David Taylor CDJR of Mayfield - Which engine is best for towing with a Ram 2500 around Paducah, KY?
Choosing between the available High-Output 6.7L Cummins® Turbo Diesel I6 and the 6.4L HEMI® V8 on a heavy-duty truck is a practical decision tied to what you tow, how far you travel, and how often you haul. Around Paducah, KY, it’s common to mix interstate miles, two-lane roads that curve with the river, and tight jobsite approaches. This guide breaks down how each engine on the 2026 Ram 2500 supports different towing use cases, which tech packages matter, and the questions to ask during your test drive so you can pick with confidence.
Diesel vs. Gas: Start with Your Towing Profile
The available High-Output 6.7L Cummins® Turbo Diesel I6 is the torque champion. With up to 1,075 lb-ft of Best-in-Class available base diesel torque and a maximum available diesel towing capacity of up to 20,000 pounds, it’s the right fit if you regularly pull heavy equipment, large enclosed trailers, or tall fifth-wheel campers. The low-end torque makes it easier to launch from a stop, merge onto the interstate with a load, and keep your momentum on grades without frequent downshifts.
The 6.4L HEMI® V8 is the solid all-rounder for mixed use. It offers a maximum gas towing capacity rated up to 17,750 pounds and a maximum gas payload up to 3,930 pounds, making it a smart choice if you split your time between towing moderate weights and carrying heavier cargo in the bed. If you run shorter routes, frequently load and unload materials, and want gas simplicity with serious capability, the HEMI® V8 will feel right at home.
Transmission and Control: Confidence Comes Standard
Both powertrains pair with the TorqueFlite® HD eight-speed automatic transmission. This heavy-duty gearbox is tuned for seamless shifts and durability, using software that anticipates your needs under load. It keeps the engine in the sweet spot, which you’ll notice when you roll into a hill outside town or work the truck through stop-and-go traffic with a trailer attached. With the diesel, add the available Automatic Smart Exhaust Brake for extra control on long descents and fewer brake inputs when you’re loaded down.
Towing Tech That Makes a Daily Difference
Even pros appreciate tools that simplify complex maneuvers. Three standouts:
- Trailer Reverse Steering Control: Use a dedicated knob to direct the trailer while the system manages the steering wheel, making placement in tight spots far easier.
- 360° Trailer Surround View Camera: Gain a bird’s-eye view that extends around your trailer, plus the available Digital Rearview Mirror with side camera integration for clear rear visibility.
- Trailer Tire Pressure Monitoring: View real-time tire pressures for up to four trailers in the available 12-inch Digital Cluster Display for quick checks before long trips.
These features help reduce stress at crowded fuel stations, boat ramps, and jobsite entrances. Backing into angled driveways or positioning an equipment trailer in a narrow yard becomes more about precision than guesswork.
Ride, Stability, and Fuel Stops
If you often carry tongue weight or large payloads, consider the Class-Exclusive available Auto-Level Rear Air Suspension. It helps maintain a level stance under load for consistent handling and headlamp aim, and it can contribute to a smoother ride over patched pavement and uneven access roads. For long stretches between towns, Crew Cab models with the 8-foot bed offer an available 50-gallon fuel tank—ideal for reducing stops during regional hauls or when towing long-distance.
Interior Ergonomics for Long Days
Trailer Tow Pages and an available 12-inch Digital Cluster Display keep vital towing info within your line of sight, while the Largest-in-Class available 14.5-inch touchscreen with Uconnect® 5 NAV anchors the cabin with tow-friendly navigation. Add available Class-Exclusive dual wireless charging pads so your phone stays powered even while you run hotspot or navigation apps, and consider the available Class-Exclusive 10.25-inch front passenger interactive display so your co-pilot can manage camera views or set waypoints without tying up your main screen.
Safety and Visibility Pay Off Immediately
Over 100 standard and available safety and security features support your focus when you’re towing in traffic or navigating through town. Highlights include Forward Collision Warning with Active Braking, Class-Exclusive standard Adaptive Cruise Control that can bring the truck down to a stop even with a trailer attached, available LaneSense® Lane Departure Warning with Lane Keep Assist, available Drowsy Driver Detection, and available Traffic Sign Recognition. The 360° Surround View Camera is invaluable when pulling through tight lots or staging areas; combine it with the available LED Trailer Hitch Light integrated into the tailgate handle area to make connecting at dusk far easier.
Diesel or Gas: A Quick Decision Framework
Use these prompts to align the engine choice with your routine:
- Consistent heavy towing: Choose the available High-Output 6.7L Cummins® Turbo Diesel I6 for up to 20,000 pounds of maximum available diesel towing and abundant low-end torque.
- Mixed towing and payload: The 6.4L HEMI® V8 is a strong match for drivers who tow moderately and often carry more weight in the bed.
- Downgrades and mountain routes: Diesel plus the available Automatic Smart Exhaust Brake adds composed control and reduced brake wear.
- Urban and short-haul tasks: HEMI® V8 responsiveness shines in stop-and-go conditions with frequent loading/unloading.
- All-day comfort: Prioritize available Auto-Level Rear Air Suspension, camera suites, and Adaptive Cruise Control regardless of engine.
Test Drive Tips Around Paducah
Plan a route that mimics your workday. Include interstate on-ramps to feel torque under load, two-lane segments with curves to gauge stability, and at least two tight parking maneuvers to explore the 360° Trailer Surround View Camera and Digital Rearview Mirror. If possible, experience a truck with the available Auto-Level Rear Air Suspension and one without to compare how it handles simulated load or tongue weight.
Bring notes on your trailer—length, width, tongue weight, and typical cargo. This helps our team suggest tow mirrors, hitches, and packages like the available Fifth-Wheel/Gooseneck Prep Package. Also ask to explore Trailer Tow Pages and Trailer Tire Pressure Monitoring on the 12-inch Digital Cluster Display so you know exactly where critical data lives before you’re on the move.
The Bottom Line
If your week revolves around heavy equipment or large campers, the available High-Output 6.7L Cummins® Turbo Diesel I6 is the right answer more often than not. If you balance sizable weekend towing with weekday hauling and prefer gas simplicity, the 6.4L HEMI® V8 delivers serious capability with confident control. Either way, prioritize the tow-focused tech that turns tight spaces into non-events—Trailer Reverse Steering Control, the 360° Trailer Surround View Camera, and the Digital Rearview Mirror make a tangible difference on day one.
When you’re ready to compare trucks, David Taylor CDJR of Mayfield can line up back-to-back drives so you can feel each engine’s character, explore the tech, and build a setup that’s ready for your routes. Our team is serving Paducah, Murray, and Benton with guidance tailored to real trucks, real trailers, and real work.