Don Johnson’s Hayward Motors Ram – Which engine should you choose for a 2026 Ram 2500 if you tow around Bayfield, WI?
Selecting between the available High-Output 6.7L Cummins® Turbo Diesel I6 and the 6.4L HEMI® V8 is one of the most important choices you will make when building a 2026 Ram 2500 for towing near Bayfield, WI. Both offer serious capability, but each shines for different reasons — and the right fit depends on how you tow, how far you travel, and whether payload or maximum pulling power matters most to your routine.
Below, we break down how each powertrain performs when hitched, what to expect on long grades, and which factory systems can make towing around Lake Superior and the surrounding counties more controlled and less stressful.
Understand Your Towing Profile First
Before comparing engines, outline your typical trailer — weight, hitch type, tongue or pin weight, load balance, and distance. If you regularly haul fifth-wheel campers, equipment trailers, or large boats with extended highway miles, your priorities might lean toward diesel torque and grade control. If your mix includes moderate bumper-pull trailers, frequent stops, and more cargo in the bed, the gas engine’s payload advantage and simplicity may appeal.
- Trailer weight and type: Heavier fifth-wheels and goosenecks often benefit most from diesel torque, while moderate bumper-pulls can thrive with gas power.
- Route and terrain: Long grades and frequent elevation changes increase the value of diesel braking aids and sustained pulling force.
- Load distribution: If you carry tools, materials, and gear in the bed, keep payload capacity and suspension leveling in focus.
The Case for the High-Output 6.7L Cummins® Turbo Diesel I6
When the job is big and the miles are long, diesel stands out. The available High-Output 6.7L Cummins® Turbo Diesel I6 pairs with the TorqueFlite® HD eight-speed automatic to deliver 430 maximum diesel horsepower and a Best-in-Class available 1,075 lb-ft of base diesel torque. That translates to confident acceleration with heavy loads and up to 20,000 pounds of maximum available diesel towing when properly equipped. The available Automatic Smart Exhaust Brake adds a layer of downhill control, and the powertrain’s tuning focuses on durability, smooth shifting, and reduced noise and vibration — helpful for long hauls on US-2 or WI-13.
For long-distance towing, the Largest-in-Class available 50-gallon fuel tank on Crew Cab models with an 8-foot bed is a real advantage, reducing fuel stops when running from Bayfield toward Iron River or beyond. If your trailer pushes the upper range of the segment, diesel’s performance margin and braking assistance feel like a safety net when winds or grades pick up.
The Case for the 6.4L HEMI® V8
The 6.4L HEMI® V8 is a powerhouse in its own right, with up to 17,750 pounds of maximum gas towing and up to 3,930 pounds of maximum gas payload when properly equipped. If your trailer weights live below the diesel’s top end and you value bed payload for tools, lumber, or an ATV, the gas engine makes a compelling case. Around Bayfield’s town streets and county roads, the HEMI®’s responsiveness and straightforward ownership appeal to drivers who split time between towing, commuting, and jobsite tasks.
Where the diesel wins at sustained heavy pulls and engine braking, the gas V8 counters with strong payload capability and a broad, responsive feel in day-to-day driving. If your trailer duties are frequent but not at the upper extremes, the 6.4L HEMI® V8 may be the more balanced choice.
Tow-Enhancing Tech That Matters Either Way
Regardless of engine, the right technology package can transform your trailering routine. The available 360° Trailer Surround View Camera and available Digital Rearview Mirror with side camera integration dramatically improve awareness when changing lanes or navigating marinas and campgrounds. Available Trailer Reverse Steering Control takes the strain out of backing by letting you steer the trailer with a console-mounted knob while the system turns the truck’s wheel.
- Trailer monitoring: Available Trailer Tire Pressure Monitoring displays live pressure for up to four trailers right in the available 12-inch Digital Cluster Display.
- Pre-departure checks: Available Trailer Tow Pages streamline light checks and brake status so you can confirm readiness faster.
- Visibility aids: Available mirror-mounted cameras and Class-Exclusive Available Power Convex Trailer Tow Mirrors sharpen views down the trailer’s sides.
Ride and Leveling Make a Real-World Difference
The Class-Exclusive Available Auto-Level Rear Air Suspension is a standout for anyone towing frequently in varying conditions. By helping keep the truck level as loads change, it supports consistent handling, braking, and headlight aim. It also eases hitching — especially with fifth-wheel and gooseneck setups selected through the available factory Prep Package, which integrates mounting hardware right from the assembly line.
This consistency can be particularly useful when your routes mix low-speed maneuvering on local roads with longer stretches along the bay, where crosswinds or uneven surfaces can challenge a loaded rig.
Cabin and Control Systems Built for Towing
Inside, the Largest-in-Class available 14.5-inch infotainment touchscreen with available Uconnect® 5 NAV keeps maps, tow routes, and camera views easy to find at a glance. Add Wireless Apple CarPlay® support and Wireless Android Auto™ compatibility for seamless media and messaging. The available 12-inch Digital Cluster Display and class-exclusive available 10.25-inch Front Passenger Interactive Display can split duties between driver and co-pilot, keeping towing data accessible to both.
Want to power tools or lights at the campsite? Available Best-in-Class Onboard Power up to 2.4 kW turns the truck into a mobile generator. Pair that with the available RamBox® Cargo Management System for lockable, drainable storage that keeps tie-downs, chocks, and hoses organized and easy to reach.
Which Engine Should You Choose?
If your trailer is heavy and your mileage adds up quickly, pick the available High-Output 6.7L Cummins® Turbo Diesel I6 for torque, braking assistance, and long-haul efficiency. If your trailer weights are moderate and bed payload is a top priority, the 6.4L HEMI® V8 offers a compelling mix of capability and everyday usability. Either way, invest in the tow tech — camera systems, Trailer Reverse Steering Control, and suspension leveling — because they reduce stress on every trip.
What to Try on Your Test Drive
Bring your trailer specs and ask to explore the camera suite, Trailer Reverse Steering Control, and the Class-Exclusive Available Auto-Level Rear Air Suspension. Navigate the Largest-in-Class available 14.5-inch touchscreen with Uconnect® 5 NAV, then review Trailer Tow Pages and the available 12-inch Digital Cluster Display to see how at-a-glance information helps you stay focused on the road. If you are comparing diesel and gas, spend time on a route with both low-speed maneuvering and steady highway cruising to feel the differences in torque delivery and grade control.
For guidance shaped by real-world towing in Northern Wisconsin, connect with Don Johnson’s Hayward Motors Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram — serving Bayfield, Minong, and Solon Springs — for a side-by-side drive that zeroes in on your exact needs.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can the 2026 Ram 2500 handle a fifth-wheel camper?
Yes. When properly equipped, the truck offers up to 20,000 pounds of maximum available diesel towing and supports a fifth-wheel or gooseneck via the available factory Prep Package with integrated mounting hardware. Pair it with the Class-Exclusive Available Auto-Level Rear Air Suspension and camera suite for easier hookups and improved control.
How do the cameras actually help when towing around Bayfield, WI?
The available 360° Trailer Surround View Camera gives a bird’s-eye perspective around the trailer, while the available Digital Rearview Mirror with side camera integration and available mirror-mounted cameras improve visibility down the trailer’s sides. This helps with lane changes, backing at marinas and campgrounds, and navigating tight county roads.
Is the large touchscreen useful for towing or just entertainment?
The Largest-in-Class available 14.5-inch touchscreen with Uconnect® 5 NAV does far more than play music. It supports tow-specific navigation, integrates camera displays, and works with Trailer Tow Pages so you can confirm trailer light checks and brake status faster. Wireless smartphone integration keeps messaging and calls hands-free.
What about powering tools or campsite gear?
Available Best-in-Class Onboard Power up to 2.4 kW turns the truck into a mobile power source. Use the outlets to run tools, lights, or small appliances — then secure cords and accessories in the available RamBox® Cargo Management System with lockable, drainable storage.
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