Morgan Hill Ram - Which 2026 Ram 3500 Configuration Is Best for Fifth-Wheel Towing in Morgan Hill, CA?
Fifth-wheel shoppers ask our team at Morgan Hill Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram one question more than any other: Which 2026 Ram 3500 setup will confidently handle my trailer in and around Morgan Hill, CA? Between Highway 101 hauls, climbs toward Pacheco Pass, and weekend escapes to the coast, the right configuration matters. Below, our specialists break down how to match your trailer to the 2026 Ram 3500’s engine, suspension, towing tech, and prep hardware so you can tow with assurance from the first hitch-up.
The 2026 Ram 3500 brings serious numbers to the conversation. When properly equipped with the available High-Output 6.7L Cummins® Turbo Diesel I6 and TorqueFlite® HD eight-speed automatic, this heavy-duty legend delivers up to 1,075 lb-ft of Best-in-Class available base diesel torque and up to 36,610 pounds of maximum available diesel towing. Prefer gas? The available 6.4L HEMI® V8 pairs with the TorqueFlite® 8 eight-speed for refined power and excellent payload flexibility. Choosing between these powertrains, bed lengths, and towing packages comes down to your trailer’s weight, pin weight, and how you use your truck day to day in South County.
Start with the fundamentals. Use the guide below as a quick reference, then keep reading for a step-by-step path to your ideal build.
- Engine choice: The available High-Output 6.7L Cummins® Turbo Diesel I6 is built for confident control of large fifth-wheels and goosenecks; the available 6.4L HEMI® V8 excels when your needs mix moderate towing and maximum gas payload.
- Axle and gearing: Pair the available diesel with appropriate gearing to optimize low-speed pull on grades around Morgan Hill and steady-state cruising on Highway 101.
- Bed and hitch prep: The available Fifth-Wheel/Gooseneck Prep Package integrates mounting hardware into a rear-axle structural crossmember for clean installs and fast hookup.
- Suspension: The Class-Exclusive available Auto-Level Rear Air Suspension can help level the load and maintain stable handling with varying pin weights.
- Tow tech: Available Trailer Reverse Steering Control, Trailer Tow Pages, and available Trailer Tire Pressure Monitoring help simplify setup, backing, and monitoring.
- Mirrors and cameras: Class-Exclusive available Power Convex Trailer Tow Mirrors and the available 360° Trailer Surround View Camera expand visibility around longer, wider trailers.
- Braking confidence: Heavy-duty four-wheel disc antilock brakes and the available Automatic Smart Exhaust Brake on diesel models help manage long downhill grades.
Because every trailer and route is different, our process at Morgan Hill Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram starts with your real-world needs. We work through the steps below to tailor a 2026 Ram 3500 that fits.
- Confirm actual weights: Identify GVWR, estimated loaded trailer weight, and pin weight to align with the Ram 3500’s published towing and payload charts.
- Select your powertrain: Choose the available High-Output 6.7L Cummins® Turbo Diesel I6 for heavy fifth-wheels or the available 6.4L HEMI® V8 for mixed-use duty with excellent gas payload potential.
- Choose cab and bed: Long-bed configurations typically enhance clearance for fifth-wheel turning; Crew Cab and available Mega Cab® provide roomy cabins for passengers and gear.
- Add hitch prep: Opt for the available Fifth-Wheel/Gooseneck Prep Package for integrated, factory-engineered strength and clean bed usability.
- Dial in control tech: Add available Trailer Reverse Steering Control, Trailer Tow Pages, and available Trailer Tire Pressure Monitoring for setup simplicity and ongoing confidence.
- Boost visibility: Equip Class-Exclusive available Power Convex Trailer Tow Mirrors, the available Digital Rearview Mirror with tow mode camera, and the available 360° Trailer Surround View Camera.
- Stabilize the load: Consider the Class-Exclusive available Auto-Level Rear Air Suspension to help level heavy pin weights and support consistent ride height.
- Validate the package: Our team reviews your build against Ram’s towing guide, ensuring axle ratio, tires, and cooling are aligned with your towing targets.
Technology further sets the 2026 Ram 3500 apart for fifth-wheel owners. Inside, the Largest-in-Class available 14.5-inch infotainment touchscreen with available Uconnect® 5 NAV puts tow-focused navigation, profiles, and controls a touch away, while the available 12-inch Digital Cluster Display brings Trailer Tow Pages, Trailer Light Check, and status readouts front and center. Add the available Digital Rearview Mirror with side camera integration and the available wired Tow Mode Camera to see behind your trailer, and the LED Trailer Hitch Light to make late hookups more convenient. These features work together to streamline the entire towing experience across town or across the state.
Capability extends beyond raw numbers. With a maximum GVWR of up to 14,000 pounds available, a suite of over 100 standard and available safety and security features, and available systems like Forward Collision Warning with Active Braking, Class-Exclusive standard Adaptive Cruise Control, available LaneSense® Lane Departure Warning with Lane Keep Assist, and available Traffic Sign Recognition, the 2026 Ram 3500 is engineered to support control and awareness even when your fifth-wheel is along for the ride.
Our towing specialists in Morgan Hill will help you test fit hitches, verify clearance, and fine-tune your configuration so your 2026 Ram 3500 feels rock solid on your favorite routes—from Gilroy crossings to mountain grades. Bring your trailer specs to Morgan Hill Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram, and we will build the right truck around your plans.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Do I need the available High-Output 6.7L Cummins® Turbo Diesel I6 for my fifth-wheel?
If your loaded trailer weight or pin weight pushes toward the top of the segment, the available High-Output 6.7L Cummins® Turbo Diesel I6 is the smart choice thanks to up to 1,075 lb-ft of Best-in-Class available base diesel torque and up to 36,610 pounds of maximum available diesel towing. For moderate fifth-wheels, the available 6.4L HEMI® V8 remains a strong, balanced option with excellent payload flexibility.
Is a long bed required for fifth-wheel towing on the 2026 Ram 3500?
A long bed typically provides additional clearance between your trailer overhang and cab during sharp turns. Many fifth-wheel setups benefit from that length. Regardless of bed choice, the available Fifth-Wheel/Gooseneck Prep Package integrates mounting hardware into a rear-axle structural crossmember for a clean, robust solution.
How does available Trailer Reverse Steering Control help in tight RV parks or job sites?
Available Trailer Reverse Steering Control lets you guide your trailer’s direction using a dedicated knob while the system manages truck steering. It can reduce the learning curve and help you make precise maneuvers when space is tight around Morgan Hill, especially with longer fifth-wheels.
Ready to spec your 2026 Ram 3500 for fifth-wheel confidence? Visit Morgan Hill Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram at 17085 Condit Rd, Morgan Hill, CA, or contact our team to start your tailored towing consultation and test drive.