Flat Towing 2017 Ram 1500 Limited 4x4 with Four Corner Air Suspension
Question:
I want to know if I can flat tow my 2017 Ram 1500 Limited 4 x 4 with 4 corner Air Suspension with my 2020 Jayco Seneca HJ which equipped with air brakes? From what Ive read in your forum it appears I may be able to. If my pickup is flat tow-able, do you have the equipment i would need? I have attached a copy of the the section of the Owners Manual relating to it pickup being towed. Let me know if you need any other information.
asked by: Pete C
Expert Reply:
For some reason the picture you attached didn't come through but I was able to track down the online version of the owner's manual for your 2017 Ram 1500 Limited. Under the "Recreational Towing" section the manual does not list any restrictions when it comes to models equipped with the 4 Corner Air Suspension. According to the manual as long as you have the 4WD model it can be towed with all 4 wheels on the ground behind an RV. You will still want to follow the steps listed in the manual for shifting the transfer case into neutral before proceeding.
If you are still hesitant it wouldn't hurt to also check with a local Ram dealer. You can give them your VIN and they should be able to tell you with certainty whether or not the truck can be flat towed based on everything it came equipped with from the factory.
In order to flat tow the 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 in order to keep the tow bar level. We do indeed have all these parts and 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 80" Coiled # RM-653
Lighting Solution - Roadmaster Diode Flexo-Coil Wiring Kit # RM-15267
Supplemental Braking System - Brake Buddy 3 Classic # HM39494
Additional Parts Needed (to ensure proper operation of braking system) :
12V Outlet Kit # RM-9332
Stop Light Switch Kit # RM-751460 (if Ram doesn't have adjustable pedals or electronic shifter)
Stop Light Switch Kit # RM-751461 (if Ram does have adjustable pedals but not electronic shifter)
Stop Light Switch Kit # RM-751467 (if Ram doesn't have adjustable pedals but does have electric shifter)
Stop Light Switch Kit # RM-751468 (If Ram has both adjustable pedals and electronic shifter)
The Roadmaster Direct-Connect Base Plate Kit features hidden brackets to maintain a clean appearance when you aren't towing and the compatible BlackHawk All Terrain Tow Bar uses its self-aligning design and extra-long telescoping arms to provide one of the easiest-to-use models on the market.
The Diode Flex-Coil Wirring Kit will let you wire the truck so that it accepts the signal lights from the RV and the included diodes work to prevent any potentially harmful feedback. I really like the versatility of the Brake Buddy Classic 3 system since it can be easily transported to other vehicles if needed.
I have attached a great article on selecting the right high-low adapter for your particular setup. These are needed to ensure that the tow bar stays within the "Safety Zone" (within 3 inches above or below level) when hooked up. I have also included short video demonstrations on the products mentioned that you can look through.
Products Referenced in This Question
Brake Buddy Classic 3 Portable Flat Tow Brake System - Preset
- Tow Bar Braking Systems
- Brake Systems
- Pre-Set System
- Recurring Set-Up
- Portable System
- Air Brakes
- Air Over Hydraulic Brakes
- Hydraulic Brakes
- Brake Buddy
more information >
Roadmaster Diode 7-Wire to 6-Wire Flexo-Coil Wiring Kit
- Tow Bar Wiring
- Splices into Vehicle Wiring
- Diode Kit
- Universal
- Tail Light Mount
- Roadmaster
more information >
Roadmaster BlackHawk 2 All-Terrain Non-Binding Tow Bar - RV Mount - 2" Hitch - 10,000 lbs
- Tow Bar
- Hitch Mount Style
- Telescoping
- Steel
- 10000 lbs
- Fits Roadmaster Base Plates - Direct Connect
- Stores on RV
- Non-Binding
- Roadmaster
more information >
Roadmaster 80" Coiled Safety Cables - Double Hook - 10,000 lbs - Qty 2
- Safety Cables
- Coiled Cables
- 80 Inch Long
- 10000 lbs GTW
- Snap Hooks
- Coated Cables
- 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 >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Roadmaster Direct-Connect Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms
- Base Plates
- Removable Drawbars
- Twist Lock Attachment
- Roadmaster
more information >
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