Matthew Sessoms Ram - Which Engine Is Best for Towing on the 2026 Ram 1500 for Plymouth, NC Drivers?
Choosing an engine for towing is more than chasing the highest number on paper. It is about matching real-world torque, cooling, gearing, and control systems to the way you actually tow around coastal roads and inland highways. For drivers evaluating the 2026 Ram 1500 in and around Plymouth, NC, here is a clear, practical breakdown of how each available engine serves different trailering profiles.
Start with your trailer. Note the gross weight when loaded, tongue weight, and how often you tow. Light, occasional towing with a compact boat or small utility trailer asks for smooth power and stable cooling, while frequent, heavier towing benefits from extra torque and more sophisticated guidance tech. Ram’s engine lineup covers both ends of that spectrum with the proven 3.6L Pentastar® V6, the newly available 5.7L HEMI® V8, and the advanced 3.0L Hurricane engines that bring modern responsiveness and strong output.
- 3.6L Pentastar® V6: Ideal for daily driving plus lighter, occasional towing where smooth power, reliability, and reasonable operating costs matter most.
- 5.7L HEMI® V8: A great fit for drivers who want a traditional V8 feel, robust low-end punch, and confident acceleration when merging or passing with a trailer.
- 3.0L Hurricane engines: Tailored for those seeking modern power density with crisp throttle response and strong, repeatable output under load.
Beyond raw power, towing confidence is about visibility and control. That is where the Most Available Towing Technology Features Ever Offered on Ram 1500 can transform your experience. Advanced camera views and trailer guidance aids help line up the hitch, confirm your connection, and keep tabs on trailer position as you maneuver. If you are teaching a new driver to tow, these systems make the learning curve far less intimidating, and for veterans, they speed up the process on busy ramps and crowded campsites.
Cooling and calibration matter as much as torque numbers. The 3.0L Hurricane engines are tuned for sustained output with attention to thermal management, so longer climbs or warmer summer days do not rattle composure. The 5.7L HEMI® V8 offers the familiar, linear pull that many drivers prefer, paired with reassuring braking and chassis tuning when descending grades. The 3.6L Pentastar® V6 keeps things simple and dependable for those who tow occasionally and want a balanced, daily-driver demeanor.
Technology in the cabin supports towing just as much as the powertrain. With up to 50-plus inches of available combined digital display space and Uconnect® systems, you can keep critical towing data, navigation, and camera feeds front and center. The available passenger display lets your co-pilot manage routes or monitor camera views, freeing you to focus on steering inputs and traffic dynamics.
Ultimately, engine choice should match your trailer weight, frequency, and terrain. If you tow often and want strong reserves for hills or higher winds, the Hurricane or HEMI® options make sense. If your trailer is light and most miles are unladen, the Pentastar® V6 offers easygoing, proven performance. Matthew Sessoms Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram can walk you through configurations and towing tech so you can make a confident, informed decision.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can the V6 handle my towing needs if I only tow a few times a year?
For light trailers and infrequent towing, the 3.6L Pentastar® V6 is an excellent, reliable choice. It balances smooth power delivery with everyday drivability, and when paired with the right towing technologies, it is more than capable for occasional trips.
What advantages does the HEMI® V8 offer over the other options?
The newly available 5.7L HEMI® V8 brings a traditional V8 feel—strong low-end torque, reassuring throttle response with a trailer, and a familiar character many drivers appreciate. It pairs well with frequent towing at moderate weights.
When should I step up to a 3.0L Hurricane engine?
If you tow often, drive on rolling terrain, or want more headroom for higher loads, the Hurricane engines deliver modern power density with responsive performance and tuning that shines under sustained load.
For hands-on guidance, schedule a towing-focused test drive and bring your trailer specs. Our product specialists will demonstrate camera views, hitch guidance, and how the available systems support you when roads narrow or the weather turns. We are proudly serving Windsor, Plymouth, and Wilson, and we welcome you to compare multiple engine and technology setups in one visit, so you leave confident in your choice.