Just how well does the 2026 Ram 1500 Black Express towing performance meet expectations? I put this value-focused full-size pickup to the test where it matters most and hooked it up to my 30-foot dual-axle camper. This is a similar camper, same route, same hills I have used to evaluate Hemi V8s, diesels, and high-output turbo engines in the past. The goal was simple: determine whether this more affordable Ram 1500 still delivers a confident, modern towing experience.
Truck Setup and Towing Hardware
This test truck is a 2026 Ram 1500 Black Express Crew Cab with the standard-output Hurricane engine, 420 horsepower and 469 lb-ft of torque, and an eight-speed automatic transmission. It rides on Ram’s five-link coil rear suspension rather than traditional leaf springs, which plays a noticeable role in ride quality and hitch setup. The camper weighs roughly 5,300 pounds dry and about 7,000 pounds loaded, with a measured tongue weight closer to 700 pounds—around 12 percent of trailer weight.
A few more stats: Payload was 1,694. Maximum towing with this truck is 8,390 and the fuel tank size is 26 gallons.
For this test, I swapped my longtime Reese hitch for a new Weigh Safe True Tow weight-distributing hitch. The built-in tongue weight scale immediately proved valuable, offering clarity on payload impact and proper distribution. Initial setup took time, about three hours, was typical for a first installation for such a complex hitch for me especially when dialing in ride height and clearance on the coil-sprung truck.
Once setup, it was nice to see the actual tongue weight and it performed well on the towing loop.
2026 Ram 1500 Black Express Towing Performance on the Road
With Tow/Haul mode engaged, the Hurricane inline-six delivered smooth, consistent power. At highway speeds around 65 mph, the truck settled into a relaxed cruising rhythm at roughly 2,100 RPMs. The eight-speed transmission deserves credit here, holding gears intelligently and avoiding unnecessary hunting even with a 3.21 rear axle ratio. Even when rolling back into the throttle from lower speeds, acceleration felt controlled and confident.
Climbing the Wildcat Hills near Gering, Nebraska, a pretty good climb for my area, the Ram downshifted predictably and maintained speed without drama. The climb is about a mile and a half up 4-5% grade at 70 MPH. It is the sort of climb you will find semi trucks with their flashers on as they are forced to slow down to pull their loads up to the top.
While it cannot match the brute force of the high-output Hurricane in my Ram 1500 RHO, the standard-output version still outperformed the outgoing Hemi V8 in overall towing composure. I’ve tested both the Ram 1500 RHO and the Hemi V8 on this test with a camper.
Ride, Stability, and Driver Confidence
Towing stability was a strong point going up and coming back down. Trailer sway control, integrated blind-spot monitoring for trailers, and well-tuned suspension geometry contributed to a calm, planted feel. Despite visible rear squat before final hitch adjustments, the truck tracked straight and felt predictable through curves and elevation changes.
The coil-spring rear suspension delivers a more comfortable ride than leaf springs, though it requires more attention during hitch setup to ensure proper load distribution. Once dialed in, the Ram felt secure both uphill and downhill, with engine braking and transmission logic working effectively on descents.
Fuel Economy Under Load
Fuel economy was initially disappointing, showing around 7.3 mpg at the midpoint of the test. However, over the full 50.5-mile loop, the average improved to 8.6 mpg. A follow-up fill-up confirmed the trip computer was off by just 0.7 mpg—well within acceptable margins.
Notably, this performance came on regular fuel, unlike the high-output Hurricane, which recommends premium for best performance. While it did not surpass the RHO’s best towing numbers of 9.4 to 10 MPG on a long-distance trip I took, the cost savings at the pump help balance the equation for buyers focused on long-term operating expenses.
Pricing and Final Verdict
The 2026 Ram 1500 Black Express tested here carries a sticker price of $51,130, including the Hurricane engine, Black Express appearance package and bed utility group. In base form, the Express trim starts around $43,775, making it one of the cheaper full-size trucks on the market. Four-wheel drive adds roughly $3,000, pushing a comparable configuration into the mid-$50,000 range.
From a towing perspective, this truck delivers far more capability than its price-first positioning suggests. It tows better than the Hemi, rides comfortably, and benefits from modern turbocharged efficiency and transmission tuning. If you are shopping for a no-nonsense Ram 1500 that can confidently handle campers, boats, or utility trailers without stepping up to premium trims or engines, the 2026 Ram 1500 Black Express with the standard-output Hurricane is a solid, well-rounded choice.
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