The 2017 RAM 5.7 is the beefed pickup found in the legendary lineup of Dodge trucks. Whether on the job site, backtrails, or regular side streets, the Dodge RAM is up for just about any job thrown its way. If you want to keep your prized pickup operating at full strength, though, you’ll need to understand its engine oil capacity.

Owning a pickup makes a statement—you’re not afraid to take matters into your own hands to get the job done. If you’re interested in applying some elbow grease in order to eliminate a recurring maintenance bill, we’ve got you covered.

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2017 Dodge RAM 5.7 engine oil capacity

Before you start crawling under your truck, we need to go over exactly how much oil a 2017 RAM 5.7 needs.

This RAM is equipped with a thunderous 5.7-liter V8 engine and has an oil capacity of 5.9 quarts. Although 5.7 and 5.9 are not far apart, they serve very different purposes.

When an engine is 5.7-liters, that is referring to its

engine displacement

, which is the air and fuel swept into each cylinder during one engine cycle. The 5.9, on the other hand, is the oil capacity, which is the amount of oil the engine needs to properly operate.

What kind of oil does a 2017 Dodge RAM 5.7 need?

Now that the oil capacity has been covered, let’s discuss the most compatible oil types with this RAM’s engine.

Whether you’re shopping in the store or online, you’re going to be bombarded with a ton of different oil options. Don’t sweat, we have the primary oil you should be looking for: Pennzoil Synthetic 5W-20 Engine Oil. This is the oil recommended in your owner’s manual, so its important to make sure you use

synthetic rather than conventional oil

Let’s dissect this oil type further, so you have a better understanding of what you’re putting into your truck. The “W '' stands for winter, and the 5 preceding it tells us this blend is a low-grade viscosity (thickness) while the engine is under cold conditions. The 20 following the “W” denotes its moderate viscosity while the engine is at its hot, operating temperature.

If you can’t find this specific oil, or just prefer to weigh your options, we have a couple of alternatives for you to check out:

Dodge recommended: If you wish to do things by the book,

Pennzoil Synthetic 5W-20 Engine Oil

is the oil for you.

Original material: If you want your oil to be the same oil used during manufacturing,

MOPAR® Synthetic 5W-20 Engine Oil

is the original material.

High quality: If you want an aftermarket-tested oil that exceeds oil standards,

API Certified SAE 5W-20 Engine Oil

is the best choice.

MORE: How to test an oil pump

How often to change oil on a 2017 Dodge RAM 5.7

Dodge recommends changing the oil every 3,000 to 5,000 miles as part of your

basic car maintenance schedule

to preserve and extend the life of its engine.

Routinely checking your oil’s level and taking note of your last change can protect you from going too long without adding fresh oil to your truck. If you do not drive often or tend to keep your mileage to a minimum, you should still change the oil every six months to prevent it from becoming sludge.

In addition, be aware of these signs that your RAM needs an oil change immediately:

The oil has changed from amber to dark brown or black

The oil’s texture feels coarse or gritty

The engine is letting out unfamiliar noises

You smell smoke or burning odors under the hood

You notice changes in your car’s performance

MORE: How to install a truck cap on your pickup

How to change your oil and oil filter

Now comes the main event—time it's to

change the oil and filter

! Before you begin, make sure you have the following tools: a socket wrench, a drain pan, a filter wrench, a new filter, and a rag. Last but not least, you'll require your new bottle of 5W-20 engine oil.

Begin by starting your engine and letting it run to warm up the oil—this will help it flow easier. After a few minutes, turn the engine off, pop the hood, and follow these steps:

Get underneath the engine and set your drain pan beneath the oil drain plug.

Unscrew the oil plug with your socket wrench, so all of the oil drains out into the catch pan.

Remove the oil filter with your filter wrench, allowing any excess oil to drain into the pan.

Clean the filter mount surface with a rag, and install the replacement filter.

Tighten the oil drain plug into place.

Pour the necessary amount of fresh oil into the top of the engine and replace the fill cap.

Wash your hands and give yourself a pat on the back—you did it! Confirm that you’ve added the correct amount of oil with your dipstick, and check that your

oil pressure light

is off on your dashboard. Lastly, turn your engine back on and look out for any leaks. If you don’t see any, you’re good to go.

Now for the cleanup. It’s never a good idea to dump the old oil onto the ground or into your garbage due to its contaminants. Instead, pour it into an unwanted, sealable container and bring it to your local recycling center for proper disposal.

Stay on top of regular insurance policy maintenance

Routine oil changes are essential in keeping your Dodge RAM cruising for as long as possible, and performing them at home will help you save money on your car expenses. With all the unpredictability that comes with being on the road, though, you’ll want to use

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