Matthew Sessoms Ram - Can the 2026 Ram 1500 Confidently Tow Your Boat or Camper near Rocky Mount, NC?
The 2026 Ram 1500 delivers the kind of strength and smart engineering that in-market truck shoppers near Rocky Mount, NC, expect for towing weekends and workday demands. With a maximum available towing capacity of 11,610 pounds, a maximum available payload of 2,360 pounds, up to 540 maximum available horsepower, and 521 maximum available lb-ft of torque, and the Most Available Towing Technology Features Ever Offered on Ram 1500, this truck is engineered to pull its weight and then some. At Matthew Sessoms Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram, our team helps shoppers translate those headline numbers into the right build for the boat, camper, or equipment you plan to tow.
Under the hood, the 2026 Ram 1500 offers one of the most versatile engine lineups in the class—two available 3.0L Hurricane engines, the newly available 5.7L HEMI® V8 engine, or the legendary 3.6L Pentastar® V6 engine. Each balances power, efficiency, and payload differently, so the best choice depends on your trailer weight, how often you tow up I-95 grades or toward the coast, and how much gear and passengers ride along. Below, we break down what “confident towing” really means and how to choose the right configuration with confidence.
Real-world towing is about more than just the big max number. Tongue weight typically equals 10-15 percent of your trailer’s weight and counts against payload along with passengers, fuel, and cargo. If your camper weighs 9,000 pounds, expect 900-1,350 pounds on the hitch. Add four adults and a cooler, and you can see why payload matters. The Ram 1500’s maximum available payload of 2,360 pounds gives a meaningful margin for hitch weight and gear, but matching the cab, bed, axle ratio, and drivetrain to your needs is where the magic happens—and where our team can help.
For clarity, as you shop, keep these towing fundamentals in mind before your test drive.
- Powertrain options: Choose from two available 3.0L Hurricane engines, the newly available 5.7L HEMI® V8 engine, or the 3.6L Pentastar® V6 engine to align power with your trailer weight and driving mix.
- Payload headroom: The 2026 Ram 1500 offers up to 2,360 pounds of maximum available payload, which is crucial for supporting tongue weight plus people and cargo.
- Drivetrain and ratios: 4x4 traction can boost control on wet ramps around Tar River Reservoir, while an available higher axle ratio can improve pulling performance—ask our team to review the trade-offs.
- Towing technology: The Most Available Towing Technology Features Ever Offered on Ram 1500 supports confident hook-ups, lane changes, and steady highway tracking.
- Accessories and equipment: Authentic Mopar® accessories—from hitches to wiring—help ensure your setup is tailored and ready for the road.
Once you have a trailer in mind, a few straightforward planning steps can help you land on the right build and avoid second-guessing later.
- Confirm the trailer’s realistic weight: Use the heaviest trip scenario, including water, fuel, batteries, and gear.
- Estimate tongue weight: Plan for 10-15 percent of trailer weight and verify that your chosen configuration’s payload comfortably covers it.
- Match engine and axle ratio: Consider your route profile—flat I-95 cruising versus rolling country roads—and how often you tow.
- Account for passengers and cargo: Subtract people, pets, tools, and coolers from payload to keep a safe margin.
- Choose the right towing features: Select available Ram towing tech and Mopar® hardware to simplify connection, control, and visibility.
When equipped to suit your trailer, the 2026 Ram 1500 is built to handle weekend toys as well as work duty. The Most Luxurious Ram 1500 Ever and the Most Technologically Advanced Ram 1500 Ever also means you get the comfort, connectivity, and confidence to enjoy the drive—whether you are hauling a center-console boat to the Pamlico or a travel trailer into the mountains. Our product specialists can walk you through trims, bed lengths, 4x2 vs. 4x4 considerations, and the engine that fits your life just right.
Ready to validate your setup? Bring your trailer specs to Matthew Sessoms Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram in Williamston, and we will help you spec a 2026 Ram 1500 that tows with assurance near Rocky Mount, NC. From engine selection to Genuine Mopar® towing accessories and service support, our team is here to make sure your truck and trailer are a confident match.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Is 11,610 pounds of maximum available towing enough for my boat or camper?
For many popular 22-27 foot boats and a wide range of mid-size travel trailers, yes. The key is confirming your trailer’s loaded weight, estimating tongue weight at 10-15 percent, and ensuring your chosen Ram 1500 configuration preserves enough payload for people and gear. Our team will review your specs and recommend the best build.
Which 2026 Ram 1500 engine should I choose if I tow regularly?
Each available engine—two 3.0L Hurricane engines, the newly available 5.7L HEMI® V8 engine, and the 3.6L Pentastar® V6—can tow when properly equipped. Frequent towing or heavier trailers generally benefit from higher output. We will help you compare real-world performance, axle ratios, and payload by trim.
Does selecting 4x4 affect towing capacity?
4x4 traction can enhance confidence on slick ramps and unpaved sites around Rocky Mount, NC. Because 4x4 adds weight, certain configurations may show different ratings. We will review the specific build and ensure you stay within published limits with room to spare.
Can Matthew Sessoms Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram set up my hitch and wiring?
Yes. Our service team installs Authentic Mopar® towing equipment and can guide you on hardware, brake controller options, and routine towing maintenance so your Ram 1500 and trailer are road-ready.
How do I know if my payload can handle tongue weight plus passengers?
Start with the configuration’s payload rating, subtract expected tongue weight, then subtract the weight of passengers and cargo. If you maintain a comfortable margin, you are in good shape. Bring your numbers to our showroom, and we will validate the math together.
Want to experience how the 2026 Ram 1500 tows on local roads near Rocky Mount, NC? Visit Matthew Sessoms Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram for a tailored test drive and a side-by-side build comparison. Our goal is simple—get you into the right Ram 1500 with the right equipment so every tow is confident and enjoyable.