How To Prepare RAM 2500 For Towing

By Nick Marchenko, PhD

Updated: November 11, 2023

Your RAM 2500 is a powerhouse on and off the road. It's engineered not just for easy commutes or hauling your shopping home. Your RAM 2500 is built to tow, whether it's a sizable camper or another vehicle altogether.

Towing might seem straightforward, but it's a significant load for the RAM 2500 and a serious duty for you, the driver.

Thus, it's critical to get the RAM 2500 ready for towing by adding the right gear and ensuring everything is in prime condition. After all, your comfort and everyone's safety on the road hinge on these preparations.

Key Takeaways

• The towing capacity of the RAM 2500 varies based on factors like engine power, transmission type, vehicle dimensions and weight, drive type, and the overall design and build.
• Getting your RAM 2500 and the towed unit ready is crucial. This means checking and fine-tuning the gear, ensuring good visibility, brake performance, engine health, fuel levels, and packing emergency supplies.
• Adhering to guidelines is a must, especially concerning the towed load's weight and the suitable towing technique for the RAM 2500.
• Different transmission types in towed vehicles necessitate different approaches. For instance, vehicles with automatic transmissions might need a tow dolly or a trailer, alongside specific measures to prevent transmission damage.

What does towing entail?

Towing involves dragging or carrying another object, such as trailers, boats, or other vehicles, with your RAM 2500.

To manage this, you'll need to connect a towing hitch or coupling between the RAM 2500 and what you're towing.

Is there a towing limit for the RAM 2500?

Almost every model year of the RAM 2500 can tow. The main variation lies in the load it can handle and carry safely.

The towing capability of a RAM 2500 depends on numerous factors:

Engine Power

The towing capacity is directly linked to the engine's power and torque. More robust engines can manage heavier loads thanks to their greater torque.

Transmission Type

Whether it's manual or automatic, the transmission type affects the towing capacity. Automatic transmissions often provide superior towing due to their torque converter design.

Size and Weight

Larger and heavier RAM 2500 variants generally boast more towing prowess. Vehicles with a sturdy body-on-frame design are particularly suited for pulling substantial loads.

Drive Type

The type of drive system in your RAM 2500, like FWD, RWD, or AWD, influences towing capacity. AWD and RWD are preferable for towing because of their efficient power distribution.

Vehicle Structure and Design

A RAM 2500's frame strength and its design, which includes the suspension and brakes, are pivotal in towing. Models with reinforced suspensions and brakes are more adept at managing towing stresses.

Preparing your RAM 2500 for towing

Just like a sprinter before a race, your RAM 2500 requires thorough preparation before taking on a towing task.

While the rules for safe towing are universal, different cargo types - like a trailer or another vehicle - necessitate specific considerations for a smooth experience.

Towing a trailer with a RAM 2500

Towing a trailer with a RAM 2500 requires considering several important factors to ensure safe and comfortable transport.

Understand your RAM 2500's capacities

Each RAM 2500 model or trim has its own set of limits: a maximum towing capacity that should not be exceeded. This encompasses various aspects such as engine strength, chassis capability, and suspension integrity. RAM stipulates these limits for good reason.

Going beyond these thresholds can result in:

• Component failure or malfunctions in the RAM 2500;
• Reduced control and stability;
• Inadequate braking force;
• Potential accidents and injuries.

Before you tow, calculate your trailer's total weight with the load and compare that to what your RAM 2500 can handle. You can find your vehicle's towing capacity here.

Ensure your towing gear is functional

To effectively tow trailers, your vehicle must be equipped for the task.

Here's a checklist for such gear:

• Towing Hitch. A sturdy attachment at the vehicle's rear designed to securely link to a trailer for safe towing.
• Trailer Brake Controller. A device in the driver's area that controls the trailer's brakes, enhancing safety and maneuverability during towing.
• Towing chain. This secures the tow hitch, ensuring the trailer remains connected to the vehicle.

All equipment should be in top shape, without any damage or excessive wear.

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Adjust and check your mirrors

Your mirrors are essential for rear visibility. They should be well-adjusted and fully operational.

Consider acquiring special towing mirrors for a wider view.

Inspect your brakes thoroughly

This is crucial. Under normal conditions, brakes only need to stop the vehicle's weight, but when towing, they're under increased demand. Service your brakes by inspecting:

• Pad condition;
• Rotor and/or drum condition;
• Brake fluid status.

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Verify headlight functionality

Clear visibility is vital for quick reactions. Ensure your headlights are bright for optimal visibility at all times.

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Ensure tail lights are working

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Your visibility to other drivers is just as important as your view of the road. Make sure your parking lights, brake lights, and indicators are functioning correctly.

Assess engine health

The engine is heavily taxed while towing. It must perform efficiently to manage the extra burden. Check for smooth operation, absence of odd noises, or other malfunction signs.

Also, service the engine before towing by:

• Changing oil and filters;
• Checking coolant levels and quality;
• Inspecting spark plugs or glow plugs for diesel engines.

Examine the suspension system

The suspension endures significant stress during towing, bearing heavy loads and potential wear. Faulty suspension can lead to accidents if it fails while towing. Therefore, inspect and service the suspension before you hit the road.

Inspect the transmission

Towing puts additional stress on the transmission - it heats up more quickly and can be prone to failure. So, first, avoid overloading your RAM 2500, and second, check the transmission fluid and replace it if necessary.

Plan for extra fuel

More load means more fuel consumption. Towing can increase fuel usage by 10-20%, depending on the weight.

Fill your tank accordingly, plan refueling stops, and consider carrying extra fuel cans.

Carry a Toolkit

Keep a set of essential tools in your RAM 2500. Include wrenches, pliers, screwdrivers, and any tools specific to your towing setup.

If an issue arises while towing, having the right tools can help you manage the situation quickly.

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A First Aid Kit is Essential

Safety is paramount when preparing for towing. A comprehensive first aid kit should be part of your emergency supplies, ready for any potential incidents.

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Secure Your Load

When using a carriage or open platform, secure your cargo with straps or cables. Proper securing methods are essential for safety and stability during transit.

Inspect the trailer's condition

The trailer's condition is just as important as the vehicle's for safety.

Go through this checklist before a long trip:

• Check the trailer brakes. Avoid using trailers without their own braking systems. Your RAM 2500 needs help supporting the weight of both the vehicle and the trailer.

Check if the trailer's brake system, whether connected to the car's brake line or electronically controlled, functions properly;

• Inspect the Trailer Suspension. Before towing, assess the trailer's suspension for signs of damage, wear, or rust. Ensure all components are secure and aligned for stability.

Address any issues to prevent problems during your journey;

• Verify Trailer Lights. Functional trailer lights are not only essential for safety but also a legal requirement.

Check all lights, replace any that are not working, and make sure connections are secure and corrosion-free;

• Examine the Trailer Hitch. Inspect the hitch's condition and its attachment to your RAM 2500 for wear, corrosion, or damage.

Make sure everything is secure, including safety chains, and lubricate moving parts to reduce wear.

Towing a Car with a RAM 2500

If you're planning to tow a car with your RAM 2500, it's crucial to adhere to the guidelines mentioned earlier. But there are additional specifics to consider when it comes to vehicle towing — factors that are just as important for your safety.

Ensure the towed vehicle isn't too heavy

Before towing another car, verify that its weight does not exceed your RAM 2500's towing capacity. You can find this information in your vehicle's manual. Surpassing the recommended limits can compromise braking, steering, and put undue stress on the engine and transmission.

Factor in the weight, dimensions, cargo, and number of passengers in both your RAM 2500 and the car you’re towing.

Select a towing method

There are several methods for towing a car:

• Using a tow strap;
• Using a tow bar;
• With a trailer;

Using a tow strap

When using a tow strap to tow, the towed vehicle must have operational brakes, and someone should be in the driver's seat to steer and brake as necessary. The towed vehicle is unable to stop on its own, so this person's role is crucial.

Using a tow bar

Here, the towed car is connected to your RAM 2500 using a hitch or towing apparatus, and it follows directly behind. There's no need for a driver in the towed car, but the leading vehicle will be braking for both, which increases the demand on its brakes.

Using a trailer

The towed car is secured onto a trailer attached to the towing vehicle. When calculating the towing capacity, include both the weight of the towed car and the trailer itself.

What type of transmission does the towed vehicle have?

Identify the transmission type of the car you will be towing. For manual transmissions, shift the gear to neutral. Automatic transmission vehicles should ideally be towed with a trailer or tow dolly.

A tow dolly lifts the front tires off the ground, suitable for some vehicles but not all, especially four-wheel drives over 3450 lbs.

The driving wheels of an automatic vehicle should not touch the ground during towing to prevent transmission damage.

If you can't use a trailer and must transport an automatic vehicle, consider disconnecting the drive shaft to prevent movement in the transmission.

Additional Gear You Might Consider for Towing with a RAM 2500

We have already described all the necessary points to remember when towing. You are ready. However, if you want to prepare your car for towing further and extend its service life, we recommend installing the following modifications.

Weight-Distributing Hitch

A weight-distributing hitch is vital for even weight distribution between your towing vehicle and the trailer. It prevents too much weight from bearing down on your vehicle's rear axle, which could affect steering and stability.

It's especially beneficial for heavy or large trailers, ensuring balance and stability, leading to a safer and smoother towing experience.

Towing Mirrors

Extended mirrors enhance your field of view, reducing blind spots and increasing overall safety while towing.

These mirrors are crucial for monitoring traffic and maneuvering, particularly when your trailer obscures your regular view. They are a smart safety addition to your towing preparations.

Suspension Air Bags

Air springs or suspension airbags provide extra support and adjustability for your vehicle's suspension, helping stabilize the load when towing or hauling.

They aid in maintaining proper alignment and ride comfort, preventing sag and reducing stress on your suspension components.

Transmission Cooler

A transmission cooler is essential for managing the temperature of your transmission fluid, especially under the strain of towing.

It keeps the fluid cool, preventing heat damage, maintaining efficient gear shifting, and enhancing the reliability of your towing setup.

Rearview Camera System

Rearview cameras provide a clear view behind your vehicle, an important safety feature, especially useful when towing.

They facilitate easier reversing, hitching, and parking, reducing blind spots and enhancing safety.

Rack Rails

Roof racks increase your vehicle's cargo capacity, allowing secure transport of items like bicycles, sports equipment, and luggage.

They are a practical solution for additional storage space, perfect for road trips or sporting adventures, without compromising interior space.

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Final Thoughts on Towing

Thorough preparation for towing with your RAM 2500 is key to a safe and efficient journey. Ensuring the technical readiness of your vehicle and trailer, understanding load limits, and investing in the right towing accessories will enhance safety and prolong the service life of both your vehicle and trailer, making towing a dependable method for transport and adventure.