Flat Towing Package for 2016-2017 Ram 1500

Written by: Amber S

Last updated: 7/23/2024

Est. read time: 20 mins.

You chose your 2016-2017 Ram 1500 for its comfort, style, and power—so why ever leave it behind? To flat tow your Ram truck behind a motorhome, you'll need just a few basic components, including base plates, a tow bar, safety cables, wiring, and a supplemental braking system. If this sounds intimidating, don't panic. Finding everything you need is easier than ever with our flat tow package guide for the Ram 1500. Check out our flat tow product recommendations below.

Base Plates
Tow Bar
Safety Cables
Tow Bar Wiring
Supplemental Braking System
Additional Components

Flat Tow Restrictions and Installation Notes

Vehicle Restrictions: Only 4WD vehicles should be flat towed. Flat towing a 2WD Ram 1500 may cause damage to the vehicle. Ram 1500 trucks with LED taillights cannot use bulb and socket kit # RM-155.

Flat Towing Products

Base Plates for 2016-2017 Ram 1500

#RM-52289-4

Easily removable arms
Compatible with Quick Disconnects and all RM tow bars
Made in USA

Fits: 2016-2017 Ram 1500 Big Horn, Laramie/Laramie Longhorn, Tradesman, & Limited models
Installation: Trimming of spoiler, air dam, grille or plastic fascia may be required on some models.
Tech Tip: Product will work on vehicles with EcoDiesel Engine.

#RM52289-5

Easily removable arms
Streamlined design
No Quick-Disconnect crossbar needed
Compatible with RM motorhome-mounted tow bars
Made in USA

Fits: 2016-2017 Ram 1500 Big Horn, Laramie/Laramie Longhorn, Tradesman, & Limited models
Installation: Trimming of spoiler, air dam, grille or plastic fascia may be required. To use with Sterling tow bar, attach sterling cable anchors to vehicle frame or weld to receiver portion of bracket. Bracket will not accommodate Guardian rock shield, Tow Defender RM-4700, Stowaway or StowMaster and StowMaster All Terrain tow bars.
Tech Tip: Product will work on vehicles with EcoDiesel Engine.

#DM9517335

Fixed draw bars
No crossbar required
Compatible with Demco tow bars
No welding required
Made in USA

Fits: 2016-2017 Ram 1500 Laramie/Laramie Longhorn, Limited, Tradesman, Big Horn, Rebel, Sport, & Express models
Tech Tip: Product will work on vehicles with EcoDiesel Engine.

#BX2412

Easily removable arms
No crossbar required
Compatible with Blue Ox tow bars
Made in USA

Fits: 2016-2017 Ram 1500 Rebel, Big Horn, & Laramie/Laramie Longhorn models
Tech Tip: Product will work on vehicles with EcoDiesel Engine. Product intended for Big Horn & Laramie/Laramie Longhorn vehicles with a chrome metal bumper.

Return to top

Tow Bars for 2016-2017 Ram 1500

Another necessary component of a flat towing setup is the tow bar. While tow bars are not a custom-fit component, it is important to make sure that the tow bar and base plates you choose for your Ram 1500 are compatible with each other. A good rule of thumb is to use a tow bar from the same manufacturer as your base plate kit. If you have base plates or a tow bar of one brand and wish to use a counterpart from a different manufacturer, you will likely need an adapter. Check out our base plate adapter table for help on choosing the correct product.

Tow bars come in two styles: those that mount on the motorhome (hitch mount style) and those that mount on the vehicle (coupler style). For frequent RVers, motorhome-mounted tow bars are generally preferable. They provide a more stable connection, are easy to adjust, and do not require a separate coupler. On the other hand, those who RV less frequently may consider a vehicle-mounted tow bar for a more economical option.

#RM-676

8,000-lb. capacity
Hitch mount style - stores on RV
Non-binding
LED lighted arms
Safety cables and wiring included
Made of lightweight aluminum
Compatible with Roadmaster Direct-Connect base plates
Made in USA
1-year limited warranty

#RM-576

8,000-lb. capacity
Hitch mount style - stores on RV
Non-binding
Safety cables and wiring included
Made of lightweight aluminum
Compatible with all Roadmaster base plates
Made in USA
1-year limited warranty

#RM-676

7,500-lb. capacity
Hitch mount style - stores on RV
Non-binding
Safety cables included
Made of lightweight aluminum & durable steel
Limited lifetime warranty

#RM522

6,000-lb. capacity
Hitch mount style - stores on RV
Non-binding
Made of durable steel
Compatible with all Roadmaster base plates
Made in USA
1-year limited warranty

#RM-520

6,000-lb. capacity
Hitch mount style - stores on RV
Made of durable steel
Compatible with all Roadmaster base plates
Made in USA
1-year limited warranty

#DM9511009

10,500-lb. capacity
Hitch mount style - stores on RV
Non-binding
Safety cables included
Made of durable steel
Limited lifetime warranty

#RM501

6,000-lb. capacity
Coupler style - stores on vehicle
Made of durable steel
Compatible with Roadmaster crossbar-style base plates
Made in USA
1-year limited warranty

#DM9511011

5,000-lb. capacity
Coupler style - stores separately
Safety cables included
Made of durable steel
Limited lifetime warranty

#RM020

5,000-lb. capacity
Coupler style - stores separately
Made of durable steel
Compatible with Roadmaster crossbar-style base plates
Made in USA

Return to top

Safety Cables for 2016-2017 Ram 1500

Safety cables are a necessary component of a flat towing setup. Keep the weight of your Ram 1500 in mind when choosing safety cables, as safety cables come in a variety of capacities. Blue Ox and Demco typically include safety cables with their tow bars, making it easy to complete your flat towing setup. Both manufacturers also offer replacement safety cables. Some premium Roadmaster tow bars include safety cables, but most do not. Roadmaster offers a number of capacites and both coiled and straight cables for your flat towing setup. The coiled design helps keep the safety cables from dragging the ground, while straight cables work best with tow bars that have channels, or cable guides, for the safety cables to feed through.

Tow Bar Cable Channel Guide

For use with for tow bars with cable guides

For use with for tow bars with cable guides

Return to top

Tow Bar Wiring for 2016-2017 Ram 1500

It is important for your 2016-2017 Ram 1500 to be wired for flat towing. To make sure your vehicle has functioning tail lights when towed, you have a few options. You can use the existing tail lights by installing a tow bar wiring kit that splices into your current wiring. You can also bypass your factory wiring by installing a bulb and socket kit that uses the vehicle's tail light housings (note that trucks with LED lights cannot use the bulb and socket kit). Finally, you can install a universal magnetic or trunk-mounted lighting kit to add additional lights to your vehicle specifically for towing.

Roadmaster Diode 7-Wire to 6-Wire Flexo-Coil Wiring Kit

#RM-15267

6-way plug on vehicle
Hardwire installation
Won't interfere with vehicle's factory wiring
6-way to 7-way wiring extensions included

Roadmaster Universal Hy-Power Diode Wiring Kit

#RM-152

4-wire harness
Ideal if wiring included with tow bar
Hardwire installation

Demco Tow Bar Combo Kit with Diode System

#DM9523057

Diode wiring kit
6-way coiled lighting cable
7-way to 6-way adapter
Vinyl storage cover included

#RM-155

Bulb and socket kit
Bypasses vehicle wiring
Independent plugs and sockets mount inside tail lights

Note: This bulb and socket kit does not work with LED taillights.

#MT70097

Economical option
Bypasses vehicle wiring
Magnetic light bases hold firmly to any metal surface
Long-lasting LEDs provide superior operation

#EZT20B

Universal trunk mount kit
Bypasses vehicle wiring
20-ft. cord with 4-pole trailer end

Return to top

Supplemental Braking System for 2016-2017 Ram 1500

Using a supplemental braking system, also called a tow bar braking system, helps make sure your towed 2016-2017 Ram 1500 slows down as your motorhome slows down. This helps reduce wear and tear on both your vehicle and your motorhome, as well as helps shorten the braking distance of your towing setup. It is also important to keep in mind that supplemental braking systems are required by law in many states. It is important to check the requirements for areas you will be traveling through.

#RM-8700

Pre-set braking
One-time setup
For RVs with hydraulic brakes
Integrated battery protection
Made in USA
1-year warranty

Note: Stop Light Switch required:
With adjustable pedals/without electronic shifter: RM-751461
With adjustable pedals/with electronic shifter: RM-751468
Without adjustable pedals/with electronic shifter: RM-751467
Without adjustable pedals/without electronic shifter: RM-751460

#SM99251

Proportional Braking
One-time setup
For RVs with hydraulic brakes
Made in USA
5-year warranty

Note: Stop Light Switch required:
With adjustable pedals/without electronic shifter: RM-751461
With adjustable pedals/with electronic shifter: RM-751468
Without adjustable pedals/with electronic shifter: RM-751467
Without adjustable pedals/without electronic shifter: RM-751460

Hydraulic: #RM-9060
Air: #RM-9160

Proportional braking
Recurring setup
Options for hydraulic and air RV brakes
Made in USA

Installation: Anchors to required seat adapter #RM-88272 at floorboard and clamps around brake pedal.
Note: Stop Light Switch required:
With adjustable pedals/without electronic shifter: RM-751461
With adjustable pedals/with electronic shifter: RM-751468
Without adjustable pedals/with electronic shifter: RM-751467
Without adjustable pedals/without electronic shifter: RM-751460

#SM99243

Proportional Braking
One-time setup
For RVs with air brakes
Made in USA
5-year warranty

#SM99242

Proportional Braking
Recurring set-up
For RVs with hydraulic, air, or air over hydraulic brakes
Made in USA
5-year warranty

Installation: If vehicle is equipped with active power assist braking system, this product can be used. Check owner's manual.
Note: 12 Volt Outlet Kit #RM-9332 required

#RM-9400

Proportional Braking
Recurring set-up
For RVs with hydraulic, air, or air over hydraulic brakes
Made in USA
1-year limited warranty

Installation: If vehicle is equipped with active power assist braking system, this product cannot be used. Check owner's manual.
Note: 12 Volt Outlet Kit #RM-9332 required
Note: Stop Light Switch required:
With adjustable pedals/without electronic shifter: RM-751461
With adjustable pedals/with electronic shifter: RM-751468
Without adjustable pedals/with electronic shifter: RM-751467
Without adjustable pedals/without electronic shifter: RM-751460

#RM-9700

Pre-set Braking
Recurring set-up
For RVs with hydraulic, air, or air over hydraulic brakes
Made in USA
1-year limited warranty

Installation: If vehicle is equipped with active power assist braking system, this product cannot be used. Check owner's manual.
Note: 12 Volt Outlet Kit #RM-9332 required
Note: Stop Light Switch required:
With adjustable pedals/without electronic shifter: RM-751461
With adjustable pedals/with electronic shifter: RM-751468
Without adjustable pedals/with electronic shifter: RM-751467
Without adjustable pedals/without electronic shifter: RM-751460

#BRK2016

Proportional Braking
Recurring set-up
For RVs with hydraulic brakes
Made in USA
2-year warranty

Installation: If vehicle is equipped with active power assist braking system, this product can be used. Check owner's manual.
Note: 12 Volt Outlet Kit #RM-9332 required

Return to top

Additional Flat Towing Components

To complete your 2016-2017 Ram 1500's flat towing setup, a few additional parts may be required or recommended. Some of these components, such as stop light switches and high-low adapters, ensure that your flat tow setup functions properly. Other accessories work to protect your vehicle from rocks and other road debris while your vehicle is being towed.

Required Accessories

In addition to your main wiring harness, you'll also need a stop light switch to activate your RV monitoring system and alert you when the brakes of your towed car are being applied.

#RM-751460

Fits: 2016-2017 Ram 1500 without adjustable pedals & without electronic shifter
Activates supplemental braking system monitor in motorhome
Wires directly into towed car
Made in USA

#RM-751461

Fits: 2016-2017 Ram 1500 without adjustable pedals & without electronic shifter
Activates supplemental braking system monitor in motorhome
Wires directly into towed car
Made in USA

#RM-751467

Fits: 2016-2017 Ram 1500 without adjustable pedals & without electronic shifter
Activates supplemental braking system monitor in motorhome
Wires directly into towed car
Made in USA

#RM-751468

Fits: 2016-2017 Ram 1500 without adjustable pedals & without electronic shifter
Activates supplemental braking system monitor in motorhome
Wires directly into towed car
Made in USA

A charge line kit maintains the battery charge in your towed vehicle (though it is not required when using the Roadmaster Invisibrake, which provides its own charge). A 12-volt outlet kit provides power to portable braking systems but is not required for fixed systems.

#RM-156-25

Maintains battery charge in towed vehicle
Provides 15 amps to avoid overcharging
Requires #RM-156-75 if no charge line present in RV
Made in USA

#RM-9332

Provides power for portable braking systems
Creates 12-volt power outlet with 20 amps power
5-ft. wire included

Recommended Components

If your tow bar is level when you attach it to your vehicle and RV, then great! You don't need a high-low adapter. However, if your tow bar is not level, you will need a high-low adapter. Your tow bar should always be within 3 inches of level. A tow bar cover is also recommended to protect your tow bar when not in use.

#Various Rise/Drops

Allows tow bar to remain level
Tow bar should be within 3 inches of level

#RM-9243-1

Kit includes wiring, safety cables, tow bar cover, and storage bag
Wiring provides 4-pole and 7-way connectors
Straight safety cables offer 8,000-lb. capacity
Tow bar cover protects stowed tow bar from elements
Storage bag lets you keep components organized for easy access

#Various Options

Keeps dirt and road grime off tow bar when not in use
Various sizes available

Protective Shields

Protective guards such as the Roadmaster Guardian Rock Guard and Demco's Sentry Deflector attach to your tow bar and protect the front of your vehicle from road debris.

#DM9523135

Protects vehicle's finish and resale value
Attaches to connecting ears (20-30 in.) of Demco tow bars
Adapter kit required with Roadmaster and Blue Ox tow bars
Easy installation - no tools required
Made in USA
1-year warranty

#RM-4000

Shields vehicle from rocks and road debris
Easily removable
Attaches to tow bar mounting bracket and side panels
Fits all Roadmaster tow bars with Quick Disconnects

Protective Screening

The Roadmaster Tow Defender provides a heavy-duty nylon screen to deflect rocks, gravel, and road debris down and away from your vehicle. The Tow Defender may also be used in conjunction with the Roadmaster Guardian Rock Guard for ultimate protection.

#RM-4700

Deflects rocks, gravel, and road debris
Lightweight - 15 lbs.
Rolls up to 4-in. diameter for storage
Fits most Roadmaster tow bars with Quick Disconnect systems

#RM-4750

Deflects rocks, gravel, and road debris
Lightweight - 15 lbs.
Rolls up to 4-in. diameter for storage
Fits Roadmaster motorhome-mounted tow bars, Demco tow bars, and Blue Ox tow bars