Southfork Ram - Can a 2026 Ram 2500 Tow a Fifth-Wheel Camper Safely in Manvel, TX?
The 2026 Ram 2500 is built to handle tough jobs across Brazoria County while keeping long-haul comfort front and center, and that includes towing a fifth-wheel camper when properly equipped. At Southfork Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram in Manvel, TX, our team helps RV shoppers match the right truck configuration, hitch setup and technology so weekend escapes to Galveston Island or cross-state adventures along the US-288 corridor feel confident and in control.
For fifth-wheel owners, capacity clarity is everything. The available High-Output 6.7L Cummins® Turbo Diesel I6 delivers 430 maximum horsepower and a Best-in-Class available 1,075 lb-ft of base diesel torque, paired with a TorqueFlite® HD eight-speed automatic transmission for smooth, predictable power. When properly equipped, maximum available diesel towing tops out at 20,000 pounds, while the gas configuration offers robust capability for many mid-profile trailers. Just as important, payload matters for fifth-wheels because pin weight typically accounts for 15–25% of trailer weight. Our team will help you balance trailer GVWR, expected pin weight, passengers, cargo and hitch to ensure your specific 2026 Ram 2500 is matched to your fifth-wheel well within ratings.
Before you hook up and roll out, here are the core elements we verify for a safe, easy towing experience around Manvel and beyond.
- Hitch Prep: The available Fifth-Wheel/Gooseneck Prep Package installs a factory rear-axle structural crossmember with integrated mounting hardware for a clean, strong base that works seamlessly with your choice of compatible hitch.
- Bed Length & Clearance: Long-bed setups simplify turning clearance, while short-bed trucks typically benefit from a sliding fifth-wheel hitch or pivoting pin box. We can help you choose the right clearance solution for your trailer’s front cap design.
- Rear Suspension: The Class-Exclusive available Auto-Level Rear Air Suspension helps level loads and supports consistent ride height, stability and headlight aim as pin weight changes.
- Braking & Control: Heavy-Duty four-wheel disc antilock brakes are standard, and the available Automatic Smart Exhaust Brake on the Cummins® diesel helps manage downhill speed with a loaded trailer. An integrated trailer brake controller strategy is included in Tow Tech packages we recommend for fifth-wheels.
- Visibility & Tech: Available 360° Trailer Surround View Camera, the Digital Rearview Mirror with side camera integration and Trailer Reverse Steering Control make tight campground maneuvers easier. Available Trailer Tire Pressure Monitoring lets you view up to four trailer sets in the available 12-inch Digital Cluster Display.
- Fuel Range: An available Largest-in-Class 50-gallon fuel tank on Crew Cab 8-foot bed configurations extends range between stops, helpful on long stretches between parks.
- Weight Labels: We always verify your specific truck’s GVWR, GAWR and payload on the door label, then confirm trailer GVWR and expected pin weight to ensure a compliant match with room to spare.
For many shoppers, a 2026 Ram 2500 configured with the available High-Output 6.7L Cummins® Turbo Diesel I6 and Fifth-Wheel Prep Package is an excellent fit for mid-profile fifth-wheels and many toy haulers in the 12,000–16,000-pound range. Heavier, tall-profile or gear-intensive rigs with higher pin weights can be evaluated case by case. If your numbers indicate the need for more margin, our team can walk you through Ram 3500 options while keeping your wish list intact.
Powertrain choice matters based on how and where you tow. The available High-Output 6.7L Cummins® Turbo Diesel I6 pairs immense low-rpm torque with the available Automatic Smart Exhaust Brake for downhill control under load. The standard 6.4L HEMI® V8 delivers confident acceleration and competitive gas towing numbers, plus the 2026 Ram 2500 gas configurations offer a maximum payload up to 3,930 pounds, which can be advantageous for certain fifth-wheel pin-weight scenarios. We will help you weigh diesel pull-and-hold benefits against gas payload advantages to choose the right fit for your travel plans.
Technology in the 2026 Ram 2500 supports towing confidence every mile. The Largest-in-Class available 14.5-inch infotainment touchscreen with Uconnect® 5 NAV keeps navigation, tow-specific guidance and Ram Connect Services within easy reach. Advanced driver assistance like Forward Collision Warning with Active Braking and Class-Exclusive standard Adaptive Cruise Control can operate even with a trailer attached, while available Off-Road Pages and Trailer Tow Pages put vital dynamics and status at your fingertips.
When it is time to outfit your truck, our factory-trained technicians install hitches and wiring the right way using genuine Mopar® hardware. We can schedule a capability consultation, review your trailer’s spec sheet or weight slip and tailor your 2026 Ram 2500 build so the hitch, suspension tuning and camera coverage all work together. Then, we will take a test loop near Manvel to confirm turning clearance, braking performance and camera views before your first big trip.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Do I need the Fifth-Wheel/Gooseneck Prep Package on a 2026 Ram 2500?
It is strongly recommended for fifth-wheels. The factory-engineered crossmember and integrated mounting points streamline hitch installation, support clean bed access and help maintain a robust, OE-grade foundation for towing.
Can a short-bed 2026 Ram 2500 tow a fifth-wheel?
Yes, with the correct hitch strategy. A sliding fifth-wheel hitch or a compatible rotating pin box can provide the added cab-to-trailer clearance needed for tight turns. We will help you choose the right combination for your trailer’s geometry.
How do I estimate pin weight for my setup?
A practical guideline is that pin weight often equals 15–25% of a fifth-wheel’s loaded weight. Compare that expected pin number against your specific truck’s payload after accounting for passengers, cargo and the hitch itself. Our team can run the math using your VIN and trailer specs.
Which driver-assist features help with fifth-wheel towing?
Available Trailer Reverse Steering Control, 360° Trailer Surround View Camera, the Digital Rearview Mirror with side camera integration and Trailer Tire Pressure Monitoring all assist with visibility and maneuvering. Forward Collision Warning with Active Braking and Adaptive Cruise Control can function even with a trailer attached.
How can Southfork Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram help me get set up?
Bring your trailer’s GVWR, estimated loaded weight and pin-weight data or a recent weight slip. We will verify ratings, recommend a hitch, configure tow technology and schedule a professional installation. Then, we will validate the setup on a local drive so you leave ready for the campground.
If you are ready to see how a 2026 Ram 2500 can partner perfectly with your fifth-wheel in Manvel, TX, our team is here to help. Visit Southfork Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram to spec your truck, review your trailer details and experience the towing tech that makes hitching, backing and cruising more confident every time you head out.