*Not actual model
Morgan Hill Ram - Which Engine Is Right for a 2026 RAM 3500 Chassis Cab on Hilly Routes around Monterey, CA?
Choosing the correct powertrain for a work-focused chassis cab is about matching output to your routes, payload, and upfit. For the 2026 RAM 3500 Chassis Cab, two available engines bring distinct strengths: the 6.7L Cummins® Turbo Diesel I6 and the 6.4L HEMI® V8. If your day includes steep grades, heavy trailers, or long highway stretches with tools and equipment onboard, it pays to understand how each engine delivers torque and power throughout the rev range.
The available 6.7L Cummins® Turbo Diesel I6 offers up to 800 lb-ft of maximum torque and 360 maximum horsepower. That generous torque delivery is especially helpful when moving off the line on an incline or maintaining speed over prolonged climbs. By contrast, the available 6.4L HEMI® V8 provides up to 429 lb-ft of maximum torque and 375 maximum horsepower with a strong, linear throttle response that feels confident in mixed urban-highway routes with frequent stops and starts. Both engines are proven in demanding vocational use, so your decision often comes down to duty cycle, upfit weight, and your towing profile.
- Primarily heavy towing: The available Cummins® Turbo Diesel I6’s torque can provide reassuring pull on long grades and mountain corridors.
- Mixed payload with frequent stops: The available HEMI® V8’s responsive feel can shine in urban delivery and service routes with repeated starts.
- All-day highway stints: Both engines are designed for sustained workload—choose based on your typical trailer and axle ratio.
- Upfit electrical needs: Consult the Ram Body Builder’s Guide to coordinate electrical strategies for your service or utility body.
Beyond the engine bay, take time to evaluate how cabin technology and safety features support your routes. The high-definition 12-inch Uconnect® touchscreen integrates available navigation and work apps in a clear, glove-friendly interface—useful when coordinating team logistics and job site addresses. Available safety and security features such as Adaptive Forward Lighting and Forward Collision Warning help support driver awareness during dawn departures, dusk returns, and congested traffic zones.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Will the diesel’s torque help with steep hills near the coast?
Yes. The available 6.7L Cummins® Turbo Diesel I6 delivers up to 800 lb-ft of maximum torque, which is advantageous for controlled launches and steady hill climbs, especially when you are towing or fully loaded.
Is the gas V8 better for short, stop-and-go service calls?
For routes with frequent starts and shorter distances, the available 6.4L HEMI® V8’s lively throttle response can feel especially natural while still offering robust capability for tools and equipment.
How do I choose axle ratios for my terrain?
Axle ratio selection depends on your trailer weight, payload, and typical speeds. A lower ratio can help with pulling power on climbs, while a higher ratio may reduce engine speed at highway pace. Our team can help you weigh the tradeoffs based on your routes.
Which features support driver focus on long days?
Available Adaptive Forward Lighting and Forward Collision Warning support visibility and awareness, while the 12-inch Uconnect® touchscreen centralizes key functions to reduce distraction with clear, responsive controls.
When you are ready to compare engines back-to-back, set up a drive that mirrors your work—bring trailer specs, payload estimates, and upfit plans. Morgan Hill Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram will help you align engine choice, axle ratio, and configuration to your daily terrain, serving Monterey, Carmel Valley, and Pacific Grove with commercial expertise that keeps your trucks working as hard as you do.