Matthew Sessoms Ram - Do I Need the High-Output 6.7L Cummins Turbo Diesel in the 2026 Ram 2500 for Towing Around Smithfield, NC?
Selecting an engine for a heavy-duty truck is not just about top-line numbers—it is about how, where, and how often you use your truck. If you are considering the 2026 Ram 2500 around Smithfield, NC, and wondering whether you should choose the available High-Output 6.7L Cummins® Turbo Diesel I6, the answer depends on your towing routine, terrain, and payload needs. The diesel’s Best-in-Class available 1,075 pound-feet of base diesel torque, paired with the TorqueFlite® HD eight-speed automatic transmission, brings effortless low-end pull for heavy trailers, composure on steep grades, and added downhill control when equipped with the available Automatic Smart Exhaust Brake. Gas power, in contrast, often suits mixed-use drivers who want strong capability with straightforward maintenance and robust payload potential.
Before you decide, frame your needs by identifying your heaviest trailer, typical loadout, and how frequently you operate near maximum ratings. If you regularly tow multi-axle campers, equipment haulers, or livestock trailers, the diesel’s deep torque band will reduce strain and keep acceleration confident, even at highway speeds. It also integrates seamlessly with the available 360° Trailer Surround View Camera, Digital Rearview Mirror with side camera integration, and Trailer Reverse Steering Control—systems that make backing, merging, and tight-site docking much less stressful. If your towing is occasional and you prioritize payload, worksite agility, and simplicity, the 6.4L HEMI® V8 remains an excellent choice, especially when combined with the Class-Exclusive available Auto-Level Rear Air Suspension for consistent stance and headlight aim under load.
- Choose diesel if:Your trailer frequently approaches the upper end of the Ram 2500’s ratings, you drive in hilly terrain, or you want the most effortless towing feel.
- Choose gas if: You tow occasionally, value a strong payload, and want a capable all-rounder with straightforward service intervals.
Cabin technology plays a key supporting role. The Largest-in-Class available 14.5-inch infotainment touchscreen running Uconnect® 5 NAV and the available 12-inch Digital Cluster Display present Trailer Tow Pages, Trailer Tire Pressure Monitoring, and turn-by-turn navigation front and center. The clarity and integration of these systems matter when winds kick up on I-95, the campground entrance is tight, or a dusk drop-off requires precise hitch alignment. Pair that with the available 50-gallon fuel tank on Crew Cab models with the 8-foot bed and Best-in-Class Available Onboard Power—up to a 2.4-kilowatt inverter—and your Ram 2500 becomes both long-haul-ready and jobsite-capable.
Frequently Asked Questions:
How heavy is “heavy” enough to justify the High-Output 6.7L Cummins® Turbo Diesel I6?
If your trailer weight often exceeds roughly three-quarters of the Ram 2500’s available diesel tow rating—or you navigate steep grades regularly—the diesel’s torque and braking support provide tangible benefits in drivability and control.
Does the diesel make highway towing quieter or more stable?
The available High-Output Cummins® is engineered for minimal noise and vibration, and its torque band reduces downshifts at speed. Stability depends on proper weight distribution, suspension setup, and correct hitching, which we can help you validate.
What visibility tech best complements the diesel for frequent towing?
Combine the 360° Trailer Surround View Camera, the Digital Rearview Mirror with side camera integration, and Trailer Reverse Steering Control. Together, they reduce blind spots and simplify backing in tight Smithfield-area campgrounds and storage lots.
Will the gas engine feel underpowered if I tow only a few times a year?
No. The 6.4L HEMI® V8 is a strong mover for periodic heavy towing. If your trips are occasional and you value payload and simplicity, it is an excellent match, especially with the available Auto-Level Rear Air Suspension.
If you are still on the fence, schedule a test drive of each model so you can feel the difference in throttle response, shift behavior, braking confidence, and camera usability. Matthew Sessoms Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram, serving Lillington, Fuquay-Varina, and Smithfield, can tailor a route that mirrors your everyday use and demonstrate the systems that matter most to you.