Southfork Ram - How Much Can the 2026 Ram 3500 Really Tow for Work and Weekends near Katy, TX?
When shoppers ask how much the 2026 Ram 3500 can tow, the real question is which configuration will meet both weekday and weekend demands. This heavy-duty platform offers two compelling powertrains—an available High-Output 6.7L Cummins® Turbo Diesel I6 and a standard 6.4L HEMI® V8—each tailored to a different mix of peak capacity, day-to-day drivability, and long-term ownership needs. If your world revolves around heavy trailers and longer hauls, diesel delivers Best-in-Class available base diesel torque and a maximum available towing capacity up to 36,610 pounds when properly equipped. For a versatile mix of payload, regular towing, and commuting, the HEMI® V8’s responsive nature and impressive gas towing and payload specs are tough to beat.
Matching numbers to needs is the key. Trailer type matters—fifth-wheel and gooseneck setups distribute weight differently than bumper-pull trailers. Terrain matters too, because hill gradients and crosswinds add real-world load. Then there is the tech layer. Available Trailer Reverse Steering Control can simplify backing a trailer into tight sites, while the available 360° Trailer Surround View Camera and the available Digital Rearview Mirror with side camera integration help with visibility when lanes narrow. The available Auto-Level Rear Air Suspension adds stability under load, and available Trailer Tire Pressure Monitoring helps you keep an eye on up to four trailers from the available 12-inch Digital Cluster Display.
With diesel, the hallmark is torque. The available High-Output 6.7L Cummins® Turbo Diesel I6 is engineered for serious trailering and long life under load. Paired with the TorqueFlite® HD eight-speed automatic, shifting is precise and well-timed when grades steepen or traffic compresses. An available Automatic Smart Exhaust Brake helps manage downhill speed, reducing brake wear and keeping the combination composed. If your trailer weights routinely push into the upper ranges, this is the combination most drivers gravitate toward.
The 6.4L HEMI® V8 rewards owners who prioritize versatility—strong payload, capable towing, and responsive performance in traffic. When properly equipped, this gas setup supports up to 18,150 pounds of maximum gas towing and up to 7,590 pounds of maximum gas payload. It is a proven, refined engine that pairs well with mixed-use schedules, from job site runs to weekend trailering where speeds vary and distances may be shorter.
Hitching and maneuvering are often the trickiest parts of a towing day. This is where the 2026 Ram Heavy Duty platform stands out. The LED Trailer Hitch Light integrated into the tailgate handle helps after dark. The available Fifth-Wheel/Gooseneck Prep Package brings factory-installed structure and integrated mounting hardware to streamline setup. Inside, the available Largest-in-Class 14.5-inch infotainment touchscreen with Uconnect® 5 NAV and available Ram Connect Services adds tow-specific navigation tools, while Trailer Tow Pages in the available 12-inch Digital Cluster Display keep critical information in your line of sight. Together, these systems bring clarity and control to tasks that used to be stress points.
Safety and confidence matter as much as raw numbers. Available Forward Collision Warning with Active Braking can assist even with a trailer attached, and Class-Exclusive standard Adaptive Cruise Control can maintain following distance down to 0 mph in stop-and-go traffic. Available LaneSense® Lane Departure Warning with Lane Keep Assist lends a steady hand when crosswinds push, and available Drowsy Driver Detection plus available Traffic Sign Recognition add layers of awareness for long routes.
If you are deciding between diesel and gas, map your actual trailer weights and the terrain you travel most. Heavier fifth-wheel RVs and equipment trailers are natural diesel territory. Mixed-use routines with frequent payload needs and varied towing often point to the HEMI® V8. Southfork Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram can help you validate a build sheet that aligns with your daily towing reality, including axle ratio, suspension choices, and the tow technology package that best fits your trailer types.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What do I need to tow at or near maximum capacity safely?
Start with the available High-Output 6.7L Cummins® Turbo Diesel I6, the TorqueFlite® HD eight-speed automatic, and a configuration rated for your target weight. Add the available Fifth-Wheel/Gooseneck Prep Package and use a properly rated hitch and hardware for your trailer. Consider the available Auto-Level Rear Air Suspension to help maintain a level stance, and add the available Trailer Tire Pressure Monitoring system for up to four trailers. On the road, rely on available camera views, available Trailer Reverse Steering Control, and proper weight distribution to keep handling predictable. Our team—serving Katy, Rosenberg, and Clear Lake—can confirm ratings and match your equipment to the job.