Gregg Smith Ford Lincoln - Does the 2026 Ford Super Duty F-250 or 2026 Ram 2500 tow fifth-wheel trailers more confidently around Sedalia, MO?
Fifth-wheel towing is where strengths and compromises become obvious fast. Customers ask us one core question — which heavy-duty truck feels more confident when you are backing into tight sites, managing tongue weight, and climbing long grades with a multi-ton trailer? Below we compare the highlights of the Super Duty F-250 and Ram 2500 through that fifth-wheel lens so you can make a smart, stress-reducing decision.
Start with power. The Super Duty F-250 offers four proven engines matched to a TorqShift® 10-speed automatic. The available High-Output 6.7L Power Stroke® V8 Turbo Diesel leads the class with 500 horsepower and 1,200 lb-ft of torque, providing a deep torque plateau for steady, low-rpm pulling. Gas buyers can opt for either the 6.8L V8 or the 7.3L V8 rated at 430 horsepower and 485 lb-ft if diesel is not the right fit for your duty cycle. Ram 2500’s available High-Output 6.7L Cummins® Turbo Diesel I6 delivers up to 430 horsepower and 1,075 lb-ft of torque paired with a TorqueFlite® HD eight-speed automatic — stout numbers — while the 6.4L HEMI® V8 serves gas needs. On paper, both are capable, but the Super Duty F-250 diesel’s higher ceiling gives you more margin on grades, in headwinds, and at altitude.
Confidence also comes from setup and control, which is why the Ford towing toolset is a difference-maker. Available Pro Trailer Hitch Assist™ helps line up the hitch and receiver hands-free using the camera and steering system, and Pro Trailer Backup Assist™ allows you to guide the trailer with a simple knob while the truck manages steering — an enormous help in tight campgrounds or loading yards. Onboard Scales with Smart Hitch estimate trailer and payload weight and help you dial in proper tongue weight distribution before you roll. Ram counters with available Trailer Reverse Steering Control and a 360° Trailer Surround View Camera, both helpful for visibility and backing. The key distinction is how comprehensively Ford integrates measurement, guidance, and automation so you can hook up faster and pull with fewer variables.
Truck and trailer awareness round out the experience. Super Duty F-250 offers an available 360-Degree Camera, a head-up display, and the Tire Pressure Monitoring System to keep status checks within easy view. In the bed, Pro Power Onboard™ delivers up to 2 kW so you can power tools, air compressors, and campsite essentials without a separate generator. Ram 2500 offers robust camera coverage and available onboard power up to 2.4 kW, plus helpful extras like the available RamBox® system for organized storage. If you split time between work sites and weekend trips, both trucks can be outfitted to fit your rhythm — with Ford’s trailer-focused systems reducing the learning curve for new drivers and streamlining repeat tasks for seasoned owners.
Ride and chassis choices matter with fifth wheels. Super Duty F-250 brings a fully boxed, high-strength steel frame and available off-road packages — FX4® Off-Road Package and Tremor® Off-Road Package — for those who tow over rough approaches or reach dispersed camps. Ram 2500 offers an available Class-Exclusive Auto-Level Rear Air Suspension that can help stabilize loads. Here, your use case drives the choice — if you routinely need integrated trail capability and the highest diesel output, the Ford build sheet has the edge; if self-leveling for specific load scenarios is paramount, Ram’s air suspension is a compelling option.
For many shoppers, the deciding factor is time — the time you save at hookup, the time you gain by climbing grades without hunting for gears, and the peace of mind from knowing weights are in range before you leave. That is where the Super Duty F-250 formula shines. We encourage you to test these systems side-by-side and feel how small refinements add up to less fatigue over a long day of towing.
- Power advantage for heavy grades: Available High-Output 6.7L Power Stroke® V8 Turbo Diesel delivers 500 hp and 1,200 lb-ft.
- Hookup made simple: Available Pro Trailer Hitch Assist™ automates alignment for faster connections.
- Backing with precision: Available Pro Trailer Backup Assist™ uses a control knob to steer the trailer smoothly.
- Know your numbers: Onboard Scales with Smart Hitch help confirm payload and tongue weight targets.
- Power on site: Pro Power Onboard™ offers up to 2 kW for tools, lighting, and campsite gear.
As you narrow choices, consider your trailer’s pin weight, overall length, travel frequency, terrain, and whether new drivers will share towing duties. A brief demo of the Ford towing suite often clarifies the difference — particularly when aligning and backing in constrained spaces. Gregg Smith Ford Lincoln can arrange a walk-through of these tools and help you build an F-250 that aligns with your exact trailer and lifestyle.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can the Ford towing tech really make a difference for an experienced driver?
Yes — Pro Trailer Backup Assist™ and Pro Trailer Hitch Assist™ reduce setup time and stress, particularly in tight areas or when you are solo. Even experienced drivers appreciate the repeatable precision and the way Onboard Scales with Smart Hitch confirms weight distribution before departure.
How should I choose between gas and diesel for fifth-wheel towing?
If you tow heavy, climb grades, or travel at altitude often, the available High-Output 6.7L Power Stroke® V8 Turbo Diesel’s torque and engine braking are worth it. If your trailer is lighter and your routes are shorter, the available 7.3L gas V8 offers excellent power with simpler ownership. We will map your trailer’s real-world weight and routes to the right engine.
What about onboard power for campsites or job sites?
Super Duty F-250 offers Pro Power Onboard™ up to 2 kW directly in the bed — enough for compressors, saws, work lights, or campsite appliances. Ram 2500 offers up to 2.4 kW available; choosing between them depends on your specific tools and how often you plan to run them off the truck.
Our team is serving Warrensburg, Sedalia, and Warsaw with guided comparisons and build recommendations tailored to your trailer and travel style. Schedule a hands-on demonstration to evaluate hitch alignment, backing aids, scale readings, and engine behavior under load on familiar roads. That way you can choose the setup that tows true, tracks straight, and keeps your day moving with fewer surprises.
When you are ready to spec your next heavy-duty truck for fifth-wheel work, our advisors will help you weigh pin weights, hitch prep, axle ratios, and the tech that simplifies every mile. Your goal is a calmer, safer tow — our goal is to deliver it with the right configuration, training, and support.
Visit us to see how these systems work together in real time and build a truck that handles your fifth-wheel with the confidence you expect.