Southfork Ram - What Towing Setup Do I Need for a 2026 Ram 2500 if I Haul 12,000 Pounds near Katy, TX?
If you regularly tow a 10,000 to 12,000-pound trailer, you need a setup that feels planted on I-10 and composed on two-lane detours. The good news is that the available High-Output 6.7L Cummins® Turbo Diesel I6 paired with the TorqueFlite® HD eight-speed automatic transmission gives you serious headroom: up to 430 maximum diesel horsepower, Best-in-Class available 1,075 lb-ft of base diesel torque, and a maximum available diesel towing capacity of 20,000 pounds. That surplus matters. It keeps you out of the throttle on grades, reduces downshifts, and helps maintain stability when crosswinds or traffic compress your space.
But towing confidence is about more than a spec sheet. Visibility, chassis control, and information flow all matter once the trailer is on the hitch. Specifically, the available 360° Trailer Surround View Camera, the Digital Rearview Mirror with side camera integration and wired Tow Mode Camera, and Trailer Reverse Steering Control change the way you position and monitor your rig. Add Trailer Tow Pages and Trailer Tire Pressure Monitoring to the available 12-inch Digital Cluster Display so you can track brake gain, light checks, and tire pressures in real time. That ecosystem helps you back into a tight slot at a storage yard, make a clean, single-try exit, and settle into a low-stress rhythm at highway speed.
- Engine and gearing: For 12,000-pound loads, choose the available High-Output 6.7L Cummins® Turbo Diesel I6 for torque at low rpm and reserve power on grades.
- Suspension support: The Class-Exclusive available Auto-Level Rear Air Suspension helps reduce squat and keeps your headlights properly aimed.
- Camera suite: Combine the available 360° Surround View Camera, 360° Trailer Surround View Camera, and Digital Rearview Mirror for a full-picture perspective.
- Tow prep: Consider the available Fifth-Wheel/Gooseneck Prep Package if your trailer uses those connections and the Tow Tech Package for Trailer Tire Pressure Monitoring.
- Fuel range: If you cover long distances, the Largest-in-Class available 50-gallon tank (Crew Cab with 8-foot bed) reduces fuel stops.
For stability, remember that consistent weight distribution and tongue weight are as important as raw capacity. Load heavy items low and just forward of the trailer axle, confirm your hitch height, and validate trailer brake settings with Trailer Tow Pages. On the road, Class-Exclusive standard Adaptive Cruise Control helps maintain your gap down to 0 mph, while systems like available LaneSense® Lane Departure Warning with Lane Keep Assist and available Traffic Sign Recognition can reduce workload and keep your attention on the big picture.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Is the gas engine enough for 12,000-pound towing?
The gas engine can handle substantial towing, but if you frequently tow near 12,000 pounds or encounter hills, the available High-Output 6.7L Cummins® Turbo Diesel I6 provides greater torque at lower rpm for easier launches, fewer downshifts, and a more relaxed feel at speed.
Which visibility features most improve confidence with a long trailer?
Pair the available 360° Trailer Surround View Camera with the Digital Rearview Mirror and wired Tow Mode Camera. This combination offers real-time views behind and alongside the trailer for lane changes, merges, and tight backing scenarios.
Do I need Auto-Level Rear Air Suspension if my truck has a weight-distributing hitch?
A quality weight-distributing hitch is essential, but the Class-Exclusive available Auto-Level Rear Air Suspension adds automatic leveling under changing loads, which improves ride and steering feel and helps optimize braking and headlight aim.
What’s the most overlooked towing upgrade?
Tire and brake readiness. Confirm your truck and trailer tires are load-rated and have proper pressures, and use Trailer Tow Pages to validate trailer brake gain. Also consider Best-in-Class Available Onboard Power up to 2.4 kW for on-site tools that keep you self-sufficient between stops.
If you want help matching powertrain, axle ratios, and towing packages to your trailer specs, one conversation can save you hours of guesswork. Southfork Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram can walk you through combinations that fit your load, daily route, and how often you tow. We are proud of the way this truck puts control in your hands, from Trailer Reverse Steering Control to the Largest-in-Class available 14.5-inch Uconnect® 5 NAV display and the available 12-inch Digital Cluster Display. When you are ready for hands-on time, schedule a drive with a loaded bed or a demo trailer, and bring your hitch measurements so we can simulate your real setup. Our team is serving Katy, Rosenberg, and Clear Lake with tailored guidance for serious towers who value predictability, comfort, and capability.