Parts Needed to Flat Tow a 2014 Dodge Ram Behind a Motor Home  

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To flat tow a vehicle you will need at least 5 items: base plates, a tow bar, safety cables, lighting solution, and supplemental braking. Starting with the base plates the proper ones are going to depend on some specific information about your truck.

If your Ram is a 1500 but not a Sport or Express you can use Blue Ox base plates # BX1986 or Roadmaster base plates # 52289-1.

If your Ram is a 1500 Sport or Express you can use Blue Ox base plates # BX2409 or Roadmaster base plates # RM-298-1 (will not fit EcoDiesel models).

For a 2500 or 3500 you can use # BX1989 or # RM-296-2 (for the Roadmaster it will not fit the Power Wagon models on the 2500 and for 2500 or 3500 they are intended for 4-wheel drive turbo diesel models only).

Next you will need a compatible tow bar. For a Blue Ox compatible tow bar I recommend the Alpha, # BX7380, rated up to 6,500 pounds. If your Ram weighs more than 6,500 pounds then go with the Avail, # BX7420, rated for 10,000 pounds. Each of these tow bars includes safety cables.

For the Roadmaster base plates you can use the Falcon 2, # RM-520, rated for 6,000 pounds or the Blackhawk 2, # RM-422, rated for 10,000 pounds.

The Roadmaster base plates do not come with safety cables so you can use # RM-643 or # BX88197 depending on the capacity needed.

For lighting you could use a simple magnetic kit such as # RM-2120. Or for a more permanent solution you can use the 4-diode kit # RM-154. I linked a video showing how the diode kit installs.

And finally, most states now require supplemental braking on the vehicle being flat towed. One of the best systems to use is the SMI Stay-IN-Play DUO proportional system # SM99251. It will apply the Ram brakes in proportion to how much the tow vehicle is braking. This is the easiest way to stop and it reduces wear and tear on both vehicles. I have linked a video showing how this system installs for you.

Be sure to consult your Ram owners manual for specific information on flat towing the vehicle. I have also included some helpful links to our series of help articles on flat towing for you.

expert reply by: Michael H

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