Flat Towing Parts Options for 2018 Ram 1500
Question:
Hello I have a dodge ram 1500 2018 4WD. I am looking to tow this vehicle behind my class c motorhome. I am looking for baseplate, tow bar, portable braking system and anything else I need. I was looking at demco base plates since I was hoping for no cutting install on the base plate. Can you give me some cost conscious part recommendations for a complete setup that I could buy as well as easiest install. I need recommendations and approx cost for each piece. Thank you.
asked by: Dave
Expert Reply:
To flat tow your 2018 Ram 1500 behind a motorhome, you'll need a tow bar, base plates, safety cables, a wiring harness, a supplemental braking system and possible a high/low adapter.
Since the Demco # DM9517335 base plate is pretty easy to install, that's what I'll recommend. If the weight of your F150 is below 6000 lbs (research indicates a max dry weight of 5673 lbs, but this will depend on how vehicle is equipped) I'd recommend the Demco Commander II tow bar, part # DM9511012 . The Commander II is a non-binding, self aligning tow bar which is what you really want. It's easy to attach to the vehicle regardless of whether the vehicle is perfectly aligned to the rear of the motorhome. Hook it up, drive off and the arms will align and lock in place. Safety cables are included.
For a wiring solution that allows the taillights on the towed vehicle to operate in sync with those of the motorhome, I'd recommend using a diode system # RM-15267. If your Ram does NOT have LED taillights, a less expensive bulb and socket option is available as part # RM-155. This is an easier installation than the diode system, but it requires that a hole be drilled into the rear of both taillight assemblies and an additional bulb installed. The bulbs aren't as bright using this option, but it's less expensive. For a reasonably priced and easy to use supplemental braking system, use # HM39530.
If the installed height difference between the base plates and the hitch receiver on the motorhome is greater than 3 inches, you'll need a high/low adapter to bring the tow bar within 3 inches of level. I've linked you to our selection of high/low adapters and a help article that explains how to measure for the correct height, if you need one. You an also see installation videos by using the provided links.
The options I recommended aren't the least expensive option in each category, but they are mid priced and proven solutions that offer ease of use that I'm confident would work well for you. There are less expensive options in each category, but folks typically find that if they choose the least expensive option, those parts are actually much more difficult to use and they'll end up upgrading soon thereafter anyway.
I've linked to the recommended parts, where you can see current pricing.
Products Referenced in This Question
Demco Commander II Non-Binding Tow Bar - RV Mount - 2" Hitch - 6,000 lbs
- Tow Bar
- Hitch Mount Style
- Telescoping
- Steel
- 6000 lbs
- Fits Demco Base Plates
- Stores on RV
- Non-Binding
- Demco
more information >
Brake Buddy Stealth Supplemental Braking System - Proportional
- Tow Bar Braking Systems
- Brake Systems
- Proportional System
- One Time Set-Up
- Fixed System
- Power Assist Brake Compatible
- 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 >
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