TRIMS & FEATURES
2016 RAM 1500 Big Horn Trim: Features & Specifications
The 2016 RAM 1500 Big Horn adds distinctive chrome exterior details, 20-inch chrome-clad wheels and cabin equipment in the Canadian lineup. Engine, 4x4, transmission, radio and towing options still require VIN confirmation.
Technical information reviewed: 2026-11-07
Confirm the engine, trim, drivetrain, market and installed equipment before using a part number, capacity or repair procedure.
2016 Canadian RAM 1500 Big Horn factory equipment highlights
| Feature | Published Big Horn example | Check the actual truck |
|---|---|---|
| Cab | Quad Cab and Crew Cab in the Canadian trim overview | Cab and box affect parts and specifications |
| Wheels | 20-inch chrome-clad aluminum wheels | Factory options and replacements can differ |
| Interior display | 7-inch colour customizable instrument display | Radio and navigation are separate equipment choices |
| Steering wheel | Leather-wrapped wheel with audio controls | Switches and wiring vary with equipment |
| Exterior | Chrome grille, handles, side steps and dual exhaust with bright tips | Inspect installed accessories and any prior modifications |
| 4WD equipment | Electronic shift-on-demand transfer case in listed 4x4 models | Verify selector and transfer case by VIN |
Highlights from the 2016 Canadian manufacturer trim guide. Market, packages, production and owner modifications can alter the final equipment. Not a complete VIN-specific build sheet.
What made the 2016 Big Horn different?
In the Canadian equipment overview, Big Horn builds on SLT with added appearance and comfort equipment, including chrome exterior details, larger wheels, steering-wheel audio controls and a premium instrument display. That makes it different from the more utilitarian Outdoorsman and the monochromatic Sport. The exact mix can change with factory packages.
Big Horn versus Sport and Outdoorsman
Sport lists front bucket seats, a full console, premium projector headlamps and Uconnect 8.4 in the Canadian trim sheet. Outdoorsman lists utility items such as rubber mats, tow hooks and selected 4x4 skid protection. Big Horn emphasizes chrome and convenience features. None of these comparisons means that an individual truck must have every option.
Does Big Horn mean 5.7L HEMI?
The trim badge alone does not identify the engine, transmission or axle ratio. Check the VIN build record and under-hood label for the 3.6L, 5.7L or other applicable powertrain. The six- and eight-speed automatics have different fluid and service requirements, so never order transmission parts based only on the Big Horn name.
Wheel and tire replacements
The Canadian Big Horn equipment listing features 20-inch wheels, but optional and replacement wheels exist. Read the driver-door placard for factory tire size and cold pressure, then compare the installed wheels, offset, load capacity and lug hardware. A matching five-lug bolt pattern alone does not establish safe fitment.
Big Horn interior and electrical checks
Check operation of the instrument cluster, audio controls, mirrors, power outlets and trailer-related controls that are actually installed. A steering-wheel or mirror switch that looks identical may have different wiring and option support. Confirm the Mopar part number and supersession by VIN before buying used electronics.
A practical used Big Horn inspection
Look for damage to chrome trim, corrosion below step bars, uneven tire wear, cabin moisture and aftermarket electrical additions. Test 4x4 modes only according to the correct transfer-case instructions. Ask for maintenance receipts and a module scan; a trim badge cannot tell you how the truck was used.
Parts ordering for a Big Horn
For an engine air filter, start with the Mopar 2016 Big Horn 5.7L catalogue example 68646406AA, but have a parts counter verify the current number and fitment for the truck’s VIN. A Big Horn with a Pentastar or EcoDiesel needs its own lookup. Headlight assemblies, wheels, mirrors and radio components depend on options, build date and earlier owner changes; a trim-only online parts search can be misleading.
Big Horn towing: the important configuration differences
A chrome-trimmed Big Horn does not receive a single universal towing limit. Check the manufacturer chart for the installed engine, six- or eight-speed transmission, axle ratio, cab, bed and 4x2/4x4 combination. The door-jamb occupant-and-cargo allowance can be the practical limit after passengers and trailer tongue weight are counted, even when the trailer weighs less than a brochure maximum.
Confirm country and option package before choosing parts
The detailed trim examples above come from 2016 Canadian equipment information. The U.S. RAM brochure also offered this trim name, but individual packages and standard equipment were not necessarily identical in both markets. Confirm the VIN, cab, engine, wheel, headlight and drivetrain equipment before treating a Canadian trim list as the specification of a U.S. truck.
Use the correct model-year manual and current service information. Stop if instructions or safety precautions are unclear, and use a qualified technician for work you cannot verify.
References and further reading
- 2016 RAM 1500 Canadian trim highlights
- 2016 RAM owner manual, equipment and operating information
- 2016 U.S. RAM 1500 brochure: trim and package combinations
This independent guide is not endorsed by the vehicle manufacturer. Let us know if you spot an error.