What Is the Maximum Towing Capacity of the 2026 Ram 2500?

The 2026 Ram 2500 reaches a maximum towing capacity of up to 20,000 pounds when properly equipped with the available High-Output 6.7L Cummins® Turbo Diesel engine. For models fitted with the standard 6.4L HEMI® V8 gas engine, the maximum towing rating is up to 17,740 pounds. Actual trailering limits vary based on cab style, bed length, axle ratio, and drivetrain configuration.

Maximum towing and payload capacity figures are based on properly equipped vehicles and vary by configuration. Do not exceed any weight rating. See your owner’s manual and the vehicle’s door-jamb label for specific capacities.

Reaching the full 20,000-pound rating requires the diesel powertrain in a properly equipped configuration, such as a truck fitted with the factory 5th-Wheel/Gooseneck Towing Prep Group.

For owners hauling multi-horse trailers out of Norco ranch properties, that prep group readies the bed for fifth-wheel and gooseneck hitches, which carry trailer loads over the rear axle rather than relying solely on bumper-mounted hardware. A Class V hitch receiver comes standard, giving drivers the baseline capability needed for heavy bumper-pull equipment right off the lot.

To inspect tow-rated configurations in person or check the door-jamb weight ratings on specific trucks, visit our showroom at 1202 Auto Center Dr in Ontario or call our sales team at 909-757-0698.

Maximum towing and payload capacity figures are based on properly equipped vehicles and vary by configuration. Do not exceed any weight rating. See your owner’s manual and the vehicle’s door-jamb label for specific capacities.

What Engine Options, Horsepower, and Torque Ratings Power the 2026 Ram 2500?

The 2026 Ram 2500 offers two engines: a standard 6.4L HEMI V8 gas engine delivering 405 horsepower and 429 lb-ft of torque, and an available High-Output 6.7L Cummins Turbo Diesel inline-six producing 430 horsepower and 1,075 lb-ft of torque. The Cummins is a $12,995 MSRP option.

The HEMI pairs with a TorqueFlite 8-speed automatic transmission, while the Cummins pairs with a TorqueFlite HD 8-speed automatic. The HEMI serves as the lower-upfront-cost choice for drivers who need strong daily utility without the maintenance requirements of a diesel emissions system.

With Best-in-Class available base diesel torque of 1,075 lb-ft, the Cummins is built for drivers who tow heavy and tow often. For trade professionals in West Covina commuting along regional highway corridors with heavy tools and equipment, matching the powertrain to daily work requirements is the first decision to make. For a deeper look at both powertrains, see our 2026 Ram 2500 engine options guide.

Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for new vehicles includes manufacturer and distributor options and delivery, process and handling fees, which may be subject to change at any time. MSRP excludes taxes, title, license and dealer installed options, accessories, fees and charges. MSRP is not the dealer advertised price. Dealer price will vary. The dealer sets the final price.

How Do Towing Capacities Compare Between the 6.4L HEMI V8 and 6.7L Cummins Diesel?

The High-Output 6.7L Cummins Turbo Diesel provides an additional 2,260 pounds of maximum towing capability over the standard 6.4L HEMI V8. The diesel tops out at up to 20,000 pounds, while the gas V8 reaches up to 17,740 pounds.

Choosing between these two engines comes down to towing frequency, trailer weight, and driving conditions. The HEMI carries a lower upfront cost and does not require diesel exhaust fluid, making it a practical fit for intermittent towing and daily work site duty.

The Cummins shows its advantage during sustained heavy hauling. When pulling heavy toy haulers or enclosed equipment trailers, the diesel’s exhaust brake uses engine backpressure to help slow the truck on downhill grades, reducing wear on the wheel brakes. Comparing against an earlier model year? Our 2025 Ram 2500 towing capacity guide covers the prior lineup.

Maximum towing and payload capacity figures are based on properly equipped vehicles and vary by configuration. Do not exceed any weight rating. See your owner’s manual and the vehicle’s door-jamb label for specific capacities.

What Payload Can Buyers Find on a 2026 Ram 2500?

Maximum payload capacity on the 2026 Ram 2500 reaches up to 3,930 pounds with the standard 6.4L HEMI V8, compared to up to 3,600 pounds with the High-Output 6.7L Cummins Turbo Diesel. A typical four-wheel-drive HEMI Tradesman Crew Cab with the 6-foot-4-inch box is rated at about 3,320 pounds.

Payload calculations account for all weight carried by the truck, including cargo in the bed, cab passengers, accessories, and the tongue weight or pin weight of a connected trailer. The diesel’s heavier powertrain uses a portion of the total payload allowance, which is why HEMI models carry more.

Key factors that influence net payload on specific Ram 2500 builds include:

Shoppers looking to maximize bed capacity can browse our new Ram 2500 inventory to review the payload ratings on specific trucks.

Maximum towing and payload capacity figures are based on properly equipped vehicles and vary by configuration. Do not exceed any weight rating. See your owner’s manual and the vehicle’s door-jamb label for specific capacities.

What Standard Towing Features Come with the 2026 Ram 2500?

Every 2026 Ram 2500 comes equipped with essential towing hardware, including a Class V hitch receiver, an integrated trailer brake controller, and trailer sway control. Integrated trailer brake control lets drivers adjust electric trailer brake gain from the cab, and trailer sway control detects unwanted trailer oscillation and applies selective vehicle braking to help settle the load.

Available trailering technologies add visibility and maneuvering confidence:

Common Questions About 2026 Ram 2500 Towing and Payload Capabilities

How does the 5th-Wheel/Gooseneck Towing Prep Group change the Ram 2500 towing setup?

The factory 5th-Wheel/Gooseneck Towing Prep Group readies the bed for fifth-wheel and gooseneck hitches, which connect over the rear axle and transfer heavy pin weight into the truck rather than the rear bumper. Properly equipped with this group, diesel models reach Ram’s maximum rating of up to 20,000 pounds.

What warranty coverage protects the powertrain on a 2026 Ram 2500?

Original owners of every 2026 Ram 2500, gas or diesel, receive a 10-year/100,000-mile limited powertrain warranty, whichever comes first, covering the engine, transmission, transfer case, driveshafts, differentials, and axles. The coverage is non-transferable and excludes fleet purchases. Subsequent owners fall back to 5-year/60,000-mile coverage on gas models or 5-year/100,000-mile coverage on diesel models.

Does payload capacity include the weight of passengers sitting in the cab?

Yes. Maximum payload accounts for the combined weight of all occupants, cargo in the bed, cabin gear, and trailer tongue weight. Subtracting the weight of passengers and accessories from the truck’s payload rating shows the capacity remaining for bed cargo and hitch load.

What bed length options are available across 2026 Ram 2500 cab configurations?

Regular cab models come with an 8-foot bed for maximum material hauling. Crew Cab models offer a standard 6-foot-4-inch bed or an available 8-foot bed, while the Mega Cab is offered only with the 6-foot-4-inch bed.

Why does the gas V8 engine offer a higher payload than the diesel engine?

The 6.4L HEMI V8 weighs less than the 6.7L Cummins Turbo Diesel. Because HEMI and Cummins models share similar Gross Vehicle Weight Ratings, the lighter gas engine leaves more margin for cargo and tongue weight.

Maximum towing and payload capacity figures are based on properly equipped vehicles and vary by configuration. Do not exceed any weight rating. See your owner’s manual and the vehicle’s door-jamb label for specific capacities.

This information is provided for general educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Warranty coverage depends on the specific terms of your vehicle’s warranty agreement. Consult your owner’s manual or a qualified legal professional for guidance on your individual situation.

Warranty source: Ram limited powertrain warranty announcement, Stellantis Media (January 6, 2026)

Explore 2026 Ram 2500 Heavy-Duty Trucks at Jeep Chrysler Dodge RAM of Ontario

Finding the right 2026 Ram 2500 comes down to matching your towing requirements, payload demands, and cab preferences with the right powertrain. Whether you need the higher payload of the 6.4L HEMI V8 or the 1,075 lb-ft of torque from the High-Output 6.7L Cummins Turbo Diesel, our team can walk you through every capability rating and option package. For the full lineup story, explore our 2026 Ram 2500 overview.

Our sales team understands the real-world demands of heavy hauling across Southern California. Visit us at 1202 Auto Center Dr in Ontario to inspect our inventory up close, test-drive both powertrains, and walk through tow ratings with our truck specialists, or call 909-757-0698 to ask about current availability, schedule a test drive, or discuss commercial truck needs.

Disclaimers

Maximum towing and payload capacity figures are based on properly equipped vehicles and vary by configuration. Do not exceed any weight rating. See your owner’s manual and the vehicle’s door-jamb label for specific capacities.

Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for new vehicles includes manufacturer and distributor options and delivery, process and handling fees, which may be subject to change at any time. MSRP excludes taxes, title, license and dealer installed options, accessories, fees and charges. MSRP is not the dealer advertised price. Dealer price will vary. The dealer sets the final price.

This information is provided for general educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Warranty coverage depends on the specific terms of your vehicle’s warranty agreement. Consult your owner’s manual or a qualified legal professional for guidance on your individual situation.

Warranty source: Ram limited powertrain warranty announcement, Stellantis Media (January 6, 2026)