Matthew Sessoms Ram - Can the 2026 Ram 2500 Really Tow 20,000 Pounds for Work and Weekends in Williamston, NC?
The 2026 Ram 2500 was engineered for serious towing, and with the available High-Output 6.7L Cummins® Turbo Diesel I6 paired to the TorqueFlite® HD eight-speed automatic transmission, the truck offers a maximum available diesel towing capacity of 20,000 pounds. At Matthew Sessoms Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram in Williamston, NC, we help local drivers match this capability to real-life needs—whether that is hauling equipment out to the farm, pulling a boat toward the coast, or moving a camper to a weekend site. Below, we explain what it takes to reach that 20,000-pound figure and how the truck’s available towing technologies help you tow with confidence on US-64, across Martin County, and beyond.
Reaching the top rating requires the right configuration and equipment. The available High-Output diesel’s Best-in-Class available base diesel torque of 1,075 lb-ft and up to 430 horsepower deliver the muscle, while the frame, suspension, and hitching solutions do the rest. The 2026 Ram 2500 backs that power with available tools like Trailer Reverse Steering Control, the 360° Trailer Surround View Camera, and a factory-available Fifth-Wheel/Gooseneck Prep Package—so the same truck that pulls hard can also help you maneuver precisely at the ramp, the jobsite, or a tight campsite.
- Engine and transmission: Available High-Output 6.7L Cummins® Turbo Diesel I6 with the TorqueFlite® HD eight-speed automatic delivers the torque, durability, and smooth shifting needed for big loads.
- Hitch and hardware: Available Fifth-Wheel/Gooseneck Prep Package adds a rear-axle structural crossmember with integrated mounting hardware for heavy-duty towing.
- Rear suspension and leveling: Class-Exclusive available Auto-Level Rear Air Suspension can help maintain proper rake and ride height when you add tongue or pin weight.
- Braking and control: Heavy-Duty four-wheel disc antilock brakes and an available Automatic Smart Exhaust Brake help manage downhill grades with a trailer.
- Visibility and guidance: Available 360° Trailer Surround View Camera, Digital Rearview Mirror with side camera integration, and Trailer Reverse Steering Control streamline hitching and backing.
- Monitoring and diagnostics: Available Trailer Tire Pressure Monitoring can display readings for up to four trailers in the available 12-inch Digital Cluster Display, while Trailer Tow Pages put key data at your fingertips.
- Range and refueling: An available Largest-in-Class 50-gallon fuel tank on Crew Cab models with the 8-foot bed helps keep you moving between stops when towing on longer routes.
Capability is one side of the story—confidence is the other. The 2026 Ram 2500 supports drivers with over 100 standard and available safety and security features. Forward Collision Warning with Active Braking can help bring the vehicle to a complete stop, even with a trailer attached, while Class-Exclusive standard Adaptive Cruise Control can help maintain a set following distance all the way down to 0 mph. Add available Uconnect® 5 NAV and the Largest-in-Class available 14.5-inch infotainment touchscreen, and you have towing-specific navigation and camera views that are easy to see at a glance.
- Confirm your trailer’s actual loaded weight: Check the trailer’s Gross Vehicle Weight Rating and verify fully loaded, ready-to-travel weight.
- Match the truck’s configuration to the job: Choose the available High-Output 6.7L Cummins® Turbo Diesel I6, appropriate axle ratio, and a hitch system rated for your load.
- Set up weight distribution correctly: Balance tongue or pin weight within recommended ranges and verify level stance—available Auto-Level Rear Air Suspension can help.
- Dial in visibility and control: Calibrate your trailer in the system, activate the available camera views, and use Trailer Reverse Steering Control when backing.
- Monitor as you go: Use Trailer Tow Pages and available Trailer Tire Pressure Monitoring to keep tabs on pressures, temperatures, and brake status throughout the trip.
For life in and around Williamston, NC, the 2026 Ram 2500’s towing capability translates to confident launches at the Roanoke River, steady control heading east toward the coast, and composed, low-stress maneuvering in town. Our team at Matthew Sessoms Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram can guide you through axle ratios, bed and cab choices, hitching solutions, and accessory options to tailor a truck to your exact trailer and routes.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Does the 20,000-pound rating require the available High-Output 6.7L Cummins® Turbo Diesel I6?
Yes—the maximum available diesel towing capacity of 20,000 pounds is achieved when the 2026 Ram 2500 is properly equipped, including the available High-Output 6.7L Cummins® Turbo Diesel I6 and the TorqueFlite® HD eight-speed automatic.
Can a 2026 Ram 2500 tow a fifth-wheel or gooseneck trailer?
Absolutely. The available Fifth-Wheel/Gooseneck Prep Package includes a factory-installed rear-axle structural crossmember with integrated mounting points. Pair it with a compatible hitch to tow a properly matched fifth-wheel or gooseneck trailer.
What technologies make towing easier day to day?
Available Trailer Reverse Steering Control, 360° Trailer Surround View Camera, Digital Rearview Mirror with side camera integration, Trailer Tow Pages, and Trailer Tire Pressure Monitoring all work together to simplify hitching, backing, lane positioning, and ongoing trailer health checks.
How does the truck handle braking on long grades with a heavy trailer?
Ram Heavy Duty trucks feature Heavy-Duty four-wheel disc antilock brakes, and the available Automatic Smart Exhaust Brake can assist with engine braking to help manage speed and brake temperatures on declines.
Will towing affect interior comfort or connectivity?
No, tow with comfort. Available Uconnect® 5 NAV on the Largest-in-Class 14.5-inch infotainment touchscreen keeps navigation, camera views, and media accessible, while available features like the 900-watt Harman Kardon® Premium Audio System and Class-Exclusive Dual Wireless Charging Pads keep the cabin premium and connected.
If you want a heavy-duty truck that pulls with authority and supports you with smart technology, the 2026 Ram 2500 delivers. Visit Matthew Sessoms Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram in Williamston, NC, also serving Greenville, Washington, and Windsor, to explore configurations, see towing tech in action, and set up a tailored test route with your trailer in mind. Our team will help you equip your Ram 2500 to confidently handle your workweeks—and your weekends.