2026 Ram 5500 Chassis Cab at Victorville Motors
The 2026 Ram 5500 Chassis Cab is built for one purpose: hauling, towing, and supporting upfits that earn their keep every day. For contractors, fleet operators, and commercial buyers across Victorville, Hesperia, Apple Valley, Adelanto, and the wider High Desert, the 5500 brings serious capability, an upfit-ready chassis, and meaningful 2026 updates that make the workday more productive.
This year’s Ram 5500 Chassis Cab is offered in Tradesman and Big Horn trims. Both share the same fundamental capability — a 6.4L HEMI V8 standard, an available 6.7L Cummins HO Turbo Diesel I6, and Ram’s commercial-grade chassis architecture engineered for upfitters. The choice comes down to interior appointments, exterior appearance, and equipment-group selection — not capability.
Engines and Capability
The standard 6.4L HEMI V8 delivers 375 horsepower at 5,600 RPM and 429 lb-ft of torque at 4,000 RPM, paired with a TorqueFlite HD eight-speed automatic transmission. When properly equipped, the HEMI tows up to 21,230 pounds on the 5500 and reaches maximum payload capability of 12,370 pounds — strong gas-powered capability for crews that don’t need the diesel’s full towing reach.
For operations that demand maximum pull, the available 6.7L Cummins HO Turbo Diesel I6 produces 360 horsepower and 800 lb-ft of torque, paired with the new-for-2026 ZF Powerline TorqueFlite HD eight-speed transmission with H.O. Capability. With the Cummins, the 5500 reaches up to 34,540 pounds of maximum towing and 11,530 pounds of maximum payload. The Cummins also adds a class-exclusive 480-amp dual alternator output (HEMI offers up to 400 amps) for upfit electrical headroom.
| Specification | 6.4L HEMI V8 (Standard) | 6.7L Cummins HO Turbo Diesel I6 (Available) |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 375 hp @ 5,600 RPM | 360 hp |
| Torque | 429 lb-ft @ 4,000 RPM | 800 lb-ft |
| Max Towing (5500) | Up to 21,230 lbs | Up to 34,540 lbs |
| Max Payload (5500) | Up to 12,370 lbs | Up to 11,530 lbs |
| Transmission | TorqueFlite HD 8-Speed Automatic | TorqueFlite HD 8-Speed with H.O. Capability (New for 2026) |
| Alternator Output | Up to 400 amps | Up to 480 amps (class-exclusive dual) |
Both 4×2 and 4×4 drivetrains are offered, with cab-to-axle lengths of 60, 84, 108, and 120 inches across nine available wheelbases. Standard fuel capacity is 52 gallons, with an available class-exclusive dual fuel tank pushing combined capacity to 74 gallons for extended range between fills.
Built for Upfitters
The Ram 5500 Chassis Cab’s competitive advantage is what happens after the truck leaves the factory. Ram engineered the platform around the upfit, with features that make body builds — service bodies, flatbeds, dump bodies, utility cranes, refuse units — faster and more reliable to install.
Upfit-Ready Architecture
50,000 PSI steel rear frame with straight, flat frame rails and predrilled mounting holes. Relocatable Center High-Mounted Stop Lamp Camera adjusts to suit specific upfit configurations. Upfitter Electronic Module (VSIM) enables cleaner integration with body-builder electronics.
Power Take-Off (PTO)
PTO Prep is now standard on all diesel and gas Chassis Cabs equipped with the Powerline transmission, with PTO access from both left and right sides in 4×2 and 4×4. The Cummins adds Split-Shaft Mode with two PTO speed options and minimum split-shaft horsepower even when stationary.
Onboard Power
The available 2.4 kW onboard power inverter is class-exclusive, providing generator-level exportable power through a 20-amp panel with three 110V outlets. A 400W inverter is also available on lower equipment groups for lighter-duty tool needs.
Auxiliary Switches
Six factory-integrated auxiliary switches in the switch bank simplify upfitter wiring. The sixth becomes a dedicated PTO switch when equipped, keeping the switch bank organized for operators running aerial lifts, vacuum trucks, and other specialty builds.
Choosing Your Trim
The 2026 Ram 5500 Chassis Cab keeps the trim decision focused on what commercial buyers actually need. Both trims share the same engines, transmission, drivetrain options, towing and payload ratings, upfit-ready chassis, and 2026 standard safety suite. The trim decision comes down to how much daily comfort and technology you want for your operators.
Tradesman
The work-focused base trim. Standard equipment includes a heavy-duty 40/20/40 vinyl split-bench seat, front center armrest with integrated storage, an 8.4-inch Uconnect 5 touchscreen, a standard audio system (6-speaker on Crew Cab; 4-speaker on Regular Cab), 19.5-inch black-painted steel wheels, dual rear wheels, and a black grille and bumper. Available Tradesman Level 1 and Level 2 Equipment Groups add features like a rear window defroster, power-heated telescoping mirrors, remote keyless entry, trailer brake control, the upgraded 12-inch Uconnect 5 touchscreen with navigation, dual-zone automatic temperature control, the Chrome Appearance Group with polished aluminum wheels, a 400W inverter, and the Cold Weather Group with engine block heater.
Big Horn
Builds on Tradesman’s foundation with upgraded interior materials, chrome exterior accents available through equipment groups, and access to higher-tier equipment groups. Available Big Horn equipment groups typically add features like premium cloth bucket seats, the 12-inch Uconnect 5 touchscreen with navigation, heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, a premium 10-speaker Surround Sound system on Crew Cab (17-speaker system available with the H3 Group), dual wireless charging pad, remote start, power-adjustable pedals, auto power-folding mirrors, and an exterior 115V AC outlet. Big Horn buyers can also opt for available 19.5-inch polished aluminum wheels (included with the H2 and H3 Groups) for a more refined appearance that still holds up to commercial work.
| Feature | Tradesman | Big Horn |
|---|---|---|
| Seating Material | HD Vinyl 40/20/40 Split Bench (standard) | Premium Cloth Bucket (via equipment groups) |
| Uconnect 5 Touchscreen | 8.4″ standard, 12″ available | 12″ available with navigation |
| Audio System | 6 speakers (Crew Cab) / 4 speakers (Regular Cab) | 10-speaker Surround Sound via equipment groups (17-speaker with H3 Group) |
| Exterior Accents | Black grille and bumper standard | Chrome exterior accents via equipment groups |
| Wheels | 19.5″ black-painted steel | 19.5″ polished aluminum available with H2 and H3 Groups |
| Heated Front Seats & Steering | Via Cold Weather Group | Via equipment groups |
| Remote Start | Available | Available via equipment groups |
| Safety Upgrades Available | Tradesman Safety Group | Park Assist, Active Lane Management, Blind Spot and Cross Path Detection |
Equipment varies by configuration. See dealership for complete trim and equipment-group details.
Technology Designed for Commercial Operators
Every 2026 Ram Chassis Cab includes the Uconnect 5 infotainment system as standard, with an 8.4-inch touchscreen on Tradesman and an available upgrade to a 12-inch touchscreen featuring split-screen capability.
Standard connectivity includes Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth wireless, and a 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot — keeping crews connected on remote job sites where cell coverage is spotty. Telematics and connected-services features come standard across the lineup, including RAM Connect, Emergency SOS communication, and Stolen Vehicle Locator. Ram Professional Connected Services adds fleet-management capability with real-time diagnostics and remote vehicle control.
For 2026, the Chassis Cab also adds selectable oil change intervals: a 12,000-mile interval with B20 biodiesel or a 15,000-mile interval with regular diesel, optimizing maintenance scheduling around fleet usage patterns.
2026 Standard Safety Suite
A major story for 2026: safety features that were previously optional are now standard across the Ram HD and Chassis Cab lineup.
| Standard on Every 2026 Ram 5500 Chassis Cab | Available Safety Upgrades (Big Horn) |
|---|---|
| Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop | ParkSense Front and Rear Park Assist |
| Forward Collision Warning with Pedestrian Detection | Adaptive Forward Lighting |
| Automatic Emergency Braking | Drowsy Driver Detection |
| LED Headlamps (premium LED projector headlamps optional) | Traffic Sign Recognition |
| Trailer Sway Control | Active Lane Management |
| Electronic Stability Control | Blind Spot and Cross Path Detection |
| Driveline Traction Control | |
| 4-Wheel Anti-lock Brakes (ABS) | |
| Exterior Rearview Parking Camera |
For Victorville Motors customers, financing is available to make adding a 5500 to your operation straightforward.
Colors and Wheels
For 2026, the Chassis Cab lineup expands its color palette with three new options: Hydro Blue, Serrano Green (a limited edition color exclusive to Chassis Cab), and Ceramic Gray. Returning favorites including Bright White, Flame Red, Molten Red, and Silver Zynith remain available with expanded trim availability.
Standard wheels on Tradesman are 19.5-inch black-painted steel. Available upgrades include the Chrome Appearance Group’s polished aluminum wheels and, on Big Horn with the H2 and H3 Equipment Groups, 19.5-inch polished aluminum wheels.
See dealership for current Tradesman and Big Horn MSRP, available color options by trim, and equipment-group pricing.
Warranty Coverage
Ram backs the 2026 lineup with one of the most comprehensive warranty packages in the segment.
| Coverage | Terms |
|---|---|
| Basic Limited Warranty | 3 years / 36,000 miles |
| Powertrain Limited Warranty (First Retail Owner) | 10 years / 100,000 miles |
| Diesel Engine Warranty (Cummins) | 5 years / 100,000 miles |
| Corrosion (Outer Panel Rust-Through) | 5 years / unlimited miles |
| 24-Hour Roadside Assistance | 5 years / 100,000 miles |
Note: The 10-year/100,000-mile Powertrain Limited Warranty applies to first retail owners. Fleet purchases are excluded; subsequent owners receive 5-year/60,000-mile (gas) or 5-year/100,000-mile (diesel) coverage. See dealership for complete terms.
For commercial buyers and fleets, our team can walk through how the warranty terms apply to your specific purchase structure.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many passengers can the 2026 Ram 5500 Chassis Cab seat?
Seating ranges from 3 to 6 passengers depending on cab configuration and seat selection. Regular Cab models seat up to 3 with the standard 40/20/40 split-bench seat; Crew Cab models add a second row that can bring total seating to 6.
What is the maximum towing capacity?
With the available 6.7L Cummins HO Turbo Diesel I6, the 5500 tows up to 34,540 pounds when properly equipped. With the standard 6.4L HEMI V8, maximum towing is 21,230 pounds. Maximum payload reaches 12,370 pounds (HEMI) and 11,530 pounds (Cummins), depending on configuration.
Which engines and transmissions are available?
The standard engine is the 6.4L HEMI V8 (375 hp / 429 lb-ft). The available engine is the 6.7L Cummins HO Turbo Diesel I6 (360 hp / 800 lb-ft). Both pair with the TorqueFlite HD eight-speed automatic transmission. For 2026, the Cummins pairs with a new ZF Powerline TorqueFlite HD eight-speed with H.O. Capability.
Is 4×4 available?
Yes. The Ram 5500 Chassis Cab is offered in both 4×2 and 4×4 configurations, with available class-exclusive Electronic Front Axle Disconnect on 4×4 models for improved efficiency when four-wheel traction isn’t needed.
Does the Ram 5500 offer onboard power for tools and equipment?
Yes. The 2.4 kW onboard power inverter is available as a class-exclusive option, providing a 20-amp panel with three 110V outlets — generator-level power for running tools and equipment directly from the truck. A 400W inverter is also available on lower equipment groups for lighter-duty tool needs.
What 2026 updates should commercial buyers know about?
Key 2026 updates include the new ZF Powerline TorqueFlite HD eight-speed transmission with H.O. Capability (Cummins), Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop now standard, Forward Collision Warning with Pedestrian Detection now standard, Automatic Emergency Braking now standard, standard LED headlamps (premium LED projector headlamps available), PTO Prep now standard on all diesel and gas Chassis Cabs with the Powerline transmission, and three new color options: Hydro Blue, Serrano Green, and Ceramic Gray.
Why Buyers Across the High Desert Choose Victorville Motors for Their Ram 5500
Victorville Motors at 14617 Civic Dr in Victorville stocks 2026 Ram Chassis Cab models and supports commercial operators across Victorville, Hesperia, Apple Valley, Adelanto, Phelan, and Lucerne Valley. Whether you’re spec’ing a single chassis for a specialized upfit or building out a fleet, our team can walk you through cab configurations, cab-to-axle lengths, engine selection, equipment groups, and upfit considerations.
To see the 2026 Ram 5500 Chassis Cab in person, schedule a test drive, or talk with our commercial team about your build, contact Victorville Motors at (760) 513-6916.