Everything You Need to Know Before Buying a New 2026 Ram 5500 Chassis Cab near San Jose, CA

Key Features of the 2026 RAM 5500 Chassis Cab

6.7L Cummins® Turbo Diesel I6

The available 6.7L Cummins® Turbo Diesel I6 engine is the torque-forward workhorse that heavy-duty buyers know and trust. It delivers up to 800 pound-feet of maximum torque and 360 maximum horsepower, giving your build the muscle to move weight confidently. This engine is engineered for sustained work performance — the kind of repeatable pulling power that keeps schedules on track when grades are long, headwinds pick up, and the trailer is loaded to the hilt. Pair it with the proper gearing and towing equipment, and the 5500’s maximum trailering capacity reaches up to 34,540 pounds when properly equipped. Whether you’re hauling equipment, towing a multi-axle dump trailer, or running a rolling workshop, the Cummins® balances confident low-end response with the durability expected in a commercial-grade diesel.

6.4L HEMI® V8

The available 6.4L HEMI® V8 provides a gasoline-powered alternative with serious output and a responsive feel that many crews appreciate for mixed-duty routes. With up to 375 maximum horsepower and 429 pound-feet of maximum torque, the HEMI® is tuned to deliver power where you use it most during frequent stop-and-go operation and on-road merging. Properly equipped, it supports a maximum trailering capacity up to 21,240 pounds and provides confident acceleration with an unloaded truck or a fully outfitted service body. For businesses that prefer gas fueling infrastructure, seasonal use, or a wide range of duty cycles, the 6.4L HEMI® V8 is a compelling, proven powerplant that integrates seamlessly into the 5500’s heavy-duty chassis.

Upfit-Ready Exterior and Frame

The Ram Chassis Cab platform is designed from the outset to simplify upfitting. A durable, easily upfitted exterior and robust frame provide the foundation for flatbeds, utility bodies, box bodies, tow and recovery builds, and specialized vocational equipment. Ram backs this capability with resources like the Ram Body Builder’s Guide, which compiles essential specifications — including towing, payload, GCWR, emissions, electrical data, and dimensional graphics — to help upfitters choose components and package them correctly. The result is a truck that transitions quickly from a bare chassis to a ready-for-work build with clean wiring, proper weight distribution, and the right mounting points for long-term durability.

Uconnect® 12-Inch Touchscreen

An available high-definition 12-inch Uconnect® touchscreen turns the cab into a command center. The large display makes it easier to view built-in navigation, monitor trailering camera feeds, and access key vehicle settings. For fleets, the interface supports modern connectivity that can streamline routing, reduce phone dependence, and help drivers locate job details at a glance. When projects require backing into tight spaces or coordinating with a spotter, the crisp, configurable screen is a game-changer for visibility and workflow. Combined with ample cabin storage and heavy-duty interior materials, the technology makes long days more efficient and less fatiguing.

Available Safety and Security Systems

Confidence matters when your schedule is full and your trailer is heavy. The 2026 Ram Chassis Cab offers available systems like Forward Collision Warning and Adaptive Forward Lighting to help support driver awareness. Forward Collision Warning can alert the driver to potential frontal hazards, helping provide valuable reaction time. Adaptive Forward Lighting helps brighten the road ahead and improve visibility as conditions change. Together with the inherent stability of a well-engineered chassis and proper towing equipment, these features contribute to a more reassuring drive between jobsites, early in the morning or late into the evening.