Payload for 2016 Ram 2500?? What am I missing??

Yep, as stated above, the 2500 ratings are limited. If you are buying new, go for the 3500. Many of us that already have the 2500 use the axle rating. Learned this many years ago as a renegade on the TC forum pages here. Talk about "overloaded"! Spring packs, air bags, 19.5 wheels were the name of the game to get close axle rating with 3000 pounds in the bed!