2026 Ram 1500 Towing & Payload Overview

The 2026 Ram 1500 is ready to provide versatile and capable towing, off-roading, and simple driving power with its range of four unique engines. The standard 3.6L Pentastar® V6 engine provides balanced performance, with 305 horsepower and 269 pound-feet of torque, followed by the more powerful 5.7L HEMI® V8 engine, which generates 395 horsepower and 410 pound-feet of torque. You’ll find enhanced power with the 3.0L Hurricane inline six-cylinder (I6) engine with 420 horsepower and 469 pound-feet of torque, or its high-output variation, generating 540 horsepower and 521 pound-feet of torque.

You’ll find the maximum towing capacity of 11,610 pounds with the 3.0L Hurricane I6 engine, followed closely by the 5.7L HEMI V8 engine, which can haul 11,320 pounds. The high-output 3.0L Hurricane I6 engine can handle 10,000 pounds, while the 3.6L Pentastar V6 engine can tow up to 8,130 pounds. All engines are paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, though the high-output 3.0L Hurricane I6 has an available variation better adapted to its performance.

View engine specifications in the following table.

2026 Ram 2500 & 3500: Heavy-Duty Towing Highlights

If you’re in need of next-level power, look no further than the 2026 Ram 2500 and 2026 Ram 3500. These heavy-duty pickup trucks not only have a more robust design, but they also utilize impressive engines. There are two options available to both trucks: the 6.4L HEMI V8 engine, capable of up to 405 horsepower and 429 pound-feet of torque, and the 6.7L Cummins® I6 high-output turbo diesel, which outputs 430 horsepower and 1,075 pound-feet of torque.

Thanks to that incredible torque output, you’ll find the highest towing capacity with either truck with the 6.7L Cummins I6 high-output turbo diesel engine. The Ram 2500 can tow up to 20,000 pounds, while the Ram 3500 can tow up to 34,490 pounds. In order to utilize the full capabilities of these trucks, you’ll need to use fifth wheel/gooseneck towing, and the Ram 3500 will need dual rear wheels. Both engines are equipped with an eight-speed automatic transmission, though the 6.7L Cummins I6 has an all-new TorqueFlite® HD version tailored to its performance.

View engine specifications in the following table.

Engines & Axle Ratios Explained

When choosing the right engine for your 2026 Ram truck, it’s also important to consider which axle ratio would be best for you. The axle ratio is the proportion between the rotation of the central drive shaft and the axle shafts connected to the wheels, and the higher the ratio, the more the drive shaft has to turn to move the wheels. Higher ratios also generally mean the engine is capable of using more of its torque, lending itself to faster acceleration and a higher towing capacity. On the other hand, a lower axle ratio means the engine does less work to move the truck, increasing its fuel efficiency on long drives. The Ram 1500, Ram 2500, and Ram 3500 each have three axle ratios available, depending on your chosen engine.

View engine towing capabilities and required axle ratios in the following table.

Ram Truck FAQs

Can I customize my Ram truck with towing accessories?

There are many packages available to 2026 Ram trucks that include towing-specific features. You can find helpful safety systems, like trailer reverse guidance, trailer hitching assistance, and trailer reverse steering control in select packages. The Ram 2500 and Ram 3500 also have a package to prep them for fifthwheel/gooseneck towing.

What factors affect towing capacity on the 2026 Ram trucks?

There are several key factors for determining towing capacity. The main important factor is which engine your truck is equipped with. Your axle ratio impacts maximum towing capabilities, as well as cab and bed configuration, with smaller cabs and longer beds usually lending themselves to a higher towing capacity. Your truck’s drivetrain also affects towing, with 4x2 models usually having a higher towing capacity than 4x4 models.