Trailer Hitch for 2005 Jayco Greyhawk GS30 and Flat Tow Items for 2014 Ram 1500 Laramie
Question:
I have a 2005 Jayco Greyhawk GS30 with the v10. My trailer loaded weight is 13,500 and GCVWR is 19,500. Im wanting to flat tow a 2014 Dodge Ram 1500 Laramie with Ecodiesel 3.0. The weight is 5308, 200lbs of gas and a bike rack and bikes at 400lbs, so it would be under 6000lbs. I havent bought the truck yet, so would be interested in whether this is a good setup for my motorhome. I would need to upgrade the hitch on the motorhome. Which hitch do you recommend? Id be interested in what flat tow setup you would recommend.
asked by: Gregory T
Helpful Expert Reply:
I always respect the manufacturers posted weight ratings when towing and hauling, I never push to the max and caution against exceeding those ratings. OEM's are required to complete rigorous testing before a vehicle is released for sale, this testing has been developed over decades of process improvements. Personally I prefer to stay at least 10 percent below the max rating for payload, towing and combined weights but I caution against exceeding them in any way.
You state "...need to upgrade the hitch on the motorhome" so I assume you have already determined the current hitch to not meet the needed 6,000 lbs. you have identified with towing the 2014 Ram 1500 Laramie. Generally I would recommend the Curt Adjustable Trailer Hitch Receiver - 18"-51" Wide - 2" Drop - Class III - 2", # C13701. However, this is a 5000 lb. GTW with 500 lbs. TW. This will not meet the need of the the Ram truck either but I am listing this in case you go a different route than the Ram and yet still need to replace the hitch too. This is a well built hitch that can be either bolted or welded in place. Adjustable to fit varying types of frames and widths. For identified needs with the Ram I suggest the Class V Universal Weld-on Receiver Hitch and Brackets with 3" Drop, # 15901. The adjustable side brackets slide along hitch body to match exactly the width of your vehicle frame before being welded in place. This hitch has a 15000 lb. GTW with a 1500 lb. TW.
If you do go with the Ram, which does sound like a nice vehicle choice, you will need the flat tow set-up, let's start with needed base plates. I suggest the Demco base plates, # DM9517335, these are a confirmed to fit your 2014 Ram 1500 EcoDiesel. This is a custom-fit base plate kit with simple installation, they bolt on without the need for any welding and have an bracket for mounting the needed electrical connector. I have attached a link to an installation video of these being installed on a 2018 model Ram.
For the tow-bar, I suggest the Demco Excali-Bar II Non-Binding Tow Bar # DM9511013. This is rated for a full 10,500 lbs. which is great for using on a full size truck that may have a payload of its own to carry. In addition, this is a self-aligning tow bar that has independent arms with trigger releases making it easy to connect and disconnect even on unlevel ground. The adjustable head on the Excali-Bar offers a 3 inch rise/drop in addition to the 1-1/2 inch rise built into the shank. This means you may not need an additional high/low adapter that is commonly required. Safety cables are included as well.
For needed wiring, I recommend the Roadmaster Diode 7-Wire to 6-Wire Flexo-Coil Wiring Kit # RM-15267, and a supplemental braking system, like the Blue Ox Patriot 3 # BLU37TR which is portable, so you can easily transfer it a different vehicles in the future if change your towed. This is a proportional type so it will activate the brakes on the towed vehicle at the same time and with the same intensity as those in your motorhome.
Products Referenced in This Question
Class V Universal Weld-on Receiver Hitch and Brackets with 3" Drop
- Heavy Duty Receiver Hitch
- Weld-On
- 18 - 44 Inch Wide
- 1500 lbs TW
- 15000 lbs GTW
- Class V
- 2 Inch Hitch
- 3 Inch Drop
- CURT
more information >
Blue Ox Patriot Portable Flat Tow Brake System - Proportional
- Tow Bar Braking Systems
- Brake Systems
- Proportional System
- Recurring Set-Up
- Portable System
- Power Assist Brake Compatible
- Air Brakes
- Air Over Hydraulic Brakes
- Hydraulic Brakes
- Blue Ox
more information >
Curt Adjustable Trailer Hitch Receiver - 18"-51" Wide - 2" Drop - Class III - 2"
- RV and Camper Hitch
- Frame Mount Hitch
- 18 - 51 Inch Wide Frame
- 500 lbs TW
- 5000 lbs GTW
- 2 Inch Hitch
- Bolt-On
- Weld-On
- CURT
more information >
Demco Excali-Bar III Non-Binding Tow Bar - RV Mount - 2" Hitch - 10,500 lbs
- Tow Bar
- Hitch Mount Style
- Telescoping
- Steel
- 10500 lbs
- Fits Demco Base Plates
- Stores on RV
- Non-Binding
- Demco
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 >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Draw-Tite Max-E-Loader Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class IV - 2"
- Trailer Hitch
- Custom Fit Hitch
- Class IV
- 600 lbs TW
- 6000 lbs GTW
- 10000 lbs WD GTW
- 2 Inch Hitch
- 1000 lbs WD TW
- Draw-Tite
more information >
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