Parts Needed to Flat Dinghy/Recreational Tow a 2016 or 2017 Ram 1500
Question:
What is needed to flat tow a 2016-2017 Ram 1500. Not sure what year to get yet.
asked by: Jovi
Expert Reply:
Whether you have a 2016 Ram 1500 or a 2017 Ram 1500 we have exactly what you need!
A complete flat towing setup includes a base plate kit, tow bar, safety cables, vehicle tow bar wiring, a supplemental braking system, and typically a high-low adapter. If you go with a Big Horn, Laramie/Laramie Longhorn, Tradesman, or Limited I recommend the base plate kit # RM-52289-5. For a Rebel model I recommend part # RM-52299-5, and for a Sport or Express model I recommend part # RM-298-3.
Then for a tow bar I highly recommend the Roadmaster Nighthawk All Terrain # RM-676. It comes with safety cables, LED lights for other vehicles to clearly see the tow bar, and part of a wiring kit. To complete the wiring kit you need the Hy-Power Diode Wiring Kit # RM-152. I also recommend installing the Charge Line Kit # RM-156-25 to keep the battery on your Ram fully charged.
For the braking system I recommend the SMI Stay-IN-Play DUO # SM99251. This is one of the most popular braking systems that we carry because it installs out of the way and is activate by connecting the breakaway switch and turning the unit on. To complete the installation you will need a stop light switch. These are different depending on what kind of pedal and shifter you have on your Ram so you will need to choose from the following:
Without adjustable pedals/without electronic shifter - # RM-751460
With adjustable pedals/with electronic shifter - # RM-751468
With adjustable pedals/without electronic shifter - # RM-751461
Without adjustable pedals/with electronic shifter - # RM-751467
Most flat towing setups require a high-low adapter for the tow bar to remain level while towing. I linked our selection of adapters for you to check out as well as an article that will help you determine which is the best one for your application.
You may also be interested in the Tow Bar Cover # RM-055-3 to help extend the life of your tow bar and the Tow Defender # RM-4750 to prevent road debris from hitting your new pickup.
I have also attached some videos and helpful articles for you to reference. Be sure to consult your owner's manual for any specific instructions on flat towing your Ram 1500.
Products Referenced in This Question
- Accessories and Parts
- Tow Bar
- Covers and Storage
- Tow Bar Cover
- Sterling
- Eagle
- Falcon
- Blackhawk
- Roadmaster
more information >
Roadmaster Universal Hy-Power Diode Wiring Kit
- Tow Bar Wiring
- Splices into Vehicle Wiring
- Diode Kit
- Universal
- Tail Light Mount
- Roadmaster
more information >
Roadmaster Battery Charge Line Kit for Towed Vehicles
- Accessories and Parts
- Tow Bar Wiring
- Battery Charge Line Kit
- Roadmaster
more information >
Roadmaster Direct-Connect Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms
- Base Plates
- Removable Drawbars
- Hitch Pin Attachment
- Roadmaster
more information >
Roadmaster Tow Defender Protective Screen for Towed Vehicles
- Accessories and Parts
- Tow Bar
- Vehicle Guards
- Protective Screening
- Tow Defender
- Roadmaster
more information >
Roadmaster Direct-Connect Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms
- Base Plates
- Removable Drawbars
- Twist Lock Attachment
- Roadmaster
more information >
Roadmaster Stop Light Switch Kit
- Tow Bar Braking Systems
- Stop Light Switch
- Roadmaster
more information >
Roadmaster Stop Light Switch Kit
- Tow Bar Braking Systems
- Stop Light Switch
- Roadmaster
more information >
Roadmaster Stop Light Switch Kit
- Tow Bar Braking Systems
- Stop Light Switch
- Roadmaster
more information >
Roadmaster Stop Light Switch Kit
- Tow Bar Braking Systems
- Stop Light Switch
- Roadmaster
more information >
Demco Stay-IN-Play Duo Flat Tow Brake System for RVs w/ Hydraulic Brakes - Proportional
- Tow Bar Braking Systems
- Brake Systems
- Proportional System
- One Time Set-Up
- Fixed System
- Power Assist Brake Compatible
- Hydraulic Brakes
- Demco
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Roadmaster Nighthawk All-Terrain Tow Bar w/ LED Lights - Non-Binding - RV Mount - 8,000 lbs
- Tow Bar
- Hitch Mount Style
- Telescoping
- Aluminum
- 8000 lbs
- Fits Roadmaster Base Plates - Direct Connect
- Stores on RV
- Non-Binding
- Roadmaster
more information >
Featured Help Information
Instructions
Miscellaneous Media
Continue Researching
- Shop: Base Plate for Tow Bar
- Shop: Roadmaster Nighthawk All-Terrain Tow Bar w/ LED Lights - Non-Binding - RV Mount - 8,000 lbs
- Shop: Trailer Hitch
- Shop: Vehicle Tow Bar Brake System
- Video: Best 2017 Ram 1500 Flat Tow Set Up Options
- Video: Best 2020 Ram 1500 Flat Tow Setup Options - Braking Systems
- Article: Flat Towing Package for 2016-2017 Ram 1500
- Shop: Demco Kar Kaddy SS Tow Dolly with Disc Brakes - Foldable - 4,800 lbs
- Shop: Demco Kar Kaddy X Tow Dolly w/ Disc Brakes - Tilt Bed Frame - 4,800 lbs - Wide Tread
- Shop: Roadmaster Tow Defender Protective Screen for Towed Vehicles
- Shop: Roadmaster Guardian Rock Guard for Towed Vehicles
- Shop: Roadmaster Tow Bar Cover
- Shop: Roadmaster Direct-Connect Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms
- Article: How to Choose the Right Trailer Hitch Class
- Shop: Trailer Wiring
- Q&A: Recommended Replacement for Atwood Surge Brake Actuator 85778
- Video: Choosing the Right Trailer Wiring
- Search Results: 44649
- Q&A: Seal With Dimensions to Replace 171255UC
- Search Results: 25580
- Shop: Brake Controller
- Article: Brake Controller 7- and 4-Way Installation Kit (ETBC7)
- Video: Brake Buddy Classic 3 Portable Supplemental Braking System Installation - 2009 Jeep Wrangler Unlimit
- Video: Draw-Tite Max-Frame Trailer Hitch Installation - 2019 Chevrolet Equinox
- Article: Trailer Wiring Diagrams
- Q&A: Wiring a Camper Shell Third Brake Light on a 2017 Chevrolet Silverado
- Search Results: 68149
- Q&A: Adding Brakes to a Mobile Home Axle
- Shop: Fifth Wheel Hitch
- Search Results: dust cap