2026 Ram 5500 Chassis Cab for Inland Empire Contractors: Specs, Upfits & Commercial Solutions

Ontario anchors one of the Inland Empire’s busiest commercial corridors, and the cargo yards and industrial operations around Ontario International Airport run on trucks that don’t quit. The Class 5 medium-duty Ram 5500 Chassis Cab is built for that reality: a 50,000-psi steel rear frame, straight flat frame rails with predrilled mounting holes, and factory upfit architecture that accepts utility bodies, dump beds, service bodies, and specialized platforms. At Jeep Chrysler Dodge Ram of Ontario, our commercial team configures each chassis to your exact application — from powertrain and axle ratio to cab-to-axle length.

Engine Choices & Core Capability

The 5500 offers two purpose-built commercial powertrains. The standard 6.4L HEMI V8 gas engine suits regional, stop-and-go duty cycles and lower up-front cost; the available 6.7L Cummins Turbo Diesel I6 is the choice for continuous heavy hauling. Both run the TorqueFlite HD 8-speed automatic transmission — standard on the Cummins and on the PTO-capable HEMI.

Both cab styles seat a full crew when you need one: the Regular Cab seats three, and the Crew Cab seats up to six.

Towing, Payload & Weight Ratings

Hauling heavy equipment is a daily reality for Inland Empire contractors, and the 5500 delivers among the highest capability ratings in the Class 5 segment. The figures below are maximums for a properly equipped truck; your usable capacity depends on cab, drivetrain, axle ratio, and upfit weight — which is exactly what our commercial team helps you calculate before you order.

For contractors serving the equestrian and animal-keeping community in Norco, that towing headroom covers multi-horse trailers and heavy machinery with margin to spare. Our team matches your trailering needs to the right axle ratio — the 5500 offers rear axle ratios including 3.73, 4.10, 4.44, and 4.89.

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.

Upfit-Ready Electrical & Chassis Integration

Electrical, utility, and vocational contractors need a chassis that talks to their equipment. The 5500 comes standard with the Vehicle System Interface Module (VSIM), a factory upfitter module that gives body builders hardwired and J1939 access to a wide range of vehicle inputs, outputs, and control signals — so aftermarket bucket lifts, service bodies, and generators integrate without compromising the factory electrical system. You can build and price your configuration directly through our commercial vehicles team.

• VSIM (standard): factory upfitter interface for hardwired and J1939 signal access
• Six auxiliary upfitter switches (standard): control external lighting, winches, and hydraulic pumps; the sixth becomes a dedicated PTO switch when equipped
• Alternator output: 220-amp standard; available dual alternators deliver up to 480 amps with the Cummins diesel and up to 380 amps with the HEMI V8
• 52-gallon fuel tank (standard): extended runtime for engine and PTO-driven equipment on remote sites; an available dual-tank setup adds capacity
• Power Take-Off (PTO): left- and right-side access on both 4×2 and 4×4; split-shaft mode with the Cummins diesel
• Configurable frame: four cab-to-axle lengths (including an 84-inch option) and nine wheelbases to match your body

Cab, Drivetrain & Wheel Configurations

Beyond the powertrain, the 5500 is built to be specified. Drivetrain is available in rear-wheel drive or part-time 4×4 with an electronic transfer case — the 4×4 adds an electronic front axle disconnect for efficiency when four-wheel traction isn’t needed. The dual-rear-wheel setup rides on 19.5-inch wheels with 225/70R19.5 heavy-duty tires engineered for maximum payload and trailering.

Available in Tradesman and Big Horn trims, the 5500 lets you match cab appointments to how your crews spend their day.

Warranty Coverage for Owner-Operators & Fleets

Total cost of ownership matters as much as capability. Coverage on the 2026 Ram Chassis Cab depends on how the truck is purchased, and the distinction is important for commercial buyers.

Ram’s 10-year/100,000-mile limited powertrain warranty applies to the original retail owner and is not transferable; fleet purchases are excluded and revert to the standard terms shown above. If you’re buying as an owner-operator, that decade of powertrain protection is a real advantage; if you’re buying as a fleet, our team will walk you through exactly what applies.

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.

Quick Answers Before You Visit

Can I get a 4×4 configuration on the Ram 5500?

Yes. A part-time four-wheel-drive system with an electronic transfer case is available, providing traction on loose gravel, mud, and unpaved job sites.

What is the fuel capacity of the Ram 5500 Chassis Cab?

The 5500 comes standard with a 52-gallon fuel tank, minimizing refueling stops on long workdays; an available dual-tank setup adds capacity.

How many passengers fit in the Ram 5500 cab?

The Crew Cab seats up to six for moving a full crew; the Regular Cab seats three and maximizes cab-to-axle space for upfit bodies.

What wheels and tires are standard on the Ram 5500 Chassis Cab?

The chassis rides on 19.5-inch wheels with heavy-duty 225/70R19.5 tires in a dual-rear-wheel setup built for maximum payload and trailering.

Does the Ram 5500 Chassis Cab have factory upfitter switches?

Yes. Six integrated auxiliary switches are standard for safely controlling equipment like external lighting, winches, and hydraulic pumps.

Build Your Ram 5500 at Jeep Chrysler Dodge Ram of Ontario

Whether you’re adding one truck or building a fleet, our commercial team helps you configure, finance, and order the right 2026 Ram 5500 Chassis Cab for your operation. Visit us at 1202 Auto Center Dr, Ontario, CA 91761, or call a commercial specialist at 909-757-0698.

Disclaimers

Towing & Payload: 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.

Warranty: 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.