Sherman Ram – Is the 2026 Ram 2500 the Right Truck for Fifth-Wheel Towing from Arlington Heights, IL?
Fifth-wheel owners ask a practical question: is the 2026 Ram 2500 the right match for confidently towing a modern fifth-wheel trailer out of Chicagoland? The short answer is yes—if you configure it correctly. The long answer is where the 2026 Ram 2500 really shines, thanks to a combination of power, braking, suspension options, and a suite of towing technologies that simplify setup and enhance control.
Start with the available High-Output 6.7L Cummins® Turbo Diesel I6 paired with the TorqueFlite® HD eight-speed automatic. This combination delivers Best-in-Class available 1,075 lb-ft of base diesel torque and up to 430 horsepower, giving you the grunt to merge, climb, and pass with authority. With an available maximum diesel towing capacity of up to 20,000 pounds, the truck is engineered to handle many mid-size fifth-wheel rigs when properly equipped. Heavy-Duty Four-Wheel Disc Antilock Brakes and an available Automatic Smart Exhaust Brake help manage speed on declines, and that steady downhill control matters just as much as raw pulling power.
Tow-friendly tech makes a real difference when maneuvering a fifth wheel around tight sites. The available 360° Surround View Camera gives you a top-down perspective around the truck, while the available 360° Trailer Surround View Camera adds a bird’s-eye view around your trailer. The available Digital Rearview Mirror can show a real-time feed from a rear-facing camera and available exterior mirror cameras, and when you activate the wired Tow Mode Camera, you get a clear view behind the trailer—useful for lane changes and backing. For drivers who prefer even more assistance while backing, available Trailer Reverse Steering Control lets you turn a knob to guide the trailer while the truck manages steering input.
Inside, towing data is front and center. The available 12-inch Digital Cluster Display can surface Trailer Tow Pages showing Trailer Brake Status and Trailer Light Check. The Largest-in-Class available 14.5-inch Uconnect® 5 NAV touchscreen keeps navigation, phone, and media easy to manage, while Wireless Apple CarPlay® support and Wireless Android Auto™ compatibility maintain a clean, cable-free cabin. If you plan to travel long distances, consider the available 50-gallon fuel tank on Crew Cab models with the 8-foot bed, which can help reduce fuel stops and keep your travel days efficient.
Payload, axle ratios, and suspension matter for fifth-wheel towing, too. While the hitch weight on a fifth wheel is generally higher than a conventional trailer, the 2026 Ram 2500 can be configured to suit many fifth-wheel needs. Factor your trailer’s pin weight and gear into your build planning, and ask about the available Fifth-Wheel/Gooseneck Prep Package for a factory-integrated solution that supports clean, secure hitching. The available Class-Exclusive Auto-Level Rear Air Suspension can help level loads automatically, which supports consistent handling and headlight aim while enhancing comfort over uneven surfaces.
Safety and driver-assistance tech support longer towing days. Over 100 standard and available safety and security features include Forward Collision Warning with Active Braking and Class-Exclusive standard Adaptive Cruise Control that can manage speed down to 0 mph, even while towing. Add available LaneSense® Lane Departure Warning with Lane Keep Assist, available Drowsy Driver Detection, and available Traffic Sign Recognition for another layer of on-road confidence.
- Know your numbers: Have your trailer’s gross weight, pin weight, and overall length on hand before you spec your truck.
- Dial in the packages: Consider the Fifth-Wheel/Gooseneck Prep Package, camera upgrades, and Trailer Reverse Steering Control for daily towing ease.
- Think long-haul comfort: The Largest-in-Class available 14.5-inch touchscreen, Class-Exclusive dual wireless charging pads, and available Harman Kardon® audio help reduce fatigue.
- Build for stability: Ask about axle ratios, tire choices, and the available Auto-Level Rear Air Suspension for consistent, confident road manners.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can the 2026 Ram 2500 tow my specific fifth wheel?
It depends on your trailer’s weight and pin weight, and your truck’s configuration. Bring your trailer specs to our team, and we’ll verify capacities and recommend the right axle ratio, suspension, and hitch prep.
Do I need the available diesel for fifth-wheel towing?
The available High-Output 6.7L Cummins® Turbo Diesel I6 is a top choice for frequent or heavy towing due to its Best-in-Class available 1,075 lb-ft of base diesel torque and refined control. Some lighter fifth wheels can be managed with gas, but we’ll run the numbers with you.
Which camera systems help most at the campground?
The available 360° Trailer Surround View Camera, Digital Rearview Mirror with side camera integration, and wired Tow Mode Camera provide excellent visibility for tight turns and backing. Trailer Reverse Steering Control can further reduce stress in close quarters.
When you’re ready to plan a fifth-wheel-ready build, our advisors can walk you through options in a structured way and set up a test route that includes highway stretches and a backing exercise. Visit us at Sherman Dodge Chrysler Jeep Ram—serving Arlington Heights, Park Ridge, and Glenview—to see how the right configuration transforms the towing experience.
From powertrain selection to trailering tech, we’ll help you make confident, data-informed decisions so your 2026 Ram 2500 doesn’t just meet your towing goals—it exceeds them on every trip.
