The short answer
On the 5 heavy-duty Ram window stickers in our stock with the diesel, the 6.7L Cummins High Output was a $12,995 option, and each sticker lists a 3.42 axle ratio under it. Ram's 2027 ratings show the trade: a 2500 with the Cummins tows up to 20,000 lb but carries up to 3,990 lb, while a 2500 HEMI tows up to 17,740 lb and carries up to 4,580 lb. On a 3500 the gap is wider: 37,020 lb towing with the Cummins vs. 18,140 lb with the HEMI, but 6,460 lb vs. 7,580 lb of payload.
Worth it if you tow heavy and often: a big fifth-wheel or gooseneck, long hauls, steep grades. Probably not if the truck mostly plows and hauls in the bed, where the HEMI's higher payload and lower price fit better. On the 2500 stickers, the Cummins also lists an 11,040 lb GVWR.
What the stickers show
| Truck | Base MSRP | Cummins HO option | Listed under it | Cold Weather Group | Sticker total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2027 Ram 2500 Black Express Crew Cab 4x4 | $53,925 | $12,995 | 3.42 Axle Ratio; GVW Rating – 11,040 Pounds | Yes, $245 | $75,670 |
| 2026 Ram 2500 Big Horn Crew Cab 4x4 | $57,155 | $12,995 | 3.42 Axle Ratio; GVW Rating – 11,040 Pounds | No | $77,495 |
| 2026 Ram 2500 Big Horn Crew Cab 4x4 | $57,155 | $12,995 | 3.42 Axle Ratio; GVW Rating – 11,040 Pounds | Yes, $245 | $80,740 |
| 2027 Ram 2500 Big Horn Crew Cab 4x4 | $57,675 | $12,995 | 3.42 Axle Ratio; GVW Rating – 11,040 Pounds | Yes, $245 | $82,210 |
| 2027 Ram 3500 Laramie Crew Cab 4x4 Long Box | $67,260 | $12,995 | 3.42 Axle Ratio | Yes, $245 | $95,995 |
| HEMI truck | Base MSRP | Engine | Sticker total |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2027 Ram 2500 Tradesman Regular Cab 4x4 Long Box | $50,305 | 6.4L HEMI (standard) | $56,735 |
| 2026 Ram 2500 Warlock Crew Cab 4x4 | $53,405 | 6.4L HEMI (standard) | $65,600 |
Ram's 2027 maximum ratings
| Truck and engine | Max towing | Max payload |
|---|---|---|
| 2500, 6.4L HEMI | 17,740 lb | 4,580 lb |
| 2500, 6.7L Cummins HO | 20,000 lb | 3,990 lb |
| 3500, 6.4L HEMI | 18,140 lb | 7,580 lb |
| 3500, 6.7L Cummins HO | 37,020 lb (preliminary) | 6,460 lb |
How to decide
The Cummins makes sense if
- You tow a fifth-wheel or gooseneck over 15,000 lb
- You tow most weekends or for work, often on grades
- You put a lot of highway miles on the truck
The HEMI makes sense if
- The truck is mainly a plow truck or hauls heavy loads in the bed (payload matters more)
- You tow a few times a year, under about 12,000 lb
- You want the lower purchase price and gas-only fueling
Run the fuel side with the gas vs. diesel calculator, and check whether your combination crosses the Wisconsin CDL line.
Winter in Barron County
Every Cummins truck above except one also lists the $245 Cold Weather Group, which on these stickers is an engine block heater plus a winter front grille cover. If you'll park a diesel outside, plug it in on the coldest nights.
Questions
How much is the Cummins option on a Ram 2500?
$12,995 on every Cummins-equipped Ram 2500 and 3500 window sticker in our stock (Oct. 11, 2026).
Does the Cummins reduce payload?
Yes. Ram's 2027 maximums show 3,990 lb payload for a 2500 Cummins vs. 4,580 lb for a 2500 HEMI, and 6,460 lb vs. 7,580 lb on a 3500.
Which is better for plowing, the HEMI or the Cummins?
For a plow truck, payload and front-axle rating usually matter most, which favors the HEMI. Check the plow maker's fit guide for the exact truck.
Next steps at Swant Graber
Swant Graber Motors (Chevrolet, Ram, Dodge): 1690 E Division Ave, Barron, WI 54812, 715-537-5657. Swant Graber Ford: 1697 E Division Ave, 715-537-9500. Search new or used inventory, or see shop near you for model-by-model answers.
