Can the 2026 Ram 2500 Tow My Fifth-Wheel Camper in Colorado Springs, CO?
Posted at Tue, Oct 28, 2025 7:45 PM
Perkins Motors - Can the 2026 Ram 2500 Tow My Fifth-Wheel Camper in Colorado Springs, CO?
Short answer: yes, when you choose the right configuration. At Perkins Motors in Colorado Springs, CO, our team helps local drivers match a 2026 Ram 2500 to the fifth-wheel or gooseneck trailer on the shopping list. The Pikes Peak region demands confident torque for altitude, stable braking for long grades, and smart visibility for tight campground approaches. The 2026 Ram 2500 brings serious hardware for that job, including the available High-Output 6.7L Cummins® Turbo Diesel I6, the TorqueFlite® HD eight-speed automatic transmission, and advanced trailer technology that streamlines setup and control.
To decide if a 2026 Ram 2500 fits your specific fifth-wheel, start with verified weights. Properly equipped, maximum available diesel towing capacity reaches up to 20,000 pounds, powered by up to 430 maximum diesel horsepower and Best-in-Class available 1,075 lb-ft of base diesel torque. If a gas setup suits your routine better, the 6.4L HEMI® V8 also delivers robust numbers for mid-weight RVs. The right answer depends on your exact trailer, payload needs, and how often you tackle mountain passes like Monument Hill or Ute Pass.
Before you hitch, review these essentials so the truck, hitch, and trailer work in harmony around Colorado Springs and beyond.
- Trailer weight: Confirm the trailer’s actual loaded weight and compare to your Ram 2500’s specific maximum towing capacity.
- Pin weight: Estimate 15 to 25 percent of total trailer weight as pin weight and ensure it stays within the truck’s payload rating for your configuration.
- Bed length and hitch type: Choose a fixed or slider fifth-wheel hitch for short beds, or consider a gooseneck if your trailer supports it.
- Axle ratio and drivetrain: Match gearing and 4x4 capability to frequent mountain towing, trail access, or winter duty.
- Braking and control: Integrate trailer brakes and leverage available Automatic Smart Exhaust Brake on the diesel for long descents.
- Camera and visibility: Add cameras and mirrors that improve confidence backing into campsites and fueling stations.
Beyond raw numbers, the 2026 Ram 2500 backs you up with purpose-built towing features that make fifth-wheel life easier in variable Colorado weather and terrain.
- Available Fifth-Wheel/Gooseneck Prep Package: Factory-installed structural crossmember and integrated mounts for quick hitch installation.
- Trailer Reverse Steering Control: Use the trailer knob to guide the trailer’s path while the system turns the truck’s steering wheel.
- 360° Trailer Surround View Camera: Gain a bird’s-eye perspective of the area around your trailer.
- Digital Rearview Mirror with Tow Mode Camera: Real-time camera views behind the trailer with side camera integration.
- Available Trailer Tire Pressure Monitoring: See live readings for up to four trailers on the available 12-inch Digital Cluster Display.
- Class-Exclusive Available Auto-Level Rear Air Suspension: Helps level the load for a smoother ride and more consistent handling.
- Class-Exclusive Available Power Convex Trailer Tow Mirrors: Power-adjustable telescoping mirrors with spotter functions and camera integration.
- Largest-in-Class 14.5-inch infotainment touchscreen: Available Uconnect® 5 NAV with Trailer Tow Pages and tow-specific navigation.
Our team at Perkins Motors makes the process simple. We can help select the correct hitch, install Mopar® fifth-wheel or gooseneck hardware, calibrate brake settings, and set up Trailer Tow Pages so you roll out confident on I-25 or Highway 24. If your routes lead deep into the San Luis Valley, consider the available 50-gallon Largest-in-Class available fuel tank capacity on Crew Cab models with the 8-foot bed for fewer stops between climbs.
- Inventory your trailer data: Gather GVWR, expected trip weight, and pin weight range from the manufacturer’s label.
- Select your powertrain: Choose the available High-Output 6.7L Cummins® Turbo Diesel I6 for peak torque and the Automatic Smart Exhaust Brake, or the 6.4L HEMI® V8 for balanced daily driving and mid-weight towing.
- Pick hitch and bed gear: Decide between fifth-wheel or gooseneck, short-bed slider or fixed, plus in-bed power or storage as needed.
- Verify weights on a scale: Check pin and axle weights against your door-jamb payload/tire labels and your specific Ram 2500 ratings.
- Schedule a test tow: Visit Perkins Motors for a fit check, camera calibration, and real-world visibility assessment before your first trip.
With the right setup, a 2026 Ram 2500 is a confident partner for fifth-wheel adventures from Garden of the Gods to the Western Slope. Visit Perkins Motors at 1205 Motor City Dr., Colorado Springs, CO 80905, or call 719-249-2040 to plan a personalized tow-setup consultation and test drive.
Frequently Asked Questions:
How do I choose between a fifth-wheel and a gooseneck on a 2026 Ram 2500?
Both are supported with the available Fifth-Wheel/Gooseneck Prep Package. Many RVs use a fifth-wheel hitch for ride quality and broad compatibility. Gooseneck couplers are common in agricultural and equipment trailers and save bed space. If you run a short bed, consider a slider fifth-wheel hitch for cab clearance during tight turns. Our team helps match the hitch to your trailer and bed length.
Do I need the available High-Output 6.7L Cummins® Turbo Diesel I6 for mountain towing?
If your fifth-wheel pushes toward the truck’s maximum available diesel towing capacity of up to 20,000 pounds, or if you routinely tow over high-altitude passes, the diesel’s Best-in-Class available 1,075 lb-ft of base diesel torque and available Automatic Smart Exhaust Brake provide a confident advantage. For mid-weight RVs, the 6.4L HEMI® V8 is a strong option, especially if you split time between towing and daily driving.
Which driver-assistance features work while towing a fifth-wheel?
Available 360° Trailer Surround View Camera, the Digital Rearview Mirror with Tow Mode Camera, and Trailer Reverse Steering Control are designed to help with visibility and maneuvering. Forward Collision Warning with Active Braking and Adaptive Cruise Control can function even with a trailer attached. Add Trailer Tire Pressure Monitoring to keep tabs on tire health from the available 12-inch Digital Cluster Display.
