Matthew Sessoms Ram - Can the 2026 Ram 2500 Safely Tow a 5th-Wheel Camper Around Raleigh, NC?
For many shoppers, one key question leads their research journey: can the 2026 Ram 2500 safely tow a fifth-wheel camper around Raleigh, NC, and beyond? The short answer is yes, and the longer answer is even better—Ram engineered this heavy-duty pickup with smart, confidence-building tools that make complex trailer maneuvers feel straightforward. With the available High-Output 6.7L Cummins® Turbo Diesel I6 delivering up to 1,075 lb-ft of Best-in-Class available base diesel torque and the TorqueFlite® HD eight-speed automatic transmission, the Ram 2500 brings the muscle to move substantial fifth-wheel loads when properly equipped.
Capability on paper is only part of the equation. What sets the Ram 2500 apart for fifth-wheel towing is how its systems work together to simplify real-world tasks. The available 360° Trailer Surround View Camera can provide a bird’s-eye view around your trailer, while the Digital Rearview Mirror with side camera integration helps you keep tabs on the areas to the left and right of the trailer during lane changes and merges. Trailer Reverse Steering Control lets you use the trailer steering knob to guide your trailer as the system manages steering input—ideal for precise backing at a campground or storage lot. Add in Trailer Tire Pressure Monitoring for up to four trailers and the available Tow Tech Package to centralize your readings in the 12-inch Digital Cluster Display, and you get technology that reduces guesswork at every step.
While fifth-wheel hitches add stability and weight distribution advantages, proper setup remains crucial. We recommend reviewing your truck’s specific gross vehicle weight rating, rear axle rating, and fifth-wheel/gooseneck prep details to ensure your combination’s capacities are aligned. The 2026 Ram 2500 offers an available Fifth-Wheel/Gooseneck Prep Package with a factory-installed rear-axle structural crossmember and integrated mounting hardware, setting you up for a clean, secure hitch installation. If you tow frequently, the Class-Exclusive available Auto-Level Rear Air Suspension can help level heavy loads for consistent handling and headlight aim.
Inside, the Largest-in-Class available 14.5-inch infotainment touchscreen with Uconnect® 5 NAV and the available 12-inch Digital Cluster Display keep your most important towing information accessible. Trailer Tow Pages and tow-specific navigation help you plan routes and review braking status or lighting checks right on the screen. For cabin practicality, available Class-Exclusive Dual Wireless Charging Pads and the Class-Exclusive available 10.25-inch Front Passenger Interactive Display help passengers manage music and navigation while you focus on the road.
Beyond long-haul stability, the 2026 Ram 2500 is designed to put power wherever you need it. Best-in-Class Available Onboard Power with a 2.4-kilowatt inverter, plus a 400-watt inverter, turns your truck into a power source at the campsite. The Class-Exclusive available RamBox® Cargo Management System adds lockable, drainable storage with LED lighting and a 115-volt power outlet to keep gear organized and accessible. LED Trailer Hitch Light and available LED bed lighting help with late-evening setup or early-morning departures.
If you are comparing fifth-wheel towing to conventional towing, consider where you travel most and how often you will navigate tight spots. Fifth-wheel setups are prized for improved stability and weight distribution, especially with larger campers. Conventional hitches can be more flexible if you frequently tow different trailers. Either way, Ram’s complementary systems—360° cameras, Trailer Reverse Steering Control, and robust braking—are designed to support your decision.
When you are ready to spec your truck and hitch, consult a knowledgeable team to confirm axle ratios, bed length considerations, and prep package details. You will also want a thorough demo of camera views, cluster customization, and Trailer Tow Pages so you can tailor the truck’s information displays to your trailer and driving preferences. One well-guided walkaround and test drive will highlight how seamlessly these systems work together for fifth-wheel owners.
We recommend collaborating with a dealership that understands heavy-duty towing and can walk you through real-world scenarios. Matthew Sessoms Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram can help you align payload, pin weight, and towing features with your specific camper, then demonstrate the camera and control systems so you are confident before your first trip. With the right configuration, the 2026 Ram 2500 is a fantastic foundation for safe, smooth fifth-wheel adventures, whether your weekends take you to the mountains, coast, or your favorite local campgrounds.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Do I need the Fifth-Wheel/Gooseneck Prep Package for my 2026 Ram 2500?
If you plan to tow a fifth-wheel or gooseneck, the available prep package is strongly recommended. It includes a factory-installed rear-axle structural crossmember and integrated mounting hardware, streamlining installation and helping ensure the system is engineered to work harmoniously with the truck’s frame.
Which camera systems help most when towing a fifth-wheel?
The available 360° Trailer Surround View Camera, Digital Rearview Mirror with side camera integration, and the available wired Tow Mode Camera are particularly helpful. Together, they improve situational awareness during merging, backing, and campsite maneuvering.
Can I use Trailer Reverse Steering Control with a fifth-wheel setup?
Trailer Reverse Steering Control is designed to simplify trailer backing by letting you guide the trailer with a dedicated knob while the system manages steering inputs. Your advisor can demonstrate how it functions with your hitch type and trailer.
Does the Ram 2500 offer onboard power for camping?
Yes. The truck offers a 400-watt inverter and Best-in-Class Available Onboard Power with an available 2.4-kilowatt inverter, plus the Class-Exclusive available RamBox® Cargo Management System with a 115-volt outlet to support tools and campsite gear.
From route planning to setup at the campsite, the 2026 Ram 2500 is purpose-built to help you tow a fifth-wheel with confidence. If you are mapping out travels across the Triangle and beyond, our team serving Rocky Mount, Raleigh, and Lillington can provide expert guidance tailored to your trailer, terrain, and travel style.