Morgan Hill Ram - Can the 2026 Ram 2500 Really Tow 20,000 Pounds in Morgan Hill, CA?
If you are shopping heavy duty pickups in South County, one question rises to the top fast: can the 2026 Ram 2500 really tow 20,000 pounds here in Morgan Hill, CA? At Morgan Hill Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram, we hear this every day from contractors hauling equipment over US-101, RV owners heading toward Pacheco Pass, and boaters backing down local ramps. The short answer is yes — when properly equipped, the 2026 Ram 2500 offers a maximum available diesel towing capacity of up to 20,000 pounds. The longer answer adds helpful context so you can choose the exact configuration that matches your trailer, routes, and routine.
The 2026 Ram 2500 reaches its top tow ratings with the available High-Output 6.7L Cummins® Turbo Diesel I6 paired to the TorqueFlite® HD eight-speed automatic transmission. This setup also delivers a Best-in-Class available 1,075 pound-feet of base diesel torque, giving you the strong low-end pull you want when merging uphill with a loaded trailer. Towing limits vary by cab, bed, drivetrain, axle ratio, and hitch type. Our team will walk you through the combinations and provide the Ram Towing Guide for the exact VIN you are considering, so you have confidence in the numbers before you take delivery.
To make that decision easier, here are the core factors that affect your tow rating, stability, and everyday usability around Morgan Hill.
- Engine choice: The available High-Output 6.7L Cummins® Turbo Diesel I6 targets maximum towing; the standard 6.4L HEMI® V8 excels for gas-only fleets and strong payload.
- Axle ratio: Optional ratios can raise tow limits and help maintain steady speeds on grades; ask us to decode which ratios are fitted to the trucks on our lot.
- Drivetrain: 4x2 typically tows more than 4x4; the difference can matter if you are right at the edge of your target capacity.
- Cab and bed: Crew Cab and bed length affect curb weight and wheelbase; longer wheelbases can enhance stability with heavier trailers.
- Hitch setup: Conventional vs. Fifth-Wheel/Gooseneck changes your rating; the available Fifth-Wheel/Gooseneck Prep Package integrates a structural crossmember for quick, secure hookups.
- Payload and GVWR: Your trailer’s tongue weight counts against payload; match the truck’s GVWR and rear axle ratings to your real-world load.
- Tires and braking: Proper load-rated tires, Heavy-Duty Four-Wheel Disc Antilock Brakes, and the available Automatic Smart Exhaust Brake all support control under load.
- Tow technology: Features like Trailer Reverse Steering Control and 360° Trailer Surround View Camera help protect gear, people, and schedules.
Modern tow tech is a difference-maker when you are backing a utility trailer into a tight driveway along Cochrane or staging a fifth-wheel at a weekend spot. The available Trailer Reverse Steering Control lets you direct the trailer’s path with a dedicated knob while the system turns the truck’s steering wheel. The available 360° Trailer Surround View Camera and Digital Rearview Mirror with side camera integration provide multiple real-time perspectives around your trailer. Trailer Tow Pages in the available 12-inch Digital Cluster Display help you check lighting and keep an eye on Trailer Brake Status, while available Trailer Tire Pressure Monitoring can track up to four trailers. For long hauls, features like Forward Collision Warning with Active Braking and Class-Exclusive Standard Adaptive Cruise Control can function even with a trailer attached.
Capability goes beyond raw numbers. The available Class-Exclusive Auto-Level Rear Air Suspension can help keep the truck level under tongue weight for a composed ride and clearer headlamp aim at night. Ram Heavy Duty trucks bring Heavy-Duty Four-Wheel Disc Antilock Brakes for stopping power, while the available Automatic Smart Exhaust Brake adds control when descending from Mount Madonna or the foothills above Anderson Lake. For fewer fuel stops on workdays, Crew Cab models with the 8-foot bed offer Largest-in-Class available fuel tank capacity at 50 gallons.
If this is your first time stepping into heavy duty towing, we recommend a short prep checklist before you hook up. It reduces guesswork and sets you up for smooth trips through Coyote Valley and beyond.
- Verify the specific truck’s VIN-based tow chart and payload sticker against your trailer’s actual weight data.
- Confirm hitch class, ball size or fifth-wheel/gooseneck hardware, and torque specs.
- Set trailer brake gain, check breakaway system function, and test trailer lighting.
- Balance cargo to achieve appropriate tongue weight; recheck tire pressures hot and cold.
- Walk the route on your Uconnect® 5 NAV for grade and wind forecasts, and choose turnarounds with ample swing room.
Our goal at Morgan Hill Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram is to match your truck to your job and your weekends. Bring your numbers and your questions — whether you tow an excavator between sites in San Martin, a horse trailer to local events, or a fifth-wheel for coastal trips — and we will spec the right 2026 Ram 2500, demonstrate the tow tech, and set up your Fifth-Wheel/Gooseneck Prep Package if needed.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What is the maximum available towing capacity on the 2026 Ram 2500?
When properly equipped with the available High-Output 6.7L Cummins® Turbo Diesel I6 and the TorqueFlite® HD eight-speed automatic transmission, the 2026 Ram 2500 offers a maximum available diesel towing capacity of up to 20,000 pounds. Ratings vary by configuration; we will verify your exact truck’s numbers before you buy.
Do I need the available Fifth-Wheel/Gooseneck Prep Package for heavy towing?
If your trailer is a fifth-wheel or gooseneck, yes — the factory-integrated rear-axle structural crossmember and mounting hardware save time and support higher ratings compared with many aftermarket solutions. For conventional bumper-pull trailers, a Class V setup may be appropriate; we will confirm the best match.
How does Trailer Reverse Steering Control help in tight spots?
The available Trailer Reverse Steering Control lets you point the trailer with a dedicated knob while the system turns the truck’s steering wheel in the correct direction. It reduces guesswork and can help you back precisely into jobsite gates or campground slots without repeated pull-ups.
Should I choose the 6.4L HEMI® V8 or the High-Output 6.7L Cummins® Turbo Diesel?
For frequent heavy towing, steep grades, and long distances, the available High-Output 6.7L Cummins® Turbo Diesel I6 is the right tool thanks to Best-in-Class available base diesel torque. If you tow occasionally and prefer a gas powertrain with strong payload capability, the 6.4L HEMI® V8 is an excellent choice.
Ready to test tow confidence for yourself? Visit Morgan Hill Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram at 17085 Condit Rd, Morgan Hill, CA 95037. Our team will build your 2026 Ram 2500 around your trailer and terrain, walk you through Uconnect® 5 NAV and the Largest-in-Class available 14.5-inch infotainment touchscreen, and set you up with accessories from Authentic Mopar® for a turn-key towing experience. Let us help you make light work of your heaviest loads across Morgan Hill and the South Bay.