Southfork Ram - Which 2026 Ram 2500 Engine Is Best for Heavy Towing in Manvel, TX?
Shopping the 2026 Ram 2500 and wondering which engine suits your towing in Manvel, TX? At Southfork Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram, we help our neighbors across Pearland, Iowa Colony, and greater Houston match their truck to the job. The quick answer — choose the available High-Output 6.7L Cummins® Turbo Diesel I6 if you regularly tow heavy and far, and go with the standard 6.4L HEMI® V8 if you mix daily driving with moderate towing and want maximum gas payload. Below, our team breaks down the decision with real numbers and the Ram technologies that make tough hauling easier around Gulf Coast crosswinds and summer heat.
The 2026 Ram 2500 puts serious capability on your side. When equipped with the available High-Output 6.7L Cummins® Turbo Diesel I6 and TorqueFlite® HD eight-speed automatic transmission, you get a Best-in-Class available 1,075 pound-feet of base diesel torque and up to 20,000 pounds of maximum available diesel towing capacity. Prefer gas power for a simpler ownership experience and strong payload? The 6.4L HEMI® V8 offers up to 17,750 pounds of maximum gas towing and up to 3,930 pounds of maximum gas payload. If your towing life in Manvel means frequent equipment runs, weekend toys, or long highway pulls through cross-town traffic and out to the Hill Country, here is how to decide.
- Frequent heavy towing — up to 20,000 pounds: Choose the available High-Output 6.7L Cummins® Turbo Diesel I6 for its 1,075 pound-feet of torque and confident, low-rpm pulling power.
- Mixed use — commute, work site, and trailers under roughly 15,000 pounds: Choose the 6.4L HEMI® V8 for responsive performance and strong gas payload ratings.
- Payload priority — bed tools, upfits, and gear: The 6.4L HEMI® V8 configuration can deliver the highest available payload numbers on Ram 2500.
- Long-distance stability — boats, RVs, or tall cargo: The available High-Output diesel’s torque and engine braking help with control on Texas highways.
Beyond engine choice, spec’ing the right Ram 2500 build is where capability meets confidence. Use this straightforward approach to dial in what you need for Manvel-area work and weekends.
- Confirm your trailer’s loaded weight and tongue or pin weight. The Ram 2500 offers up to 20,000 pounds maximum available diesel towing and up to 17,750 pounds maximum gas towing.
- Decide your hitch type — conventional, fifth-wheel, or gooseneck. Add the available Fifth-Wheel/Gooseneck Prep Package for integrated strength and clean installs.
- Balance towing vs. payload needs. Gas configurations can reach up to 3,930 pounds maximum gas payload, while diesel configurations list up to 3,600 pounds maximum diesel payload.
- Choose confidence tech for tight sites. Trailer Reverse Steering Control, the available 360° Trailer Surround View Camera, and available Digital Rearview Mirror with side camera integration make backing and lane changes easier.
- Plan for range and weather. An available 50-gallon fuel tank on Crew Cab models with 8-foot bed helps reduce fuel stops, while the Snow Plow Prep Package comes standard for business versatility.
What sets the 2026 Ram 2500 apart is how it blends heavy-duty strength with advanced driver confidence. Available Trailer Reverse Steering Control lets you turn a trailer steering knob while the system manages the truck’s wheel — a huge help when positioning a long boat in a narrow driveway. The available 360° Trailer Surround View Camera and available Digital Rearview Mirror with side camera integration improve visibility around your trailer. Available Trailer Tire Pressure Monitoring keeps tabs on up to four trailers, and the LED Trailer Hitch Light helps connect after dark. Pair this with available Class-Exclusive Auto-Level Rear Air Suspension for level stance under load, and the result is a calmer, more predictable towing experience across Southeast Texas.
- Trailer Reverse Steering Control
- 360° Surround View Camera and 360° Trailer Surround View Camera
- Digital Rearview Mirror with side camera integration
- Available Trailer Tire Pressure Monitoring
- LED Trailer Hitch Light
- Class-Exclusive available Auto-Level Rear Air Suspension
- Available 50-gallon fuel tank on Crew Cab models with 8-foot bed
Inside, the 2026 Ram 2500 is designed to keep you informed and in command. The Largest-in-Class available 14.5-inch infotainment touchscreen with Uconnect® 5 NAV brings tow-specific navigation and Ram Connect Services within easy reach. The available 12-inch Digital Cluster Display can surface Trailer Tow Pages and key data like Trailer Brake Status, while available Off-Road Pages and vehicle dynamics help you read terrain and traction. When the job calls for power on site, choose Best-in-Class Available Onboard Power with a 2.4-kilowatt inverter or run tools from the standard 400-watt inverter. Available RamBox® Cargo Management System adds lockable, drainable bedside storage with LED lighting and a convenient 115-volt outlet.
Still deciding between gas and diesel for life in Manvel? Visit our team at Southfork Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram. Our towing specialists will weigh your trailer specs, routes, and upfit needs, then walk you through trims like Rebel®, Laramie®, and more — plus accessories and service support from our factory-certified Mopar® team. We are ready to help you test, compare, and tow with confidence.
Frequently Asked Questions:
How much can the 2026 Ram 2500 tow?
When properly equipped with the available High-Output 6.7L Cummins® Turbo Diesel I6, the 2026 Ram 2500 offers up to 20,000 pounds maximum available diesel towing capacity. Gas models can tow up to 17,750 pounds. Actual capacity depends on configuration, equipment, and payload.
What are the 2026 Ram 2500 payload numbers?
Maximum gas payload is up to 3,930 pounds, and maximum diesel payload is up to 3,600 pounds, depending on configuration. We can review your specific build to confirm door-jamb ratings before you tow.
Which engine should I choose for towing in and around Manvel?
Pick the available High-Output 6.7L Cummins® Turbo Diesel I6 if you frequently tow near the top of the class or want the assurance of 1,075 pound-feet of Best-in-Class available base diesel torque. Choose the 6.4L HEMI® V8 for a strong, versatile setup that balances daily driving with moderate towing and emphasizes gas payload.
What driver-assistance features help when towing?
Available Forward Collision Warning with Active Braking, Class-Exclusive standard Adaptive Cruise Control, available LaneSense® Lane Departure Warning with Lane Keep Assist, and available 360° Trailer Surround View Camera enhance confidence. Features like the available Digital Rearview Mirror with side camera integration and Trailer Reverse Steering Control also help with visibility and maneuvering.
Can I get tech to support a family and work crew?
Yes. The Largest-in-Class available 14.5-inch touchscreen with Uconnect® 5 NAV, available dual wireless charging pads, and the available 900-watt Harman Kardon® Premium Audio System make long days easier. Spacious rear seating — including available Mega Cab® configurations — and flexible storage like available RamBox® round out everyday usability.