Fowler Ram on I-240 - Which engine is best for towing with a 2026 Ram 3500 for Moore, OK drivers?
Choosing the right engine for towing is about matching the truck’s strengths to the work you do most. If you live or work around Moore, OK and are considering a 2026 Ram 3500, the available High-Output 6.7L Cummins® Turbo Diesel I6 and the standard 6.4L HEMI® V8 both bring serious capability—just in different ways that matter depending on your load, frequency, and routes.
This guide breaks down how each engine performs when towing, the tech that makes towing safer and simpler, and a few local considerations that can help you decide. Whether you’re pulling equipment down I-35, guiding a long trailer into a tight storage lane, or heading out with a fifth-wheel camper, there is a setup that will feel tailor-made for your routine.
How to choose the right engine for your towing
Start with your heaviest routine trailer weight, then consider how often you tow near that limit, and how far you typically travel. The more frequently you tow at or near the upper end of the spectrum, the more you will benefit from the diesel’s torque, downhill control, and integrated towing tech. If your towing is frequent but lighter, or intermixed with lots of short trips and payload, the HEMI® V8 can be a flexible, rewarding choice.
The case for the High-Output 6.7L Cummins® Turbo Diesel I6
If your towing loads often push deep into five digits, the available High-Output 6.7L Cummins® Turbo Diesel I6 is built for the job. It delivers up to 1,075 lb-ft of torque and 430 horsepower, supported by the TorqueFlite® HD eight-speed automatic transmission for seamless, software-optimized shifts. The result is confident pull from a stop, stable merging on I-35, and steady, predictable climbing on long grades. With a maximum available towing capacity up to 36,610 pounds, the diesel is the go-to for heavy fifth-wheel or gooseneck setups. It also pairs with an available Automatic Smart Exhaust Brake that brings extra peace of mind on long descents—helping you maintain speed and reduce brake wear with a loaded trailer behind you.
The case for the 6.4L HEMI® V8
The standard 6.4L HEMI® V8, matched with the TorqueFlite® 8 eight-speed automatic transmission, brings a highly refined and responsive feel. With 405 horsepower and 429 lb-ft of torque, it’s well-mannered in stop-and-go traffic, quick to respond at intersections, and more than capable of handling common camper, equipment, or boat trailers. You can tow up to 18,150 pounds and handle up to 7,590 pounds of maximum gas payload, which fits the needs of many Moore-area drivers who mix job-site hauling during the week with recreational towing on weekends. If your trips are shorter and you value crisp throttle response with strong payload handling, the HEMI® is a smart, balanced choice.
Technology that makes towing easier
Heavy-duty pulling is only half the story—what happens when you get off the highway matters just as much. The available Trailer Reverse Steering Control lets you direct the trailer’s path with a dedicated knob while the truck manages the steering. It shaves minutes off tricky backing maneuvers and lowers stress at storage facilities or tight driveways. The available 360° Trailer Surround View Camera provides a bird’s-eye perspective around your trailer, making it easier to align, avoid obstacles, and confirm clearances. Add the available Fifth-Wheel/Gooseneck Prep Package for integrated mounting hardware, and consider the available Auto-Level Rear Air Suspension to help level the load for a smooth, confident stance.
Monitoring also gets easier with the available Trailer Tire Pressure Monitoring system that displays readings for up to four trailers in the 12-inch Digital Cluster Display. And with the Digital Rearview Mirror and available exterior mirror cameras, you can keep sightlines clear—even with tall cargo or at night, aided by the LED Trailer Hitch Light built into the tailgate handle area.
Which engine should you choose?
If you regularly tow heavy fifth-wheel or gooseneck trailers, or travel long distances with substantial loads, the High-Output Cummins® is the clear winner for its torque, grade management, and high-end towing ceiling. If your towing is moderate, frequent, and paired with daily payload tasks, the 6.4L HEMI® V8 can feel more responsive around town while still managing serious work with confidence.
There is also the matter of how you drive. If your routes include frequent traffic merges, city streets, and short hauls—think local runs around Moore, or trips up to OKC—gas power can be especially pleasant. If your routine is more highway-intensive, often fully loaded, and includes longer grades, the diesel’s torque and available exhaust brake shine.
Local factors to keep in mind
Roads in and around Moore can vary from wide-open stretches to tight neighborhood streets. If you often maneuver into compact spaces, prioritize the towing tech suite—Trailer Reverse Steering Control and the 360° Trailer Surround View Camera are difference-makers. If your plans include frequent trips toward recreation areas with higher elevations, the diesel’s torque and downhill control are worth their weight in gold. Either way, the Largest-in-Class available 14.5-inch touchscreen with Uconnect® 5 NAV and the 12-inch Digital Cluster Display keep crucial information—navigation, towing pages, and status alerts—front and center.
Still debating your build?
It helps to drive both engine configurations with a load that’s representative of your routine. At Fowler Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram on I-240, our team can walk you through setup options, camera views, and hitching hardware so you can feel the differences firsthand. We are committed to serving Moore, Norman, and Yukon with straightforward guidance that respects your time and budget goals.
Test-drive checklist for towing evaluation
- Confirm trailer weight and tongue or pin weight before your visit
- Bring your hitch if you plan to evaluate fifth-wheel or gooseneck fitment
- Back into a space using Trailer Reverse Steering Control
- Check camera clarity in bright sun and shaded areas
- Drive both powertrains over city and highway routes
- Evaluate braking feel with and without the available exhaust brake
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I see Trailer Tire Pressure Monitoring data in the cluster?
Yes. The available Trailer Tire Pressure Monitoring system can display live readings for up to four trailers in the 12-inch Digital Cluster Display, helping you spot changes early.
Is the Auto-Level Rear Air Suspension worth it for frequent towing?
For drivers who hitch up often, the available Auto-Level Rear Air Suspension helps maintain a level stance, improving stability and ride quality. It is especially helpful with heavier tongue or pin weights.
What if I need better visibility along the sides of a long trailer?
Combine the available Power Convex Trailer Tow Mirrors with the Digital Rearview Mirror and exterior mirror cameras. This setup expands your view to the left and right of the trailer and behind it when the wired Tow Mode Camera is activated.
Which camera system is best for tight storage lots?
The available 360° Trailer Surround View Camera is extremely helpful in close quarters. Pair it with Trailer Reverse Steering Control for faster, more precise positioning.