What Do You Need To Tow Up To 36,610 Pounds With a 2026 Ram 3500 near Highlands Ranch, CO?
Posted at Thu, Oct 23, 2025 9:00 AM
Perkins Motors - What Do You Need To Tow Up To 36,610 Pounds With a 2026 Ram 3500 near Highlands Ranch, CO?
Shoppers comparing heavy-duty trucks often ask one detailed question: what exactly do I need to safely and confidently tow near the upper limits of a 2026 Ram 3500? If your fifth-wheel, gooseneck, or equipment trailer pushes into the 30,000-pound range around Highlands Ranch, CO, there are several decisions to make before you ever hook up. Below, we break down the essentials—powertrain, hitch prep, suspension, and visibility tech—so your truck, trailer, and route work together as one system.
Start with the powertrain. To access the highest tow ratings, you will want the available High-Output 6.7L Cummins® Turbo Diesel I6 paired with the TorqueFlite® HD eight-speed automatic transmission. This combination’s 430 maximum horsepower and Best-in-Class maximum available base diesel torque of 1,075 lb-ft provide the muscle to get moving, merge decisively, and maintain momentum over grades. The transmission’s software-based shift logic helps hold the right gear under load, while the available Automatic Smart Exhaust Brake assists on descents. For trailers that approach the maximum ratings, work with your consultant to verify the exact axle ratio and GCWR requirements for your configuration.
Next, hitch and towing hardware. For most heavy applications, the available Fifth-Wheel/Gooseneck Prep Package is the right starting point. From the factory, it includes a structural rear-axle crossmember with integrated hard points for a hitch, which streamlines installation. Add the appropriate hitch, and you are ready for quick, secure hookups. To keep the truck composed when weight or tongue load varies, the class-exclusive available Auto-Level Rear Air Suspension is a smart upgrade—helping the truck sit level for improved handling, headlight aim, and ride quality with a loaded trailer.
Visibility and guidance tech pay off every mile. The available 360° Trailer Surround View Camera and 360° Surround View Camera let you watch your trailer and surroundings from a top-down perspective, especially useful in tight RV parks, job sites, or fuel islands. The available Digital Rearview Mirror with side camera integration provides a real-time video stream behind your trailer, while available Trailer Tire Pressure Monitoring feeds live tire data for up to four trailers to the available 12-inch Digital Cluster Display. For the trickiest reversals, available Trailer Reverse Steering Control allows you to guide the trailer with a dedicated knob while the truck steers, an advantage that shortens setup time and reduces stress at the end of a long day.
Inside the cabin, the Largest-in-Class available 14.5-inch touchscreen with available Uconnect® 5 NAV supports tow-focused navigation, so you can set routes that avoid low clearances or restricted roads. Wireless Apple CarPlay® support and wireless Android Auto™ compatibility keep communication streamlined, while class-exclusive dual wireless charging pads help ensure devices stay powered. If you regularly travel with a co-pilot, consider the class-exclusive available 10.25-inch front passenger interactive display so your passenger can assist with navigation and media management without distracting the driver.
Finally, think safety and braking. Over 100 standard and available safety and security features include Forward Collision Warning with Active Braking and class-exclusive standard Adaptive Cruise Control that can help manage following distance—even with a trailer attached. Available LaneSense® Lane Departure Warning with Lane Keep Assist, available Drowsy Driver Detection, and available Traffic Sign Recognition add situational awareness on long hauls. At night, the LED Trailer Hitch Light and LED exterior lighting simplify connections and boost visibility when you are setting up camp or securing cargo after sunset.
- Powertrain choice: Select the available High-Output 6.7L Cummins® Turbo Diesel I6 and verify axle ratio/GCWR with your trailer’s weight.
- Factory prep: Add the available Fifth-Wheel/Gooseneck Prep Package for built-in hard points and easier hitch installation.
- Load leveling: Consider the class-exclusive available Auto-Level Rear Air Suspension for a level stance and predictable handling.
- Camera coverage: Equip the available 360° Trailer Surround View Camera and available Digital Rearview Mirror with side camera integration.
- Tire monitoring: Use the available Trailer Tire Pressure Monitoring for up to four trailers to catch issues early.
- Navigation and comms: Leverage available Uconnect® 5 NAV on the Largest-in-Class available 14.5-inch touchscreen with wireless smartphone integration.
As you build your truck, balance tow rating targets with how and where you tow. High altitudes and mountain grades demand sustained cooling and braking performance, and the right combination of powertrain, suspension, and camera systems can make the difference between a long day and an easy one. Perkins Motors is serving Centennial, Highlands Ranch, and Castle Rock with product specialists who can validate weights, match packages, and set up a test drive that simulates your real routes. When you are ready to spec your heavy-duty build, our team will help you check every box with confidence.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Do I need a specific license to tow near max capacity?
Always follow state licensing requirements and ensure your truck and trailer weights match your license class. We can help you verify GVWR, GCWR, and combined weight details when you finalize your build.
What about payload when towing a fifth-wheel?
Pin weight counts against payload. We will walk through pin weight estimates for your trailer and factor passengers, cargo, and hitch weight to ensure the configuration supports your real payload needs.
