The RAM 1500 with the 5.7L Hemi typically uses SAE 5W-20 engine oil, with an approximate capacity of 7 quarts (6.6 liters) plus a filter. Always check your specific model year and climate in the owner's manual for exact requirements.
Below is a detailed guide to the recommended oil grade, acceptable alternatives, and practical considerations for the 5.7L Hemi across RAM 1500 model years. The goal is to help you choose the right oil and avoid missteps during a change or maintenance.
Primary oil grade and capacity
Before listing the official recommendations, note that the exact viscosity, brand, and capacity can vary by year and market. The following reflects common guidance for the 5.7L Hemi in RAM 1500 trucks.
- Primary recommendation: SAE 5W-20 engine oil (full synthetic or synthetic blend). This viscosity is the standard for most RAM 1500 5.7L Hemi applications and is designed to balance cold-start protection with hot-weather performance.
- Oil capacity: approximately 7 quarts (6.6 liters) with a filter during a standard drain-and-fill.
- Oil specifications: choose oils that meet API SP (or SN) and ILSAC GF-6 (or GF-5) performance standards and that also meet Chrysler MS-6395 specification commonly required for Mopar engines.
- Oil type guidance: both synthetic and synthetic-blend oils meeting the above specs are acceptable; synthetic options usually offer longer intervals and better high-temperature stability.
In practice, the vast majority of RAM 1500 5.7L owners should use 5W-20 and plan to replace about 7 quarts of oil with each routine change, using an oil filter of the correct standard. Always confirm with your owner’s manual for your exact year and regional specs.
Climate, year and variant considerations
Oil viscosity recommendations can vary by model year, climate, and driving conditions. The list below covers common allowances and situations where you might see alternatives, but always verify with the manual for your vehicle.
- Alternative viscosity: in extremely cold climates, some model-year bulletins or dealer guidance may allow 0W-20 as an acceptable alternative to 5W-20, though 5W-20 remains the default for most RAM 1500 5.7L Hemi engines.
- Hot climates or high-load conditions: 5W-30 is sometimes considered acceptable for hot climates or when 5W-20 is not available, but you should verify this against your year’s manual and Chrysler MS-6395 specifications.
- Conventional vs. synthetic: oils meeting the same MS-6395/API/SP/ILSAC specs can be conventional, synthetic-blend, or fully synthetic; synthetic options are generally preferred for longer service intervals and better protection under heavy use.
- Model-year variations: some late-model RAM 1500 5.7L vehicles may have updates to MS-6395 or recommended viscosity; always check the specific owner’s manual or a dealer service bulletin for your VIN.
These considerations emphasize that the baseline is 5W-20 for most RAM 1500 5.7L Hemi engines, with climate- and year-dependent exceptions verified by the manual or dealer.
Practical tips for choosing oil
Before selecting an oil, consider these practical points to ensure you meet the engine’s needs and maintain warranty coverage.
- Choose a high-quality oil that meets API SP (or SN) and ILSAC GF-6 (or GF-5) specifications and, if possible, Chrysler MS-6395 compatibility.
- Stick with the recommended viscosity for your year unless the manual specifies an approved alternative (common default is 5W-20).
- Use a compatible oil filter and follow the vehicle’s drain-and-fill capacity of about 7 quarts.
- Follow the manufacturer’s service interval guidelines for oil changes, which can vary from conventional to synthetic across years and driving conditions.
Sticking to the manual’s guidance helps maintain engine protection, fuel efficiency, and warranty compliance.
Summary
For most RAM 1500 models equipped with the 5.7L Hemi, the standard oil is SAE 5W-20 (synthetic or synthetic blend) with a capacity of roughly 7 quarts, meeting MS-6395 and API SP/SN plus ILSAC GF-6/GF-5 specs. Alternatives like 0W-20 or 5W-30 may be allowed in certain climates or model years, but you should confirm with your owner’s manual or dealer. Always use a quality oil and filter, and follow the recommended change intervals specific to your vehicle.
Summary: Confirm your exact year and climate in the owner’s manual, but 5W-20 is the standard default for RAM 1500 5.7L Hemi, with about 7 quarts per change and MS-6395/API/ILSAC-compliant oils as the baseline requirement.