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The 2026 Ram 1500, with its impressive towing and payload numbers, is built for anyone who needs their pickup to pull its weight and then some. Whether you're a contractor hauling materials across Plano's booming construction sites, an RV road-trip enthusiast, or simply an owner who needs a truck that won't quit when the going gets tough, the new Ram 1500 deserves your attention.
With Texas heat putting extra strain on cooling systems and the state's wide-open highways demanding serious capability, this workhorse is an excellent choice for local truck owners. At Huffines Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram (CJDR) Plano, we have an extensive inventory of trucks to handle any of your hauling needs, including the latest Ram 1500.
2026 Ram 1500 Towing Capacities
The 2026 Ram 1500 delivers serious pulling power when properly equipped — enough to haul most travel trailers, large boats, or construction equipment across Texas without breaking a sweat. However, your engine choice will determine your specific Ram's hauling capability, and each option serves different needs. Here are the available configurations:
- Pentastar V-6: The base engine for the 2026 Ram 1500, this solid powertrain generates 305 horsepower and 269 lb-ft of torque and can tow up to 8,130 pounds — great for weekenders heading to Lake Lewisville with smaller fishing or pontoon boats.
- 3.0L Hurricane I-6: Able to tow up to 11,610 pounds, this engine delivers 420 horsepower and 469 lb-ft of torque, which is perfect for medium-sized travel trailers, utility trailers loaded with equipment, or larger boats heading to East Texas lakes.
- 3.0L Hurricane High-Output I-6: This innovative powertrain prioritizes acceleration over hauling capability — it produces 540 horsepower and 521 lb-ft of torque, but its towing power drops to 9,990 pounds due to performance-tuned components that prioritize acceleration over max towing.
- 5.7L HEMI V-8: Back by popular demand, this engine delivers 395 horsepower and 410 lb-ft of torque, with the ability to tow up to 11,330 pounds.
2026 Ram 1500 Payload Capacities
Beyond towing, the 2026 Ram 1500 is also equipped to handle serious cargo loads, with a maximum payload capacity of 2,360 pounds. That lets you haul over a ton, which is more than sufficient for contractors moving between Plano job sites, families packing camping gear for weekend trips to Lavon Lake, or landscapers hauling mulch and equipment to the Dallas-Fort Worth area.
Engine choice affects bed capacity differently than towing, and understanding this will help you pick the right setup. Here's the payload capacity you can expect with each of the Ram 1500's four engine choices:
- Pentastar V-6: The base engine actually tops payload ratings at 2,360 pounds, which is ideal if hauling matters more to you than pulling trailers. It's particularly convenient for construction crews loading tools, materials, and equipment.
- 3.0L Hurricane I-6: The 3.0L Hurricane I-6 manages 1,930 pounds — still plenty for most hauling tasks while giving you a little extra towing muscle.
- 3.0L Hurricane High-Output I-6: Since performance suspension and components eat into cargo capacity, the payload capability for this high-performance engine drops to 1,390 pounds.
- 5.7L HEMI V-8: With that classic V-8 rumble that Texas truck buyers love, this fan-favorite powertrain has a solid payload capacity of 1,750 pounds.
Towing and Payload Ability by Trim Level
Though you can modify many trims with different engine options and other configurations, Ram offers an extensive lineup of Ram 1500 trims for the 2026 model year. This makes it simple to find a configuration that works for your preferences without additional modifications. Let's take a look at how much weight the base configuration of each trim level can haul:
- Tradesman and Express: 2,360 pounds payload and 7,700 pounds towing
- Warlock: 1,780 pounds payload and 6,410 pounds towing
- Big Horn: 1,940 pounds payload and 6,680 pounds towing
- Laramie: 1,670 pounds payload and 8,300 pounds towing
- Rebel: 1,600 pounds payload and 11,140 pounds towing
- RHO: 1,520 pounds payload and 8,510 pounds towing
- Limited and Limited Longhorn: 1,340 pounds payload and 9,740 pounds towing
- Tungsten: 1,170 pounds payload and 9,150 pounds towing
Performance Features That Enhance Towing and Payload Capability
Ram has designed its newest 1500 pickup truck with sturdiness and strength in mind. The truck's foundation starts with 98% high-strength steel frame construction — providing maximum stiffness yet staying lightweight — which is vital when Texas heat and heavy loads test its limits. All engines pair with an eight-speed automatic transmission featuring five driving modes, including a Tow Mode so you can hold gears longer when you're climbing Texas overpasses while hauling a trailer, and Crew Cab models offer an Active-Level Four Corner Air Suspension system that automatically adjusts to reduce drag and maximize efficiency.
The automaker has also thoughtfully included small details to ensure ease of use. The unique, multifunction tailgate has a split-folding feature for versatile storage. It also supports up to 2,000 pounds, making it easier to load heavy items, such as appliances or generator sets, without throwing out your back.
Available features such as Trailer Auto Hitch Assist and Tailgate Hitch Assist make it easier than ever to hook up your gear, while electronic stability systems keep everything steady when highway traffic creates wind gusts or when those notorious Texas thunderstorms kick up crosswinds. Additional systems such as trailer sway control, a trailer tire pressure monitoring system, and blind-spot monitoring with trailer coverage work together to provide peace of mind, even when you're driving in heavy traffic with a loaded trailer.
Find Your Perfect 2026 Ram 1500 Configuration at Huffines CJDR Plano
Itching to get behind the wheel to see what all these numbers mean in the real world? Drop by to visit us at Huffines CJDR Plano and test drive a model for yourself, or check out our inventory of 2026 Ram 1500s and contact us with questions before you come in. Our staff aren't just salespeople — they're truck experts who understand the difference between on-paper towing specs and what it means when you're actually hauling your 26-foot travel trailer across the state. We'll answer any questions you have and help you find the right Ram 1500 for your towing and hauling needs.