Flat Towing 2018 Ram 1500 4x4 Laramie

Question:

Can this vehicle with auto trans be towed it is a 4x4

asked by: Chuck

Expert Reply:

I took a look at the online version of the owner's manual for your 2018 Ram 1500 and it does state that models with the four-wheel drive transmission can be flat towed with all 4 wheels on the ground. There are steps that need to be taken with regards to correctly shifting the transmission before taking off so I recommend reviewing this in your manual before proceeding.

In the online version this section, titled "Recreational Towing", starts on page 447.

In order to flat tow your truck you will need a base plate kit, a tow bar, safety cables, a lighting solution, a supplemental braking system, and likely a high-low adapter to keep the tow bar level. I will make my recommendations below:

Base Plate Kit - Roadmaster Direct-Connect # RM-52289-5
Tow Bar - Roadmaster BlackHawk 2 All Terrain # RM-422
Safety Cables - Roadmaster Coiled # RM-653
Lighting Solution - Roadmaster Diode Flexo-Coil Wiring Kit # RM-15267
Supplemental Braking System - Brake Buddy Classic 3 # HM39494
Additional Components Needed: Stop Light Switch Kit # RM-751460 and 12V Outlet Kit # RM-9332 (to ensure proper operation of braking system)

The Roadmaster Direct-Connect Base Plate Kit features hidden brackets that maintain a clean appearance when you aren't towing and the compatible BlackHawk 2 All Terrain Tow Bar uses a self-aligning design, extra-long telescoping arms, and non-binding mechanisms to create one of the easiest to use tow bars on the market. You won't get stuck trying to release or hook up this tow bar like with most other models.

The Roadmaster Diode Kit will let you wire the Ram so that it accepts the tail light signals from the RV and the included diodes will prevent any harmful feedback. The Brake Buddy Classic 3 is an excellent portable system that physically presses down on the truck's brake pedal in correspondence with you doing the same in the RV.

Then lastly for a high-low adapter I have attached a great article that explains how to choose the best one for your particular setup. This is needed to make sure the tow bar stays within the "Safety Zone" (3 inches above or below level) when hooked up.

I have included video demonstrations on the products mentioned that you can also look through.