year/150,000-mile OAT (organic additive technology) coolant—Mopar Antifreeze/Coolant 10 Year/150,000 Mile (240,000 km) Formula OAT
Engine coolant (3.6L motor generator unit (if equipped))10-year/150,000-mile OAT (organic additive technology) coolant—Mopar Antifreeze/Coolant 10 Year/150,000 Mile (240,000 km) Formula OAT
Engine oil (3.6L engine)SAE 0W-20, API certifiedMS-6395—
Engine oil (5.7L engine)SAE 5W-20, API certifiedMS-6395—
Engine oil filter (Gasoline engines)Mopar engine oil filter, or one meeting SAE/USCAR-36 filter performance requirements—Mopar Engine Oil Filter
Engine coolant (3.0L turbo diesel engine)10-year/150,000-mile OAT (organic additive technology) coolant—Mopar Antifreeze/Coolant 10 Year/150,000 Mile (240,000 km) Formula OAT
Engine oil (3.0L turbo diesel engine)SAE 5W-40 synthetic, API SN category requiredMS-12991—
Engine oil filter (3.0L turbo diesel engine)Mopar engine oil filter—Mopar engine oil filter
Fuel filter (3.0L turbo diesel engine)Mopar fuel filter, 3 micron rating—Mopar fuel filter
Diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) (3.0L turbo diesel engine)API-certified DEF meeting ISO 22241—Mopar Diesel Exhaust Fluid

Chassis fluids & lubricants

ComponentFluid / gradeStandardMopar product
Automatic transmissionZF 8 & 9 speed automatic transmission fluid (ATF), or equivalent—Mopar ZF 8 & 9 Speed ATF
Transfer case (48-11 active on-demand 2-speed (with 4WD AUTO))Mobil Fluid LT——
Transfer case (48-12 part-time 2-speed (without 4WD AUTO))Shell Spirax S2 ATF A389——
Front axleSAE 75W-85 GL-5 synthetic axle lubricant—Mopar GL-5 Synthetic Axle Lubricant SAE 75W-85
Rear axle (3.21/3.55 ratio)SAE 75W-90 synthetic gear lubricantMS-A0160Mopar Synthetic Gear Lubricant SAE 75W-90
Rear axle (3.92 ratio)SAE 75W-140 synthetic gear lubricantMS-8985Mopar Synthetic Gear Lubricant SAE 75W-140
Rear axle (Max Tow 3.92 ratio)SAE 80W-90 axle lubricant—Dana SAE 80W90 Axle Lubricant
Brake master cylinderDOT 3 brake fluid, SAE J1709—Mopar DOT 3 Brake Fluid

Fuel

EngineMinimumEthanol / biodiesel
3.6L engine87 octane Regular unleadedUp to 15% (E15)
5.7L engine87 octane Unleaded gasoline (89 recommended for best performance and fuel economy (87 acceptable))Up to 15% (E15)
3.0L turbo diesel engineUltra-low-sulfur dieselUp to B5

Wheel lug nut torque

WheelsTorqueThreadSocket
Lug nuts/bolts130 ft-lb (176 N·m)M14 x 1.5022 mm
  • The first two fuel tank rows share the same label in the manual; they are printed as two separate sizes without further distinction.
  • The 5.7L engine accepts 87 to 89 octane; 89 is recommended.
  • Replace the diesel fuel filter about every 20,000 miles (32,000 km); every 10,000 miles (16,000 km) in severe use or certain states with fuel cleanliness issues.
  • Limited-slip rear axles need 5 oz (148 ml) of Mopar Limited Slip Additive (MS-10111) added to the 3.21/3.55 and 3.92 axle lubricants.
  • Use only OAT coolant; no water alone, alcohol-based coolant or added rust inhibitors, and propylene glycol coolant is not recommended.
  • Below 20°F (-7°C), use climatized or No. 1 ULSD, or dilute No. 2 with 50% No. 1, to prevent fuel gelling.

Source: Owner's manual on Mopar.com. Always confirm with the manual for your exact vehicle.

2021 Ram 1500 towing capacity: up to 12,750 lbAll 50 configurations by cab, bed, engine and axle ratio.Open the towing chart →

2021 Ram 1500 owner's manuals & publications

The manufacturer's owner's manual, quick guides, radio manuals, supplements and warranty booklets for the 2021 model year.

2021 Ram 1500 questions

How much oil does the 2021 Ram 1500 take?

With a filter change: 3.6L engine, 5 qt / 4.7 L; 5.7L engine, 7 qt / 6.6 L; and 3.0L turbo diesel engine, 8.5 qt / 8.0 L. Capacities are from the owner's manual; check the dipstick or oil-life display after filling.

What kind of oil does the 2021 Ram 1500 use?

3.6L engine: SAE 0W-20, API certified (MS-6395); 5.7L engine: SAE 5W-20, API certified (MS-6395); Gasoline engines: Mopar engine oil filter, or one meeting SAE/USCAR-36 filter performance requirements; 3.0L turbo diesel engine: SAE 5W-40 synthetic, API SN category required (MS-12991); and 3.0L turbo diesel engine: Mopar engine oil filter.

When is the first scheduled maintenance on the 2021 Ram 1500?

At 20,000 miles or 2 years: inspect the cv/universal joints; inspect front suspension, tie rod ends, and replace if necessary; inspect the brake linings, replace as necessary; replace cabin air filter. Oil changes in between follow the oil-change indicator.

Where can I find the 2021 Ram 1500 owner's manual?

The manufacturer publishes it free on Mopar.com as a PDF (linked in the manuals section above), along with quick guides, radio manuals and the warranty booklet.

Specifications come from the manufacturer's spec comparison and its media-site specification sheets; maintenance schedules, fluids and publications come from Mopar's owner site and owner's manuals. Equipment and ratings vary by configuration; check the owner's manual or a dealer for a specific vehicle.