Jones Junction - Which 2026 Ram 1500 Engine Is Best for Towing in Bel Air, MD?
Shoppers around Bel Air who plan to tow boats, campers, or work trailers often want a straight, confidence-inspiring answer about the 2026 Ram 1500 powertrains. The question we hear most at Jones Junction is simple and practical — which engine is best for towing? Because the 2026 Ram 1500 returns with the famously powerful HEMI® V8 alongside two available 3.0L Hurricane engines and the proven 3.6L Pentastar® V6, choosing the right setup is about matching real-world needs to real capability, not just chasing numbers.
To set the stage, the 2026 Ram 1500 is The Strongest and Most Technologically Advanced Ram 1500 ever, with maximum available horsepower up to 540 and maximum available torque up to 521 lb-ft. When properly equipped, maximum available towing reaches up to 11,610 lb, and maximum available payload reaches up to 2,360 lb. Those headline figures tell a compelling story, but the best engine for you depends on what you tow around Harford County, how often you haul, and which cab, bed, and 4x4 configuration you prefer.
Here is a quick way to think through the core engine choices for towing, whether your weekends take you to Gunpowder Falls boat ramps or your weekday schedule includes equipment runs across the I-95 corridor.
- 3.0L Hurricane engines offer confident power and quick acceleration with the responsiveness many drivers want for midsize campers or boats
- 5.7L HEMI® V8 brings classic V8 response and broad capability that frequent towers appreciate for mixed payload and trailer duty
- 3.6L Pentastar® V6 is a smart fit for lighter open trailers or occasional towing while prioritizing everyday drivability
Power is only part of the equation. The 2026 Ram 1500 complements its engines with next-level towing confidence. Ram calls it the Most Available Towing Technology Features Ever Offered on Ram 1500, and in practice, that means easier hitching, stronger braking integration, and better visibility. The Most Technologically Advanced Ram 1500 Ever also brings 50+ combined available digital displays measured in inches, so your key trailer information can live where you need it, from the available Digital Cluster to Uconnect® screens.
If you are comparing builds, this simple framework helps you land on the right combination faster.
- Confirm the loaded weight of your trailer, including water, fuel, gear, and accessories
- Add expected passengers and cargo to account for payload and tongue weight
- Consider the terrain you tow across like rolling grades toward the Susquehanna or stop and go near Baltimore
- Decide how often you will tow and how much daily driving you do without a trailer
With those answers, selecting an engine becomes straightforward. Many Bel Air customers who regularly tow medium-weight campers or boats will appreciate the authority of the Hurricane engines or the returning HEMI® V8. If your trailer loads are lighter and towing is occasional, the Pentastar® V6 can be the right answer while still delivering the refined ride and cabin comfort that make the 2026 Ram 1500 The Most Luxurious Ram 1500 Ever.
Technology and trim can also shape your experience. For example, the available Rebel® configuration in Hydro Blue makes an impression at the ramp and on the trail, while special appearances like Black Express bring purposeful style with 20-Inch Black Aluminum Wheels and all-black accents. Beyond looks, available trailering aids, camera views that help with alignment, and integrated controls in Uconnect® can reduce setup time and help you feel in command.
Local ownership support matters too. Our team at Jones Junction can help you verify the exact towing and payload ratings for your build, install Mopar® towing accessories, and walk you through a step-by-step trailer light and brake check before you leave. With Jones For A Lifetime, you also benefit from free oil changes, free car washes, and our engine guarantee for as long as you own your vehicle when you follow the manufacturer’s maintenance schedule, which supports worry-free towing season after season.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What is the maximum available towing capacity on the 2026 Ram 1500?
When properly equipped, maximum available towing is up to 11,610 lb. Actual capacity depends on engine, cab, bed, driveline, axle configuration, and installed equipment. Our advisors can decode your build sheet and confirm the exact figure for your truck.
Which 2026 Ram 1500 engine should I choose to tow a camper around 7,000 lb?
For trailers in that range, the Hurricane engines or the 5.7L HEMI® V8 are excellent choices, pairing strong midrange pull with confident acceleration on grades. The best fit depends on how often you tow, the terrain you see, and the rest of your configuration. We will validate gross combined weight ratings and help you select the right cooling and towing packages.
How do horsepower and torque translate to towing confidence in daily driving?
Torque helps your Ram 1500 get the load moving and maintain speed on hills, while horsepower sustains acceleration at highway speeds for smooth merges. The 2026 Ram 1500 offers maximum available horsepower up to 540 and maximum available torque up to 521 lb-ft, giving you robust performance for real-world trailering around Bel Air and beyond.
Can Jones Junction set up my truck for towing before delivery?
Yes. Our team can equip hitches, wiring, and an integrated trailer brake controller where applicable, then personalize your Uconnect® settings for towing and perform a full trailer light and brake check with you. We will also review best practices for weight distribution and tongue weight so you leave ready to tow with confidence.
If you are ready to match your towing needs to a 2026 Ram 1500, our Bel Air team will help you test drive the powertrains back to back, review detailed capacities for your preferred cab and bed, and tailor the right towing package. Visit Jones Junction on Belair Road to experience why this is The Strongest and Most Technologically Advanced Ram 1500 Ever — and drive home set up for the weekends and workdays you have in mind.