Towing Ram 1500?

[wah864]

Has anyone had experience towing a Ram 1500? 4X4 with the electric neutral switch. The book says you can do it, but before I trade my HHR let me know what to expect.

[macnkat]

I haven't done it, but my neighbor does. No problem.

[MDPD]

I tow a 2011 Dodge Dakota, 4x4, 4.7 v-8, with a Harley Electraglide on a sport loader in the bed. It is basically the same truck on a slightly smaller scale but with the load I carry the weight is probably about the same. I have had no negative issues and do not feel any difference from anything else I have towed over the years. The neutral light in my truck is hard to see especially in bright sunlight so I make sure I hear the transfer case shift. The only issue I have is there is no fuse to remove when towing so I must disconnect the negative battery cable after all other proceedures accomplished.

[M2HB]

I have been flat-towing a 2011 Ram 1500 crew cab 4x4 with no problems. I thoroughly checked to see if it was acceptable by the manufacturer to be flat-towed. It is. You must follow the directions in the owner's manual exactly.

[wah864]

M2HB; do you have to disconnect the battery? My 2010 Quad Cab 4X4 doesn't have the big owners manual. The dealer is ordering me one, and i have a blue ox base plate coming. Will use my ready brake surge brake unless the Ram is too heavy, then will investigate M&G. What brake system do you use?

[jdoc]

Yes, you have to disconnect the negative battery cable. The ignition key is left in the on position so the front wheels will turn. Doing this leaves the dash lights on and they run down the battery real quick. I learned the hard way.

Jerry

[M2HB]

The following is from the online guide. It leaves out one important step: the last thing you should do is to turn the key to the on position so that the front wheels turn. If you're going to be towing for a long time you should either disconnect the battery or have a charging line installed from the MH to keep the toad battery charged.
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4WD Models With Electronic Transfer Case
Note:
The electronic shift transfer case must be shifted into NEUTRAL for recreational towing. Automatic transmissions must be shifted into the PARK position for recreational towing. Refer to the following procedure for the proper transfer case NEUTRAL shifting procedure for your vehicle.

Preparation For Recreational Towing – Electronic Shift Transfer Case
Use the following procedure to prepare your vehicle for recreational towing:

Bring the vehicle to a complete stop, turn the ignition key to the ON/RUN position, but do not start the engine.

Press the brake pedal and shift the transmission into NEUTRAL.

Press and hold the transfer case switch NEUTRAL button for four seconds.

After the shift is completed and the NEUTRAL light turns on, release the NEUTRAL button.

Start the engine and shift the transmission into REVERSE.

Release the brake pedal for five seconds and ensure that there is no vehicle movement.

Repeat the previous two steps with the transmission in DRIVE.

Remove the key fob from the ignition switch.

Shift the transmission into PARK and apply the parking brake.

Attach the vehicle to the tow vehicle with the tow bar and release the parking brake.

Note:
The first two steps are requirements that must be met prior to depressing the NEUTRAL button, and must continue to be met until the four seconds elapse and the shift has been completed. If any of these requirements (with the exception of Key ON) are not met prior to depressing the NEUTRAL button or are no longer met during the four second timer, then the NEUTRAL indicator light will flash continuously until all requirements are met or until the NEUTRAL button is released.

The flashing NEUTRAL indicator light indicates that shift requirements have not been met.

Refer to your Owner's Manual on the DVD for further details.

CAUTION:
Failure to follow these requirements can cause severe damage to the transmission and/or transfer case.

[W8RLM]

Does the RAM have a steering wheel lock? If it doesn't, why remove the negative battery cable? My 2008 Jeep Liberty said to remove the negative cable. I found out that there wasn't any steering wheel lock, so I shift the transfer case to neutral per the manual, run the transmission for a short time in Reverse and Drive (confirms that the transfer case is really in Neutral), leave the transmission in Park per the manual, leave the switch in the lock position, remove the key and go. I've towed the Jeep for over 20,000 miles with no problems.

Sure is easier than removing the negative cable or installing a battery disconnect switch.

W8RLM - Bob

[jdoc]

My Dakota has a steering wheel lock.

Jerry