Century Ram - Can the 2026 Ram 2500 Tow a Fifth-Wheel Camper Confidently Around Lake Saint Louis, MO?
The 2026 Ram 2500 is built for big trailers, and for many shoppers near the lakes and campgrounds of Lake Saint Louis, MO, that means fifth-wheel campers. If you’re weighing whether this heavy-duty pickup can tow your fifth-wheel safely and comfortably, it helps to break the question into three parts: capability, control, and confidence tech.
On paper, the available High-Output 6.7L Cummins® Turbo Diesel I6 sets the tone. When properly equipped, the 2026 Ram 2500 offers a maximum available 20,000-pound diesel towing capacity, backed by up to 1,075 lb-ft of Best-in-Class available base diesel torque and the TorqueFlite® HD eight-speed automatic transmission. Gas customers can still play in the big leagues—maximum gas towing hits up to 17,750 pounds. But spec sheets don’t tell the whole story. What matters with a fifth-wheel is how well the truck manages real-world scenarios—hitching alignment, stability at speed, and control in tight spaces like crowded campgrounds or storage lots.
This is where the RAM 2500’s tow-intelligent technology shines. Available Trailer Reverse Steering Control lets you guide your trailer’s path with a dedicated knob while the system manages the truck’s steering wheel—hugely helpful when backing a fifth-wheel into a campsite. The available 360° Trailer Surround View Camera stitches together a bird’s-eye view around your trailer so you can spot obstacles, site markers, and foot traffic. Add the available Digital Rearview Mirror with side camera integration and wired Tow Mode Camera for real-time views behind and alongside your fifth-wheel. The result is a calmer, more predictable towing experience that reduces stress on departure day.
Inside, the RAM 2500 functions like a command bridge. The Largest-in-Class available 14.5-inch infotainment touchscreen and available Uconnect® 5 NAV keep route guidance and POIs front and center, while the available 12-inch Digital Cluster Display can surface tow-specific pages, Trailer Tire Pressure Monitoring, and vehicle dynamics. Optional Off-Road Pages display pitch and roll if your route includes gravel or uneven approach lanes. If you’re sharing driving duties, the Class-Exclusive available 10.25-inch Front Passenger Interactive Display lets your co-pilot manage navigation and entertainment without crowding the driver’s screen.
Ride stability and composure are just as important as raw power. The Class-Exclusive available Auto-Level Rear Air Suspension can automatically level the rear end based on load, helping maintain consistent ride height and headlight aim. That makes hitching easier and long hauls more comfortable, especially with changing tongue weights as you shift gear in the coach. For owners who work on the road, Best-in-Class Available Onboard Power up to 2.4 kW turns the bed into a power source for tools, lighting, or campsite essentials, while available LED bed lighting makes after-dark setup easier.
If you’re close to your fifth-wheel’s GVWR or plan frequent mountain routes, factor in margins. Consider axle ratios, tire choices, and braking support like the available Automatic Smart Exhaust Brake. Also, plan for visibility and situational awareness—combining camera systems, tow mirrors, and Trailer Tow Pages gives you a wider safety net when conditions change quickly.
Even with strong capability, it’s wise to validate your specific setup. Bring your trailer specs—GVWR, dry weight, pin weight, and length—so we can help you choose the right powertrain and packages. Century Dodge Chrysler Jeep Ram can also walk you through prep options such as the available Fifth-Wheel/Gooseneck Prep Package and mirror upgrades, ensuring your RAM 2500 is truly fifth-wheel ready.
Recommended build for frequent fifth-wheel towing:
- Engine and transmission: Available High-Output 6.7L Cummins® Turbo Diesel I6 with TorqueFlite® HD eight-speed automatic for maximum torque and durability.
- Tow tech: 360° Trailer Surround View Camera, Digital Rearview Mirror with side camera integration, and Trailer Reverse Steering Control.
- Suspension: Class-Exclusive Available Auto-Level Rear Air Suspension for load leveling and improved composure.
- Prep package: Available Fifth-Wheel/Gooseneck Prep Package for factory-integrated hardware.
- Power and storage: Best-in-Class Available Onboard Power and, if desired, RamBox® Cargo Management System for secure, drainable storage.
Put it all together and the answer is straightforward: yes, the 2026 Ram 2500 is an excellent platform for towing a fifth-wheel camper when configured correctly. The combination of power, tow-specific visibility tools, leveling suspension, and integrated prep options makes both highway miles and campsite maneuvers more manageable—so you can focus on the trip instead of the stress.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Do I need the diesel to tow a fifth-wheel?
Not always. The gas 6.4L HEMI® V8 offers strong capability, but many fifth-wheel campers benefit from the diesel’s higher torque and available 20,000-pound maximum diesel towing capacity. Match your trailer’s pin weight and GVWR to the right powertrain with our team.
Which cameras help most at the campsite?
The 360° Trailer Surround View Camera provides a bird’s-eye perspective that’s invaluable in tight campgrounds. Pair it with the Digital Rearview Mirror and side camera integration for left/right trailer views during slow maneuvers.
How does the air suspension help with hitching?
The Class-Exclusive available Auto-Level Rear Air Suspension helps keep the truck level under load and lets you better align hitch height, making it easier and faster to connect your fifth-wheel.
We’re serving Troy, O'Fallon, and Lake Saint Louis with tailored build advice, tech walk-throughs, and focused test drives that simulate real fifth-wheel scenarios. If you’re close to a decision, bring your trailer specs and we’ll help you configure the right 2026 Ram 2500 for peace of mind on every camping trip.
Have more detailed questions about axle ratios, pin weight, or hitch prep? Our advisors are ready to help you map the perfect setup for your routes and terrain.