Parts to Flat Tow 2018 Dodge Laramie 1500 Behind 2021 Coachman Leprechaun Ford E450  

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Expert Reply:

Assuming that your Leprechaun has sufficient towing capacity, these are the parts you will need to flat tow a 2018 RAM Laramie 1500 4WD.

First you will need a vehicle specific base plate kit. I recommend the Roadmaster # RM-52289-5 twist and lock, Direct Connect kit. The mounting brackets well hidden and have a limited lifetime warranty.

Next you will need a tow bar. You can use the Roadmaster # RM-520 “Falcon 2” standard tow bar rated for 6000 pounds. For a little more cost you can use the Roadmaster # RM-522 “Falcon” All Terrain and Non-Binding tow bar.

A non-binding tow bar will let you easily disconnect your tow bar even if your coach and towed vehicle is not on level ground or at a difficult angle. The tow bar is the one point in flat towing that gets the most stress and wear. You don't want to go cheap or used for this most important part.

However, your truck weighs in around 5600 pounds, so you might want to upgrade further to the Roadmaster # RM-422 “BlackHawk” rated for 10,000 pounds.

You will also need safety cables to keep the towed vehicle connected to your coach in case of a tow bar failure. I would recommend the Roadmaster # RM-645 which are 64” long and rated for 8000 pounds. I like that the connectors are made so they can not bounce off the cable hooks. I also prefer the straight cables compared to coiled – it just looks cleaner when they are all tucked away.

Next you will need a tow bar wiring kit. I recommend the Roadmaster # RM-152-98146-7 Universal wiring kit which includes everything you need to connect your RV's tail, brake, and turn signal lights to your towed car. Diodes prevent feedback and wire your car to operate as a combined system. Includes a 7-way to 6-way straight adapter cord. When you do finally get ready to plug your electrical cables in I would put a little Edelmann # 11755 dielectric grease on those connections. The dielectric grease will keep help keep moisture and corrosion out of your connections.

Your vehicle may need a Roadmaster # RM-751000 Brake Light Switch Kit . If the brake lights do not work with the towed vehicle's ignition key turned to the "tow" position, you need a brake light switch kit to provide a signal to the supplemental braking system.

Your RAM weighs in about 5600 pounds so you will need a supplemental braking system installed in it. This will improve braking and handling, and extend the life of your coaches braking system. Additionally, most states require supplemental braking if your towed vehicle is over 3000 pounds. If your coach has traditional hydraulic brakes then I recommend the Brake Buddy # HM39524 portable system that has proportional braking and has a wireless display for your cab so you can see your braking system status or change profiles from your driver's seat.

If your coach has air brakes, then instead of the Brake Buddy system, you will need the Demco # DM26VR supplemental braking system for air brakes.

I have attached an article below about supplemental braking systems.

Finally, you should double check your vehicles owner's manual to determine if your specific model vehicle can be flat towed and any special requirements in regard to fuses, equipment, and any additional service that may be required.

expert reply by: Les D

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