Morgan Hill Ram - Do I Need the High-Output 6.7L Cummins® Turbo Diesel for Fifth-Wheel Towing around Carmel Valley, CA?
Choosing the right engine for fifth-wheel towing is about far more than impressive peak numbers. It’s about how the powertrain and the truck’s integrated systems work together when you’re lining up in a campground, cresting a grade in traffic, or easing into a tight fueling station. If you’re weighing fifth-wheel capability around Carmel Valley, CA, the 2026 Ram 3500 gives you two clear paths: the available High-Output 6.7L Cummins® Turbo Diesel I6 for maximum torque and sustained pulling power, and the 6.4L HEMI® V8 for robust gas performance and strong payload. Here’s how to decide which combination suits your trailer and your routes.
Start with the physics of your setup. Fifth-wheel towing places more weight over the rear axle, improving stability but also demanding stout low-end torque to get rolling on grades and maintain composure at highway speeds. The available High-Output Cummins® dishes out 1,075 lb-ft of Best-in-Class available base diesel torque and 430 maximum horsepower, paired with a TorqueFlite® HD eight-speed automatic built for smooth, confident shifts under load. If your fifth-wheel pushes into the upper strata of the segment—especially when navigating long grades, headwinds, or high elevations—the diesel’s reserve torque adds a layer of ease you’ll feel in traffic merges and at the hitch.
The 6.4L HEMI® V8, meanwhile, is a smooth, highly capable gas alternative. With 405 horsepower and 429 lb-ft of torque, it pairs with the TorqueFlite® eight-speed automatic for refined operation and strong responsiveness. For moderate fifth-wheel weights, mixed-use driving, and payload-heavy projects, the HEMI® V8 remains a compelling choice. Ask yourself: how often do you tow, how heavy is your fifth-wheel, and what terrain do you routinely see between Carmel Valley, Pacific Grove, and the coast? If your towing is frequent and near the top of segment capability, the diesel advantage typically pays off in quieter effort and less downshifting. If your loads are midrange and your use is varied, the HEMI® V8’s balance may be the smarter fit.
There’s more to stress-free fifth-wheel towing than the engine. The 2026 Ram 3500 integrates trailering tools that turn complicated maneuvers into repeatable routines. The available 360° Trailer Surround View Camera and 360° Surround View Camera provide an overhead view around your trailer and truck. The available Digital Rearview Mirror with side camera integration and wired Tow Mode Camera extend your awareness down the trailer’s flanks and behind the hitch—especially helpful when changing lanes in crosswinds or backing into a campsite. Trailer Reverse Steering Control makes backing more intuitive by letting you turn a console-mounted knob to guide your trailer while the truck handles steering inputs. Together, these features cut down on stress and improve precision, regardless of which engine you choose.
Hitching and load control also benefit from thoughtful hardware. The available Fifth-Wheel/Gooseneck Prep Package adds factory-integrated mounting points to streamline installation and maintain a clean bed when you’re not towing. The Class-Exclusive available Auto-Level Rear Air Suspension can help maintain a level stance, smooth out ride motions, and keep your headlamps properly aimed as loads change. If you tow multiple trailers, available Trailer Tire Pressure Monitoring for up to four trailers and Trailer Tow Pages in the 12-inch Digital Cluster Display keep critical data front and center.
Day-to-day comfort matters, too. Inside, the Largest-in-Class available 14.5-inch Uconnect® 5 NAV screen keeps guidance and camera feeds easy to read in bright conditions. Available Class-Exclusive dual wireless charging pads and the 900-watt Harman Kardon® Premium Audio System with 17 speakers help long highway stretches feel less tiring. And when you park, the Class-Exclusive available RamBox® Cargo Management System lets you stash tie-downs, hoses, gloves, and tools in lockable, drainable bedside bins—organization you’ll appreciate every time you set up at a new site.
If you’re still debating engine choice, match your fifth-wheel’s GVWR and typical cargo to realistic routes and conditions. For maximum stability and pulling confidence with heavier fifth-wheels, the available High-Output Cummins® remains the gold standard. For midrange trailers and a split between towing days and daily driving, the 6.4L HEMI® V8 provides capable, refined performance. Morgan Hill Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram is serving Carmel Valley, Pacific Grove, and Seaside with build guidance tailored to your trailer specs, hitch type, and travel plans.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Will the 6.4L HEMI® V8 handle occasional fifth-wheel trips?
Yes. For midrange fifth-wheel weights and mixed driving, the HEMI® V8 offers strong acceleration, refined manners, and confident towing—especially when paired with the integrated hitch prep and trailering cameras.
How do the cameras help on narrow campground roads?
The 360° Trailer Surround View Camera and 360° Surround View Camera provide an overhead perspective so you can spot obstacles and track trailer swing. The Digital Rearview Mirror with side camera integration and wired Tow Mode Camera add real-time views where you need them most.
Is Auto-Level Rear Air Suspension worth it for fifth-wheel towing?
If you frequently load the bed or tow heavier fifth-wheels, the Class-Exclusive available Auto-Level Rear Air Suspension can help maintain level stance, improve ride quality, and support consistent handling—especially across changing terrain and cargo weights.
Do I need the Fifth-Wheel/Gooseneck Prep Package?
For fifth-wheel owners, we recommend it. Factory-integrated hardware saves time, helps ensure strength and alignment, and makes it easier to keep the bed usable when you’re not towing.