Can a Ram 5500 4x4 Be Flat Towed?

Published 10/25/2018

Products Featured in This Question

Blue Ox Heavy-Duty Universal Bolt-On Base Plate Brackets - 20,000 lbs

(11)

$432.33

Blue Ox Avail Non-Binding Tow Bar - RV Mount - 2" Hitch - 10,000 lbs

(751)

$954.80

Roadmaster 4-Diode Universal Wiring Kit for Towed Vehicles - 7-Way to 6-Way Coiled Adapter Cord

(3183)

$179.84

Roadmaster Battery Charge Line Kit for Towed Vehicles

(1199)

$45.63

Roadmaster Stop Light Switch Kit

(622)

$43.70

Demco Stay-IN-Play Duo Flat Tow Brake System for RVs w/ Hydraulic Brakes - Proportional

(754)

$1175.00

Question:

Can you flat tow a ram 5500 4x4? If yes is there anything that needs to be done to the drive line?

asked by: Jacob C

Expert Reply:

Yes, you can flat tow a 4WD Ram 5500. Depending on the model year their may be different instructions on how to do so, so I recommend checking your owner's manual. For instance according to the 2018 model owner's manual, the automatic transmission models much be shifted into park and the manual transmission vehicles must be put in gear. Then the transfer case needs to be put in neutral.

For your base plates, I recommend the Blue Ox Heavy-Duty Universal Bolt-On Adapter Tabs - 20,000 lbs # BX88266.

Then for your tow bar, I recommend either the Blue Ox Avail Tow Bar - 10,000 lbs # BX7420 for a hitch mounted tow bar or the Blue Ox Trion Tow Bar - Lunette Ring - A-Frame - Car Mount - 20,000 lbs # BX7520P for the larger capacity curb weight compatibility.

Then for your vehicle wiring, I recommend the Roadmaster Diode 7-Wire to 6-Wire Flexo-Coil Wiring Kit # RM-15267 which will use your vehicle wiring while protecting the electronics. I also recommend using the Roadmaster Battery Charge Line Kit for Towed Vehicles # RM-156-25 to maintain your vehicle battery while towing.

For your braking system, I recommend the SMI Stay-IN-Play DUO Supplemental Braking System - Proportional # SM99251 which is extremely easy to use once installed. It is very reliable and becomes plug and play after the initial adjustment at installation. You will also need the Roadmaster Stop Light Switch Kit # RM-751460 to allow the tow vehicle to recognize the braking in the 5500.

Finally, you will need a high-low adapter if using a hitch mounted tow bar, or an adjustable pintle hitch to have the correct tow bar ride height. I've linked some articles to assist.