2026 Ram 1500 Towing Capacity by Engine
Boats on Sardis Lake, campers headed to the Smokies or equipment for the job site - here's exactly how much the 2026 Ram 1500 can tow and haul, and which setup fits your trailer.
The 2026 Ram 1500 tows up to 11,610 lbs and carries up to 2,360 lbs of payload when properly equipped. The highest towing rating comes from the 420-hp 3.0L Hurricane twin-turbo inline-six. The returning 5.7L HEMI V8 tows up to 11,320 lbs, the High-Output Hurricane up to 10,000 lbs and the standard 3.6L Pentastar V6 up to 8,130 lbs.
2026 Ram 1500 Towing Capacity by Engine
Your engine is the biggest factor in how much you can tow. Cab style, bed length, axle ratio and 4x2 vs. 4x4 fine-tune the final number on each truck.
| Engine | Output | Max Towing* | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3.0L Hurricane I6 (Standard Output) | 420 hp / 469 lb-ft | Up to 11,610 lbs | Heaviest travel trailers, bigger boats, equipment |
| 5.7L HEMI V8 with eTorque | 395 hp / 410 lb-ft | Up to 11,320 lbs | V8 fans who tow campers and boats |
| 3.0L Hurricane I6 (High Output) | 540 hp / 521 lb-ft | Up to 10,000 lbs | Luxury trims that still tow strong |
| 3.6L Pentastar V6 with eTorque | 305 hp | Up to 8,130 lbs | Utility trailers, jon boats, side-by-sides |
*Maximum ratings when properly equipped. The off-road RHO is tuned for performance and carries a lower rating than other High-Output trucks. Always check the door-jamb label and towing chart for the exact truck you're considering - our sales team can pull it for any truck in stock.
What Can a Ram 1500 Tow?
Typical loaded weights for common Mid-South trailers, and the Ram 1500 setup we'd point you toward.
Utility & ATV Trailers
Lawn equipment, side-by-sides, small jon boats. Any 2026 Ram 1500 handles these with room to spare.
Shop TradesmanBass & Pontoon Boats
Most fishing and pontoon rigs fall here. Big Horn or Laramie with the HEMI or Hurricane is a sweet spot.
Shop Big HornTravel Trailers
Family-size bumper-pull campers. Choose the Hurricane or HEMI with the 3.92 axle for comfortable headroom.
Shop LaramieBig Campers & Goosenecks
Fifth-wheel and gooseneck setups belong on a heavy-duty truck. Step up to the Ram 2500 or 3500.
Shop Ram HDTrailer weights are general estimates. Use your trailer's loaded (GVWR) weight, not its dry weight, when matching it to a truck.
Ram 1500 Payload: Up to 2,360 lbs
Payload is everything you put in the cab and bed - passengers, gear and the trailer's tongue weight. The highest payload ratings come on Quad Cab long-bed trucks with the 3.6L V6.
- Tongue weight usually runs 10-15% of your trailer weight and counts against payload
- Luxury trims carry more equipment, so their payload ratings are lower
- Your exact rating is on the yellow label in the driver's door jamb
Features That Make Towing Easier
Ram calls the 2026 Ram 1500 its most tow-tech-equipped half-ton yet. Look for these on the window sticker:
Trailer Hitch Camera & Zoom
Line up the ball without a spotter, even after dark at the boat ramp.
Trailer Reverse Steering Control
Steer your trailer with a dial while backing - available on select trims.
Integrated Trailer Brake Controller
Built-in control for electric trailer brakes, no aftermarket box needed.
Blind Spot with Trailer Detection
Monitors the full length of your trailer when changing lanes on I-40 or I-240.
Tow / Haul Drive Mode
Adjusts shifting and throttle response for heavy loads and long grades.
Available Air Suspension
Levels the truck under load and lowers the rear for easier hitching.
Feature availability varies by trim and package. Ask our team to confirm equipment on a specific truck.
Find a Ram 1500 Set Up for Your Trailer
Tell us what you're pulling - we'll match you with the right engine, axle and packages.
Ram 1500 Towing Questions
What is the maximum towing capacity of the 2026 Ram 1500?
How much can the 2026 Ram 1500 HEMI tow?
What is the payload capacity of the 2026 Ram 1500?
Can a Ram 1500 tow a fifth-wheel trailer?
Which Ram 1500 engine is best for towing?
Can I test drive a Ram 1500 with a trailer near Memphis?
Not Sure Which Ram 1500 Can Pull Your Trailer?
Bring your trailer specs to 7661 US Highway 51 North in Millington or call 901-403-7607. We'll match you with the right truck.
Towing and payload figures are manufacturer maximums for the 2026 Ram 1500 when properly equipped and are subject to change. Ratings vary by engine, cab, bed, axle ratio, drivetrain and installed options and may not be achievable at the same time. Trailer weights shown are general estimates. See Homer Skelton CDJR for complete details.