Recommended Parts Needed to Flat (Dinghy/Recreational) Tow a 2015 Ram 1500  

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The parts that you need to flat tow a 2015 Ram 1500 are a base plate kit, tow bar, safety cables, vehicle tow bar wiring, a supplemental braking system, and possibly a high-low adapter. The actual part numbers though will vary depending on what model of 1500 you end up getting.

If you have a Standard model use the base plate kit # RM-52289-5 but if you have a Sport or Express use the kit # RM-298-3 instead. Both of these are compatible with the Roadmaster Nighthawk All Terrain # RM-676. The Nighthawk All Terrain comes with safety cables and LED lights on the side to let people know that you are flat towing your pickup. It also comes with part of a wiring kit which you can complete with the Kit # RM-152. Simply cut off the 4-Way and install the wires according to the attached diagram.

It would be beneficial to use the tow bar cover # RM-055-3 as well as the Defender # RM-4750 to protect your tow bar when it is stored and your Ram 1500 while you are traveling down the road.

If you have a Laramie Limited you will instead want to use the base plate kit # DM9517335 along with the Dominator Tow Bar # DM9511008 and the wiring kit # RM-15267. The wiring kit is basically the same for all models so you can use the attached diagram for the installation as well as if you decide to install the Charge Line Kit # RM-156-25 to keep your battery from draining.

The tow bar cover for the Dominator is part # DM9523042 while the Sentry Deflector # DM9523135 is the Demco version of the Defender.

For a supplemental braking system I highly recommend the SMI Stay-IN-Play DUO # SM99251. After the initial installation you simply have to attached the breakaway switch and then turn the unit on and it is ready for traveling! This proportional system will activate the brakes on your Ram at the same time and with the same intensity as the brake pedal in your motorhome. You will need the stop light switch kit. Simply choose from the following depending on what you have:

w/adj. pedals and no electronic shifter - # RM-751461
w/adj. pedals and electronic shifter - # RM-751468
w/non-adj. pedals and no electronic shifter - # RM-751460
w/non-adj. pedals and electronic shifter - # RM-751467

Most flat towing setups require a high-low adapter for the tow bar to remain level while towing. I have linked our selection of adapters for you to check out as well as an article that will help you determine which is the best one for your application.

I have attached some helpful links that you can reference but you will also want to check your owner's manual for any specific instructions regarding your vehicle.

expert reply by: Jon G

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