Trailer Hitch for 2005 Jayco Greyhawk GS30 and Flat Tow Items for 2014 Ram 1500 Laramie  

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Helpful Expert Reply:

I always respect the manufacturers posted weight ratings when towing and hauling, I never push to the max and caution against exceeding those ratings. OEM's are required to complete rigorous testing before a vehicle is released for sale, this testing has been developed over decades of process improvements. Personally I prefer to stay at least 10 percent below the max rating for payload, towing and combined weights but I caution against exceeding them in any way.

You state "...need to upgrade the hitch on the motorhome" so I assume you have already determined the current hitch to not meet the needed 6,000 lbs. you have identified with towing the 2014 Ram 1500 Laramie. Generally I would recommend the Curt Adjustable Trailer Hitch Receiver - 18"-51" Wide - 2" Drop - Class III - 2", # C13701. However, this is a 5000 lb. GTW with 500 lbs. TW. This will not meet the need of the the Ram truck either but I am listing this in case you go a different route than the Ram and yet still need to replace the hitch too. This is a well built hitch that can be either bolted or welded in place. Adjustable to fit varying types of frames and widths. For identified needs with the Ram I suggest the Class V Universal Weld-on Receiver Hitch and Brackets with 3" Drop, # 15901. The adjustable side brackets slide along hitch body to match exactly the width of your vehicle frame before being welded in place. This hitch has a 15000 lb. GTW with a 1500 lb. TW.

If you do go with the Ram, which does sound like a nice vehicle choice, you will need the flat tow set-up, let's start with needed base plates. I suggest the Demco base plates, # DM9517335, these are a confirmed to fit your 2014 Ram 1500 EcoDiesel. This is a custom-fit base plate kit with simple installation, they bolt on without the need for any welding and have an bracket for mounting the needed electrical connector. I have attached a link to an installation video of these being installed on a 2018 model Ram.

For the tow-bar, I suggest the Demco Excali-Bar II Non-Binding Tow Bar # DM9511013. This is rated for a full 10,500 lbs. which is great for using on a full size truck that may have a payload of its own to carry. In addition, this is a self-aligning tow bar that has independent arms with trigger releases making it easy to connect and disconnect even on unlevel ground. The adjustable head on the Excali-Bar offers a 3 inch rise/drop in addition to the 1-1/2 inch rise built into the shank. This means you may not need an additional high/low adapter that is commonly required. Safety cables are included as well.

For needed wiring, I recommend the Roadmaster Diode 7-Wire to 6-Wire Flexo-Coil Wiring Kit # RM-15267, and a supplemental braking system, like the Blue Ox Patriot 3 # BLU37TR which is portable, so you can easily transfer it a different vehicles in the future if change your towed. This is a proportional type so it will activate the brakes on the towed vehicle at the same time and with the same intensity as those in your motorhome.

expert reply by: Michael R

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