Fair Oaks Chantilly Ram - Which Engine Should Fairfax, VA Truck Owners Choose on the 2026 Ram 3500 for Heavy Towing?
Shopping a heavy-duty pickup often starts with a crucial decision—diesel or gas. On the 2026 Ram 3500, that choice shapes how you tow, how you load, and how your truck feels at the wheel. For drivers around Fairfax, VA who regularly pull equipment, livestock, or multi-axle trailers, understanding the strengths of the available High-Output 6.7L Cummins® Turbo Diesel I6 versus the 6.4L HEMI® V8 will make your build more dialed-in from day one.
The diesel’s headline is torque. With up to 1,075 lb-ft of available Best-in-Class base diesel torque and 430 horsepower, the High-Output 6.7L Cummins® Turbo Diesel I6 means confident launches, smoother low-speed maneuvering, and sustained pulling power on grades or in headwinds. Properly equipped, the Ram 3500 can tow up to 36,610 pounds with the High-Output Cummins®. The gas-powered 6.4L HEMI® V8 is an excellent fit for those who emphasize payload or prefer a gas ownership profile—delivering up to 18,150 pounds of maximum gas towing and up to 7,590 pounds of maximum gas payload when properly equipped.
Beyond raw numbers, the diesel’s driving character stands out under heavy load. Paired with the TorqueFlite® HD eight-speed automatic transmission, the available diesel powertrain benefits from minimal noise and vibration with intuitive shift logic that keeps the engine in its sweet spot. Add the available Automatic Smart Exhaust Brake, and the truck helps hold gears and maintain control on long descents—reducing brake fade and driver fatigue. The HEMI® V8 counters with crisp throttle response, well-spaced gear ratios via the TorqueFlite® 8 eight-speed automatic, and strong payload capability for builds that require bed capacity and frequent loading.
Whichever engine you choose, build it for your trailer. If you are towing frequently, consider the available Fifth-Wheel/Gooseneck Prep Package with integrated crossmember and mounting hardware. Then add tow-focused tech: Trailer Reverse Steering Control simplifies backing with a dedicated control knob, the 360° Trailer Surround View Camera offers a bird’s-eye view around your trailer, and available trailer tire pressure monitoring delivers real-time readings for up to four trailers right in the available 12-inch Digital Cluster Display. Visibility features like the available Digital Rearview Mirror with side camera integration and wired Tow Mode Camera add confidence when the trailer blocks your standard mirror view.
Cabin systems help too. The Largest-in-Class available 14.5-inch Uconnect® 5 NAV touchscreen blends tow-specific navigation with wireless Apple CarPlay® support and Android Auto™ compatibility. Available class-exclusive Dual Wireless Charging Pads keep devices powered, while the available class-exclusive 10.25-inch Front Passenger Interactive Display lets your co-pilot manage maps and media. After hours, the available Harman Kardon® Premium Audio System with 17 speakers and Interior Active Noise Cancellation makes long rides more relaxing.
Ride and load management are the final pieces. The class-exclusive available Auto-Level Rear Air Suspension helps keep the truck level under changing loads—improving stability, headlight aim and braking feel. Heavy-duty four-wheel disc antilock brakes come ready for serious work, and LED lighting—from headlamps to bed lights—keeps your operations going when daylight is short.
In short, the High-Output 6.7L Cummins® Turbo Diesel I6 is your pick for maximum tow confidence, steep-grade control and the highest tow ratings. The 6.4L HEMI® V8 is a strong, refined alternative if your needs emphasize payload and you prefer a gas setup. Fair Oaks Chantilly Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram can help you drive both and decide what feels right for your trailers, routes and schedules.
Frequently Asked Questions:
How do I choose between diesel and gas on the 2026 Ram 3500?
If your priority is maximum towing and downhill control with heavy trailers, the available High-Output 6.7L Cummins® Turbo Diesel I6 is the smart move. If you emphasize payload and prefer gas operation, the 6.4L HEMI® V8 delivers excellent capability and responsive performance.
Which towing tech should I add for frequent backing into tight sites?
Consider Trailer Reverse Steering Control, the 360° Trailer Surround View Camera, and the Digital Rearview Mirror with side camera integration. Together, they improve situational awareness and simplify precision parking or loading dock maneuvers.
What packages help me prep for fifth-wheel or gooseneck towing?
Ask for the available Fifth-Wheel/Gooseneck Prep Package with the integrated crossmember and mounting hardware. We also recommend pairing it with the available Auto-Level Rear Air Suspension and Tow Tech features for a complete, confidence-inspiring setup.
We are serving Fairfax, Manassas, and McLean with tailored guidance on engine choice, trailer packages and camera systems. If you bring your trailer details, we will map your usage to the right configuration and set up a focused test drive that highlights the features that matter most to you.