Recommended Flat Towing System for 2016 Ram 4WD Behind Motorhome with Air Brakes

Question:

I have a 2016 RAM 1500 Limited EcoDiesel with 4WD. Can it be safely towed behind my 30K lb Diesel pusher motorhome air brakes? What do I need to hook it all up towbar, brakes, lights, etc.? How do I release the steering wheel without turning the ignition on electronic push button start? I assume I put the transfer case in neutral to make the truck “free wheel”, correct?

asked by: Chuck R

Helpful Expert Reply:

Your 2016 Ram 1500 4WD EcoDiesel is towable without any speed or distance restrictions. Page 714 of the online manual for the 2016 Ram 1500 says that the 4WD with automatic transmission can be flat towed if you follow the guidelines spelled out in the manual. Automatic transmission trucks should be shifted into PARK and the transfer case shifted into NEUTRAL. Pages 714 through 722 detail the procedures required.

For your towing, I recommend we start with the Blue Ox Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms # BX1986 which are confirmed to fit your truck. Then I recommend the Blue Ox Avail Tow Bar - Motorhome Mount - 10,000 lbs # BX7420 which comes with the safety cables needed.

For your wiring, I recommend the Roadmaster Diode 7-Wire to 6-Wire Flexo-Coil Wiring Kit # RM-15267. This will give you a coiled connection wire along with a clean connection to the front of your truck. This system will use diodes to utilize your factory wiring to keep everything very clean and effective.

For your supplemental braking, I recommend the SMI Air Force One Supplemental Braking System for Motor Homes with Air Brakes - Proportional # SM99243. This will utilize the air pressure from your RV's brakes to apply the brakes in your Ram truck in the same manner. The low-profile of they system keeps it out of the way and always ready for a simple connection for a truly proportional system. This is a one time installation and then becomes plug and play.

The last thing you need is a high-low adapter. I've attached an article to assist in choosing the correct one and linked the page to your options. This will complete your flat tow system.