Guide To Flat Towing 2004 Dodge Ram 1500 4x4 Behind A Motor Home  

Question:

Expert Reply:

Yes your 2004 Dodge 1500 4X4 can be flat towed behind a motorhome according to the owner's manual as long as it's not a SRT-10 model. You will want to shift your transfer case into neutral position before flat towing to avoid internal damage to the transmission. I found these steps in your owner's manual to shift the transfer case to neutral. It is a good idea to check your particular owner's manual for your vehicle to be sure they are the same.

1. Bring the vehicle to a complete stop.
2. Shut OFF the engine.
3. Depress the brake pedal.
4. Shift automatic transmission to N (NEUTRAL), or
depress the clutch on manual transmissions.
5. Shift transfer case lever into N (NEUTRAL).
6. Start the engine.
7. Shift automatic transmission into Reverse (R).
8. Release brake pedal for five seconds and ensure that
there is no vehicle movement.
9. Repeat steps 7 and 8 with the transmission in Drive (D).
10. Shut OFF the engine and place the ignition key to the
unlocked OFF position.
11. Shift automatic transmission into P (PARK).
12. Apply the parking brake.
13. Attach vehicle to tow vehicle with tow bar.
14. Release the parking brake.

To flat tow the Dodge, you need base plate Roadmaster Base Plate Kit part # 260-1 because it requires the least modification during installation. I recommend the Roadmaster Falcon All Terrain part # RM-522 because of it's non-binding freedom latch that makes it easier to disconnect the tow bar once you get to your destination. It also allows you to disconnect the tow bar on uneven terrain compared to other tow bars that require the setup to be level when disconnecting. The latch allows you to release all of the built up tension that would normally cause binding.

I recommend safety cables part # RM-643 and wiring diode kit part # RM-15267 that splices into your vehicle tail lights to allow them to illuminate when the motor home lights activate. This kit also gives you the plug you need to plug your coiled adapter into that also comes with the kit.

Most states require a supplemental braking system that allows the towed vehicle brakes to brake when they sense the motor home vehicle braking. For that, I recommend Stay-IN-Play Duo part # SM99251 because once it's installed it is much more convenient than the other braking systems that require recurring setups.
The Stay-IN-Play is designed with a small air actuated cylinder that depresses the vehicle's brake pedal when it is activated by the main unit. The cylinder does not require removal and affect daily driving compared to the other braking systems that require the bulky box to be removed from the floor board each time you are ready to explore your destination.

If your motor home happens to have air brakes you will need the Air Force One part # SM99243 which is the same setup and manufacturer but for air brakes.

Finally, the last thing you may need is a high low adapter to tow the vehicle level with the motor home. Measure from the where the base plate installs on the front of the Dodge to the ground. Then measure from the top of the hitch receiver on the motor home to the ground. The difference between those two measurements is how much rise or drop you may need to tow level. I have attached a link for the high low adapters we carry and a helpful article for your reference.

expert reply by: Heather A

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