Which Engine and Axle Setup Is Best for Your 2026 Ram 1500 if You Tow Near Abilene, KS?

Marshall Motor Company – Which Engine and Axle Setup Is Best for Your 2026 Ram 1500 if You Tow Near Abilene, KS?

Choosing the right engine and axle pairing matters as much as picking the right trailer. If your weekly plans include boats, campers, or equipment, aligning power, gearing, and towing technology on the 2026 Ram 1500 is the surest path to stress-free miles near Abilene, KS.

Three powertrains headline the lineup: the available 3.0L Hurricane Engines, the returning HEMI® V8, and the 3.6L Pentastar® V6. The Hurricanes bring advanced power density and confident acceleration when merging or climbing grades with a load. The HEMI® V8 reasserts the classic, broad-shouldered torque curve that longtime truck owners love, while the Pentastar® V6 delivers balanced performance for light-duty tasks and daily driving. With maximum available outputs reaching up to 540 horsepower and 521 lb-ft of torque, properly configured models can achieve up to 11,610 pounds of maximum available towing, backed by suspension tuning and braking engineered for stability.

To translate those specs into smooth hauling, think holistically—engine, axle ratio, trailering tech, and mirrors or camera views all work together. Your trailer weight, frontal area, and intended terrain should guide the axle choice. Higher numerical axle ratios can improve launch feel and grade-climbing confidence with heavier loads, while lower numerical ratios may favor highway efficiency for lighter trailers. Modern powertrains are remarkably flexible, but matching gearing to your real-world routes is still a best practice.

• Trailer profile: Consider height and width—more frontal area means more drag and a greater need for torque-rich setups.
• Terrain: Regular hills or headwinds favor stronger engine output and appropriate axle ratios to maintain speed without frequent downshifts.
• Frequency of towing: Daily or weekly towing leans toward Hurricane or HEMI® strength, while occasional towing may pair well with the Pentastar® V6.
• Hitch and weight distribution: Review tongue weight and plan for weight-distribution hardware to keep your rig level and planted.
• Visibility and control: Leverage available towing cameras, integrated trailer brake control, and extendable mirrors to steady the drive.

Technology plays a decisive role. The 50+ inches of combined available digital displays can surface trailer information where you need it, while available camera views simplify lining up and backing. On long highway stretches, available Hands-Free Active Driving Assist (ADA) can help reduce fatigue when used in certain conditions—and that means you stay fresher for the tricky parts, like navigating campsites or boat ramps. The result is a truck that turns complex towing days into repeatable routines.

Frequently Asked Questions:

How do I size the engine to my trailer?

Start with actual trailer weight and tongue weight, not just brochure numbers. For heavier or wind-catching loads, the available 3.0L Hurricane Engines or the HEMI® V8 deliver the torque for steady climbs and confident passing. Lighter, occasional towing may fit the Pentastar® V6. We can help you match your load profile to the right configuration.

Which axle ratio should I pick?

Heavier trailers and varied terrain often benefit from a higher numerical axle ratio for stronger launch and grade-holding. Lighter trailers and long highway stretches might favor a lower numerical ratio. Bring your route details and we will recommend a setup that balances power and efficiency.

What towing tech is worth adding?

Available integrated trailer brake control, extendable mirrors, multi-view cameras, and trailering apps that surface data on the 50+ inches of combined available displays are worth it. These tools simplify hitching, backing, and monitoring—especially in tight spaces or low visibility.

Can driver assistance really help with towing?

Yes. Available Hands-Free Active Driving Assist (ADA), when used in certain conditions, supports hands-free driving on compatible roads, helping reduce fatigue. Pair it with adaptive cruise and other available safety systems to stay fresh and focused.

For a personalized walk-through, bring your trailer specs, route details, and must-haves. Marshall Motor Company is serving Hutchinson, Hays, and Abilene with expert guidance, and we will help you dial in the engine, axle, and technology so towing feels controlled from the first mile to the last.

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