Don Johnson’s Cumberland Motors CDJR – Which 2026 Ram 2500 engine is best for towing around Clear Lake, WI?
Choosing between the 6.4L HEMI® V8 and the available High-Output 6.7L Cummins® Turbo Diesel I6 is one of the most important decisions shoppers make when configuring a Ram Heavy Duty for towing around Clear Lake, WI. The good news is both engines are proven, both pair with a stout TorqueFlite® HD eight-speed automatic, and each one excels for a distinct kind of use. Below, we break down how to think about real-world towing across the area’s rolling two-lanes, highway stretches, and boat launches so you pick the powertrain that fits your trailer and your routine.
If your weekends involve long, steady highway pulls or your work requires frequent heavy towing, the High-Output 6.7L Cummins® Turbo Diesel I6 stands out. It delivers Best-in-Class available 1,075 lb-ft of base diesel torque and up to 20,000 pounds of maximum available diesel towing when properly equipped, which makes merging, hill climbs, and passing feel composed with a multi-axle trailer in tow. The available Automatic Smart Exhaust Brake helps manage descents and reduce service brake wear, which is especially helpful on undulating roads west of town. Prefer a gas setup, shorter trips with mixed payloads, and more time spent hauling materials than towing at the upper limits? The 6.4L HEMI® V8 counters with strong acceleration, simplified fueling logistics, and a maximum gas payload of up to 3,930 pounds per Ram data—ideal for trades that load the bed, mount toolboxes, or upfit for specialty work.
How to match engine to trailer, terrain, and travel
Start with your trailer’s gross vehicle weight rating, how often you tow near that number, and where you tow. A diesel’s abundant low-end torque shines when you are launching a large boat, easing a long equipment trailer into a tight site, or merging onto US-53 with a heavy fifth-wheel. If your trailer is midweight and your pattern is mostly short hops with frequent stops, the gas configuration can be a smart, balanced choice. Consider elevation and wind exposure as well. The diesel’s torque reserve under load gives you more headroom when the conditions are less than perfect.
- Trailer type and weight
- Tow frequency and trip length
- Terrain, grades, and wind exposure
- Desired payload for materials and gear
- Fueling and maintenance preferences
Next, factor in the systems that make towing simpler and safer, regardless of engine. Available Trailer Reverse Steering Control can help you back confidently with a knob that dictates trailer direction while the system coordinates steering. Available 360° Trailer Surround View Camera and an available Digital Rearview Mirror with side camera integration dramatically improve situational awareness—especially with enclosed or wide trailers that limit mirror visibility. Add available Trailer Tire Pressure Monitoring for up to four trailers to stay proactive on heat buildup and uneven loads.
Cab, bed, and suspension choices that pay off
Power is only part of the story. If you want fewer stops on long weekend pulls to the lake or across the county, consider the available 50-gallon fuel tank on select Crew Cab 8-foot-bed models. That extra capacity is particularly useful on rural stretches where fuel stations are spread out. The Class-Exclusive available Auto-Level Rear Air Suspension helps maintain consistent ride height and composure as loads change; that means more stable handling, better headlight aim, and comfortable travel for passengers. For fifth-wheel or gooseneck owners, the available factory Fifth-Wheel/Gooseneck Prep Package integrates a structural crossmember and mounting hardware, which gives you a strong, clean setup right from day one.
Technology that makes towing feel easier
Visibility and information are your allies when towing in traffic or across narrow county roads. The available 360° Surround View Camera and 360° Trailer Surround View Camera can cut your setup time and reduce stress when positioning in tight areas. The Largest-in-Class available 14.5-inch touchscreen powered by Uconnect® 5 NAV puts tow-specific navigation and vehicle settings front and center, while the available 12-inch Digital Cluster Display brings Trailer Tow Pages, alerts, and turn-by-turn directions into your natural line of sight. If you plan to head off pavement to job sites or remote campsites, available Off-Road Pages display pitch and roll along with traction and gear details to help you gauge conditions accurately.
Practical utility on and off the hitch
Whether you go gas or diesel, onboard utility makes a difference once you arrive. Best-in-Class Available Onboard Power up to 2.4 kW lets you power saws, lights, and chargers without firing up a separate generator. The Class-Exclusive available RamBox® Cargo Management System keeps straps, chocks, gloves, and fluids organized and lockable, with LED lighting and remote key fob access. LED bed lighting and a dampened tailgate with available power release make late finishes or early starts more manageable. If you regularly load and unload alone, available power side running boards and a Mopar® bed step help reduce strain day after day.
Safety and security features worth adding
With over 100 standard and available safety and security features, you can tailor the truck to your comfort level and use case. Forward Collision Warning with Active Braking can bring the vehicle to a stop, even with a trailer attached under certain conditions. Class-Exclusive standard Adaptive Cruise Control can maintain distance and slow to a stop, again even while towing. Available LaneSense® Lane Departure Warning with Lane Keep Assist, available Drowsy Driver Detection, and available Traffic Sign Recognition provide added, modern support for long days at the wheel.
Putting it together
For most frequent, heavy-duty towing, the available High-Output 6.7L Cummins® Turbo Diesel I6 is the easy winner. For mixed use with an emphasis on gas payload and shorter, midweight tows, the 6.4L HEMI® V8 is compelling. Layer in the right visibility tech, suspension, and hitch package, and you will have a truck that feels tailored to your life. When you are ready to compare builds, our team can set up a camera demo, review your trailer specs, and map a test route that mirrors how you actually drive.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I see the camera systems demonstrated with a real trailer?
Yes. Our team can walk you through the available 360° Trailer Surround View Camera, Digital Rearview Mirror with side camera integration, and Trailer Reverse Steering Control so you can see how they simplify hookups and backing.
Is the Snow Plow Prep Package included?
The Snow Plow Prep Package comes standard and includes a 220-amp alternator and plow prep wiring. You can also add an available Transfer Case Skid Plate to 4×4 models for extra protection.
Will the 50-gallon fuel tank fit every configuration?
The available 50-gallon tank is offered on select Crew Cab models with the 8-foot bed. We will verify compatibility with your preferred trim and options when we spec your truck.
What are the must-have towing options for fifth-wheel owners?
Start with the available Fifth-Wheel/Gooseneck Prep Package for a factory-integrated base, then consider available Trailer Tire Pressure Monitoring, the Tow Mode Camera, and the camera packages for easier monitoring and maneuvering.
Want expert help tailoring a build to your trailer, gear, and routine? Our product specialists at Don Johnson’s Cumberland Motors CDJR are ready to walk you through the pros and cons in person, serving Almena, Clear Lake, and Shell Lake with straightforward, professional guidance and hands-on demos.
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