Recommended Equipment to Flat Tow a 2017 Ram 3500 with a Motorhome with Air Brakes

Updated 05/13/2019 | Published 05/11/2019

Products Featured in This Question

Demco Air Force One Flat Tow Brake System for RVs w/ Air Brakes - Proportional

(494)

$1329.00

Demco Excali-Bar III Non-Binding Tow Bar - RV Mount - 2" Hitch - 10,500 lbs

(47)

$1145.00

Demco Classic Base Plate Kit - Fixed Arms

(279)

$437.88

Demco Tow Bar Accessory Kit with Diodes - 6-Way Cable w/ 7-Way Adapter - Lock Set

(7)

$308.69

Question:

I need to tow A ram 3500 2017 behind my 42 ft motor home it has air brakes. What do I need to do this

asked by: Jerry

Expert Reply:

Thank you for all of the information! To flat tow your 2017 Ram 3500 you will need a base plate kit, tow bar, safety cables, vehicle tow bar wiring, a supplemental braking system, and possibly a high-low adapter.

Since your motorhome has air brakes I recommend using the SMI Air Force One Supplemental Braking System # SM99243 because it installs permanently on your 2017 Ram 3500 and is easy to set up after the initial installation. Aside from it being the best option for air brakes it also installs in such a way that you don't realize it is still there when you are driving around normally in your pickup.

For a tow bar I recommend the Demco Excali-Bar III # DM9511013 because it is rated for 10,500 lbs (more than enough for your 3500) and it has arms that move independently of each other which makes them easy to connect to the Base Plate Kit # DM9518134 that fits your Ram 3500. The 1-1/2" rise/drop of the shank and the ability to adjust the head unit helps to get your tow bar level but you still may need a high-low adapter since your Ram sits pretty tall. I have attached a helpful article and a link to our selection of high-low adapters for you to reference.

To complete your towing setup I recommend the Demco Tow Bar Combo Kit # DM9523057 which comes with the wiring you need as well as a cover for your tow bar and locks to lock the tow bar to your motorhome and your pickup.

I have attached some videos and written instructions for you to check out but you also need to reference your owner's manual for any additional information regarding flat towing (for example, you can only flat tow a RWD 2017 Ram 3500 with special equipment for the drive shaft).