David Taylor CDJR of Murray - Which 2026 Ram 2500 engine is best for towing around Paducah, KY?
Choosing the right powerplant for a heavy-duty pickup starts with what you tow, how often you tow it, and the kind of terrain you face day to day around the Tennessee River and Kentucky Lake corridors. If you are weighing the 6.4L HEMI® V8 against the available High-Output 6.7L Cummins® Turbo Diesel I6 in the 2026 Ram 2500, this guide breaks down how each performs, what tech helps most, and how to match your setup to your trailer and route.
Both engines are paired with the TorqueFlite® HD eight-speed automatic transmission for smooth, smart shifting under load. The HEMI® V8 delivers strong gas towing and the highest maximum gas payload ratings, making it a versatile choice if you split time between hauling materials and towing medium to heavy loads. The available High-Output 6.7L Cummins® Turbo Diesel I6 turns up the pulling power with up to 1,075 pound-feet of Best-in-Class available base diesel torque for confident acceleration, strong grade climbing, and poised control with a big trailer in tow.
Understanding towing and payload tradeoffs
If your routine includes frequent heavy towing near the upper limits, the available diesel is built to carry that load. When properly equipped, the 2026 Ram 2500 offers up to 20,000 pounds of maximum available diesel towing capacity and up to 3,600 pounds of maximum diesel payload in certain configurations. On the gas side, maximum figures include up to 17,750 pounds of maximum gas towing capacity and up to 3,930 pounds of maximum gas payload in properly equipped models. If you are often moving dense cargo in the bed, the gas engine’s payload advantage can be compelling.
Think about your typical trip distance and elevation changes. For frequent long hauls or routes with substantial grades, the diesel’s torque and efficiency under load help maintain momentum. For mixed days with more stop-and-go driving, material runs, and occasional trailer work, the HEMI® V8 shines with crisp throttle response and a payload-friendly setup.
Trailering tech that makes either engine easier
Regardless of engine, the 2026 Ram 2500 is loaded with available systems that make towing and maneuvering simpler and safer. Available Trailer Reverse Steering Control lets you steer the trailer’s direction with a dedicated knob while the system manages the truck’s steering inputs, turning a tricky skill into a short learning curve. The available 360° Trailer Surround View Camera and 360° Surround View Camera offer a bird’s-eye perspective to help you monitor obstacles around the truck and trailer, while the available Digital Rearview Mirror with side camera integration provides real-time video behind the truck and along the sides of your trailer.
Add the available Trailer Tire Pressure Monitoring to see live tire pressures for up to four trailers on the available 12-inch Digital Cluster Display. Combine that with the available Fifth-Wheel/Gooseneck Prep Package for factory-integrated hardware that speeds up hitching and boosts confidence in your setup. These systems reduce the stress points of towing so you can focus on your route and schedule.
Ride control, braking, and confidence
Heavy-Duty Four-Wheel Disc Antilock Brakes bring serious stopping power, and the available Automatic Smart Exhaust Brake on diesel models helps hold speed on descents with a trailer, minimizing brake wear and heat. The Class-Exclusive available Auto-Level Rear Air Suspension helps maintain ride height under changing loads, improving stability, steering feel, and headlight aim when you add tongue weight or cargo. If you regularly go from empty to loaded, the self-leveling capability is a real asset.
Driver-assistance features help too. Over 100 standard and available safety and security features include Forward Collision Warning with Active Braking, Class-Exclusive standard Adaptive Cruise Control, available LaneSense® Lane Departure Warning with Lane Keep Assist, available Drowsy Driver Detection, and available Traffic Sign Recognition. For long stretches on US 68 or winding county routes, these features support smooth, alert driving even with a trailer behind you.
Cab, bed, and power planning
Towing is more than an engine decision. If your crew rides along, Crew Cab and Mega Cab® configurations offer generous room, and Mega Cab® adds Class-Exclusive Reclining Rear Seats and Class-Exclusive Forward Fold-Flat Rear Seats to adapt to passengers and bulky gear. In the bed, available LED lighting, the Class-Exclusive available RamBox® Cargo Management System, and available onboard power with either a 400-watt inverter or Best-in-Class Available Onboard Power with a 2.4-kilowatt inverter turn your truck into a mobile workspace.
In the cabin, the Largest-in-Class available 14.5-inch infotainment touchscreen with Uconnect® 5 NAV serves as a convenient command center. From Trailer Tow Pages to Off-Road Pages, and available dual wireless charging pads that keep devices ready, it all adds up to a smarter daily drive.
The simplest way to choose an engine is to let your heaviest trailer and weekly schedule set the target. If you tow heavy on most days or want maximum pulling confidence with a fifth-wheel or gooseneck, the available High-Output 6.7L Cummins® Turbo Diesel I6 is the clear pick. If your workload is more varied and you value the highest maximum gas payload while still pulling a substantial trailer when needed, the 6.4L HEMI® V8 is a strong all-arounder.
Want help mapping your specific trailer, hitch, and route to the right 2026 Ram 2500 configuration? Our team at David Taylor CDJR of Murray is here to walk you through engine choices, trailer packages, visibility tech, and suspension options so you drive home in a truck that feels perfectly tailored to your needs.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Do I need the available Fifth-Wheel or Gooseneck Prep Package for heavy towing
If your trailer uses a fifth-wheel or gooseneck hitch, the factory-available prep package is the most straightforward path to a strong, integrated setup. It adds a structural rear-axle crossmember with integrated mounting hardware to streamline installation and boost confidence when towing heavy.
How does Trailer Reverse Steering Control help in tight spaces
Instead of turning the steering wheel and mentally reversing your inputs, you use a dedicated knob to point the trailer where you want it to go. The system manages the truck’s steering, making precision backing into a driveway, storage bay, or campsite faster and less stressful.
Is the Class-Exclusive available Auto-Level Rear Air Suspension worth it if I only tow occasionally
If your load varies often or you value a consistent ride height and composed handling when you do tow, the self-leveling benefit is compelling. It reduces squat under tongue weight, helps maintain stable steering, and keeps headlight aim in check, which all contribute to relaxed driving.
What tech should I prioritize if I am new to towing
The available 360° Trailer Surround View Camera, the available Digital Rearview Mirror with side camera integration, and available Trailer Reverse Steering Control are great confidence builders. Trailer Tire Pressure Monitoring adds peace of mind by surfacing tire status right in the cluster so you can catch an issue early.
Whether you are hauling boats, campers, or work trailers while serving Paducah, Mayfield, and Cadiz routes, the right engine and tech combination will make every mile smoother. Map your typical load, pick the features that reduce stress, and enjoy the strength and smarts the 2026 Ram 2500 brings to the table.