Southfork Ram - Can a 2026 Ram 3500 Manage Fifth-Wheel and Gooseneck Towing for Ranchers and Contractors around Houston, TX?
For shoppers weighing a heavy-duty upgrade, the core question is whether a truck can confidently handle fifth-wheel or gooseneck trailers with margin to spare. The 2026 Ram 3500 answers with authority thanks to the available High-Output 6.7L Cummins® Turbo Diesel I6, TorqueFlite® HD eight-speed automatic, and a factory-engineered Fifth-Wheel/Gooseneck Prep Package that integrates bed-mounted hardware into a structural rear-axle crossmember. Combined with Ram’s advanced trailering tech, this is a platform purpose-built for long, heavy hauls and precise maneuvering.
Maximum available diesel towing reaches up to 36,610 pounds when properly equipped, supported by heavy-duty four-wheel disc antilock brakes and an available Automatic Smart Exhaust Brake to help control long descents. But numbers alone do not simplify tight corrals, storage yards, or showgrounds. That is where Ram’s available Trailer Reverse Steering Control, 360° Trailer Surround View Camera, and Digital Rearview Mirror with side camera integration make a real impact. Use the trailer steering knob to guide your fifth-wheel into a slot while the system manages the truck’s steering, and keep an eye on both sides of the trailer using mirror-mounted cameras. The result is smoother setups and less stress, especially when precise maneuvers are part of your routine.
- Factory prep is a time-saver: The available Fifth-Wheel/Gooseneck Prep Package includes integrated mounting points designed for quick hitch installation and removal.
- Stability starts with stance: The Class-Exclusive available Auto-Level rear air suspension helps maintain proper ride height as you connect or disconnect heavy trailers.
- Visibility builds confidence: The available 360° Trailer Surround View Camera and Class-Exclusive available Power Convex Trailer Tow Mirrors expand your view down the sides and behind the trailer.
- In-cabin smarts matter: The Largest-in-Class available 14.5-inch Uconnect® 5 NAV touchscreen and available 12-inch Digital Cluster Display surface Trailer Tow Pages and Trailer Tire Pressure Monitoring.
Before you decide on a configuration, evaluate your trailer’s Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR), pin or tongue weight, and how often you tow at or near maximum load. If your routes include steep grades or frequent stop-and-go traffic, the diesel’s torque, exhaust brake, and TorqueFlite® HD shift logic help preserve control and reduce fatigue. If payload and mixed duty are your priorities, the 6.4L HEMI® V8 offers strong horsepower, up to 18,150 pounds of maximum gas towing when properly equipped, and up to 7,590 pounds of maximum gas payload — a compelling balance for ranch work and equipment hauling.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Do I need the factory Fifth-Wheel/Gooseneck Prep Package or can I add a hitch later?
While you can add an aftermarket solution, the available factory Prep Package integrates mounting hardware into a structural rear-axle crossmember for clean installation, tested alignment, and quick setup. It is the best way to streamline hitching and preserve long-term durability.
How do Ram’s cameras help when backing a fifth-wheel into a narrow spot?
The available 360° Trailer Surround View Camera provides a bird’s-eye view around your trailer, while mirror-mounted cameras display left and right views. Pair this with Trailer Reverse Steering Control — guide the trailer with the knob while the truck manages steering — to place heavy rigs precisely with fewer corrections.
Can I monitor trailer tires from the driver’s seat?
Yes. With the available Trailer Tire Pressure Monitoring system, you can view live readings for up to four trailers on the available 12-inch Digital Cluster Display. This helps you spot issues early and maintain safe temperatures and pressures on long hauls.
Southfork Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram is serving Clear Lake, Manvel, and Houston with product specialists who can weigh your trailer data, demonstrate trailering tech, and map a build that matches your ranch or jobsite. Bring your hitch style, trailer specs, and routes — we will help you identify the right axle, mirrors, suspension, and camera combinations so your 2026 Ram 3500 feels like the right tool from day one.