Fair Oaks Chantilly Ram - Which Engine Is Better for Towing on the 2026 Ram 2500 for Fairfax, VA Drivers?
Choosing between the available High-Output 6.7L Cummins® Turbo Diesel I6 and the 6.4L HEMI® V8 is the most important decision many 2500 shoppers make. If you’re weighing your options around boat ramps, job routes, or weekend escapes near Fairfax, VA, here’s how each powertrain helps you pull with confidence.
The available High-Output 6.7L Cummins® Turbo Diesel I6 pairs with the TorqueFlite® HD eight-speed automatic to deliver Best-in-Class available 1,075 lb-ft of base diesel torque and up to 430 horsepower. That torque shows up early and stays consistent—exactly what you want when moving heavy weight or merging with a full trailer. When properly equipped, maximum available diesel towing hits 20,000 pounds. Diesel buyers also benefit from an available Automatic Smart Exhaust Brake for downhill control and a suite of towing aids like Trailer Tow Pages, available 360° Trailer Surround View Camera, and the available Digital Rearview Mirror with side camera integration and an available wired Tow Mode Camera.
The 6.4L HEMI® V8 is a strong choice for mixed-duty drivers who blend significant payload with regular towing. It delivers robust gas towing and a standout maximum gas payload rating of up to 3,930 pounds when properly configured—valuable for contractors who regularly load the bed with materials and tools. The TorqueFlite® HD eight-speed automatic’s smooth, decisive shifts pair well with available Trailer Reverse Steering Control when backing into tight sites, while standard heavy-duty four-wheel disc ABS and available Auto-Level Rear Air Suspension help keep things composed as loads change.
Cabin tech also supports whichever engine you choose. The Largest-in-Class available 14.5-inch touchscreen with available Uconnect® 5 NAV puts tow-specific maps and media a tap away. Meanwhile, the available 12-inch Digital Cluster Display with Trailer Tow Pages and Off-Road Pages keeps real-time data in your line of sight. Add class-exclusive Dual Wireless Charging Pads and the class-exclusive 10.25-inch Front Passenger Interactive Display for a flexible, co-pilot-friendly cockpit.
- Choose diesel if: You tow heavy most of the time, want Best-in-Class available base diesel torque, value the available Automatic Smart Exhaust Brake, and plan frequent long hauls.
- Choose gas if: You emphasize payload and cost of ownership, tow substantial but not max loads regularly, and want a versatile setup for workdays and weekends.
- Add the right packages: Consider the available Fifth-Wheel/Gooseneck Prep Package, Tow Tech Package with available Trailer Tire Pressure Monitoring, and camera systems for any engine choice.
- Improve stability: The class-exclusive available Auto-Level Rear Air Suspension can help maintain a level stance and consistent handling under changing loads.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Does the diesel really make towing easier around hills and ramps?
Yes. The available High-Output 6.7L Cummins® Turbo Diesel I6 delivers deep torque at low rpm, which helps with smooth launches on ramps and steady climbing on grades. Pair it with the available Automatic Smart Exhaust Brake for controlled descents with a heavy trailer.
What tech makes backing into tight spaces less stressful?
Available Trailer Reverse Steering Control lets you use a trailer steering knob to guide your trailer while the system manages the truck’s steering. Combine it with the available 360° Trailer Surround View Camera and the available Digital Rearview Mirror for expanded awareness.
How does the Auto-Level Rear Air Suspension help day to day?
When equipped, the class-exclusive available Auto-Level Rear Air Suspension helps maintain a level ride height under varying loads. That can improve stability, brake feel, and headlight aim—helpful if you constantly switch between loaded and unloaded driving.
Is there enough power in the gas engine for weekend towing?
Absolutely. The 6.4L HEMI® V8 is well-suited for substantial weekend trailers when properly configured, while also supporting a high maximum gas payload rating. For consistent heavy towing near the top end, diesel is typically the better fit.
Still deciding? Fair Oaks Chantilly Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram is serving Fairfax, Manassas, and McLean with side-by-side test drives so you can feel both powertrains. Our team will map your typical loads, show how the camera systems and Trailer Tow Pages work together, and help you optimize your build for smooth, confident towing—week in and week out.