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Getting a Ram 1500 Ready to Tow to Possum Kingdom Lake

White 2026 Ram 1500 Big Horn 4x4 crew cab set up for towing and travel
Service | Graham, TX
A pre trip checklist for a Ram 1500 and a boat, written for the run down Highway 16 to Possum Kingdom.

By the second weekend of June, the boat ramps at Possum Kingdom Lake are busy by sunrise. The ride from Graham is short, which is exactly why people skip the checks they would do before a long haul.

A boat behind a half ton is a normal sight in Young County, and a bad day at the ramp is almost always something small that was missed. This list covers what to look at on a Ram 1500 before you hook up, and which parts a shop can handle.

Quick answer: Before towing, check tires on the truck and the trailer, brakes, fluid levels, the hitch, the lights and the battery. Confirm your tow rating on the truck's sticker, and have Holiday CDJR's service department look at anything you're unsure about, since summer heat makes weak parts show up.

At a glance
Check
Tires, brakes, fluids, hitch, lights
Rating
Read the sticker on your truck
Trip
Graham to Possum Kingdom Lake

What should you check before towing a boat to Possum Kingdom?

Start with the tires on both the truck and the trailer. Check pressure cold, look at the sidewalls for cracks and confirm the spare is usable. Trailer tires age out before they wear out. A trailer that sat all winter deserves a close look.

Then check the hitch, the safety chains, the coupler and the lights. Walk around with a helper while you step on the brakes, work the turn signals and flip the hazards.

Finally, check the ramp plan. Know how you'll back down, where you'll park and who's holding the line.

Lake roads add their own surprises. Gravel shoulders, tight turns at the marina and a steep ramp can all change how the trailer tracks, so go slowly the first time you pull in.

1

Tires. Truck, trailer and spare, checked cold.

2

Hitch and lights. Ball, coupler, chains and every light, confirmed with a helper.

3

Fluids and battery. Oil, coolant and brake fluid levels, and a battery that starts every time.

Does your Ram 1500 have the tow package it needs?

Check the door jamb sticker for the payload and the owner's manual for the tow rating on your exact truck. Engine, axle ratio and equipment all change the number, and a bass boat, trailer and gear weigh more than most people expect.

A trailer brake controller helps if your trailer has brakes. If your truck doesn't have one, ask the parts department what fits your Ram.

Don't guess: weigh the loaded trailer at a scale if you're close to the rating.

Tongue weight: too light and the trailer sways, too heavy and the truck sags.

How does RamBox help at the ramp?

RamBox storage, available on the Ram 1500, puts lockable, drainable bins in the bed rails. For a lake day that means ropes, flotation vests, tie downs and a first aid kit stay dry and out of the way.

It's an option, so ask whether the truck you like has it. If you're buying for lake duty, it's worth asking about before the build is final.

Trailer tires age out before they wear out.
RamBox cargo management system in the bed of a 2026 Ram 1500

What does summer heat do to a towing truck?

Towing makes the engine and transmission work harder, and North Texas heat makes cooling harder. Watch the temperature gauge on long grades, and ease off the throttle if it climbs.

A shop can inspect coolant, belts, hoses and the radiator before you leave. The Express Lane lists coolant and fluid level checks, and the service department handles cooling system repair.

If the truck has a lot of miles or has never had the transmission fluid checked, ask about it. Those fluids work hard when a boat is behind the truck, and old fluid is cheap compared with a transmission repair.

Graham tip: Leave early. A Saturday departure at six beats the afternoon heat and the line at the ramp.

What should a shop look at first?

Brakes and tires are the first two. Fluids and the battery come next, followed by belts and hoses. If you're towing regularly, make it a habit before each season rather than after a scare.

You can add a quick look to an oil change in the Express Lane, or book a full inspection with the service department.

Service | Graham, TX
Book it your way

Schedule online, call (940) 532-6403 or add a quick check to an oil change in the Express Lane. Tell the advisor you're towing so the right items get a look.

Use the Express Lane

Before the trip

How do I find my Ram 1500's tow rating?

Check the owner's manual and the stickers on the truck. The rating changes by engine and equipment.

Do I need a trailer brake controller?

If your trailer has electric brakes, yes. Ask the parts department what fits your Ram.

How often should I check trailer tires?

Before every trip, and replace them as they age even if the tread looks good.

On the road

What speed is safe when towing?

Follow posted limits and drive at a pace where you feel in control. Leave extra following distance.

What if my truck starts to run hot?

Ease off, turn off the AC and pull over when it's safe. Let it cool and call for help.

Does towing change my oil change schedule?

It can. Check the severe service schedule in your manual.

Equipment and storage

What is RamBox?

It's optional bed rail storage on the Ram 1500, with lockable bins that drain.

Can I add a hitch or accessories later?

Yes, ask the parts department about Mopar accessories for your truck.

Do I need a different mirror setup?

Some trailers are wider than the truck. Check your view and add extension mirrors if you need them.

Service and booking

Can the Express Lane check my fluids?

It lists coolant and fluid level checks, along with a multipoint checkup.

How do I book a towing prep check?

Use the Schedule Service page or call (940) 532-6403. Mention the trailer.

Are there coupons that apply before a lake trip?

The Mopar Parts Specials page lists coupons that expire December 31, 2026. Open the details to see what each one covers.

Shopping for a tow truck

What Ram 1500 trims suit towing?

Many trims can tow when equipped. Check the Ram 1500 specials page and the inventory for current trucks.

Which Graham address do I use for service?

It's 1609 US Highway 380, Graham, Texas 76450.

Is the lake close to Graham?

Possum Kingdom Lake is a short drive down Highway 16, which is why many Graham families keep a boat on it.

See Ram 1500 specials

Check current offers on the Ram 1500.

Ram 1500 specials
Plan your visit

Get hours and directions for the Graham store.

Hours and directions
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How the Right Pickup Changes a Week in Graham, TX

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Black 2026 Jeep Wrangler Sahara exiting an icy stream on a snow covered trail

Getting a Jeep Wrangler Ready for a North Texas Cold Snap

Service | Graham, TX A short checklist for keeping a Jeep Wrangler dependable through the first freeze of the year. North Texas falls into winter in a hurry. One week you're driving with the doors off, and the next a north wind drops the temperature thirty degrees overnight. A Jeep Wrangler handles a cold morning fine if the basics are ready. This post covers what a freeze does to a Wrangler, which items deserve a look in the last weeks of October and how Holiday Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram in Graham can help. Quick answer: Before the first freeze, test the battery, check tire pressure, look at fluids and wiper blades, and inspect the door and roof seals. Four wheel drive helps you go, not stop, so tires and speed matter on ice. The Express Lane at Holiday CDJR covers a battery test and a multipoint check. At a glance Battery Test before the first freeze Tires Pressure drops as it gets cold Seals Doors and roof panels keep the heater working In this post What does a cold snap do to a Wrangler? Should you test the battery before winter? How do tires and four wheel drive handle ice? Which fluids and wipers matter most? What if you still take the doors off in fall? What does a cold snap do to a Wrangler? Cold makes everything a little harder. A weak battery that started fine in September struggles at 20 degrees. Tire pressure falls, fluids get thicker and rubber seals stiffen. A Wrangler adds one more variable, its removable parts. Doors, panels and fabric roofs all seal against air, and a seal that has been stored or flexed all summer may leak when the wind turns north. Pack for it, too. A blanket, a flashlight, a phone charger and a small shovel live in the back of a smart Wrangler from November through February, and they take up almost no room. Graham tip: Put the roof panels or fabric roof back on before the first cold night, not after. Seals that sit sealed for a few days settle in better than ones forced into place on a freezing morning. Should you test the battery before winter? Yes. Batteries lose strength in the cold, and a battery that is a few years old can fail on the first freezing morning without warning. A test takes a few minutes. The Holiday CDJR Express Lane lists a battery test and replacement, with the note that replacement is for non warranty batteries. Pair it with an oil change and the whole thing is one stop. The service department can also look at the charging system. If the battery tests weak, replace it before the freeze, not after. A dead battery in a cold parking lot on a Monday morning is a worse bargain than a new one in October. Slow crank: the engine turns over slowly on a cold start. Dim lights at idle: a sign the battery or charging system is weak. How do tires and four wheel drive handle ice? Four wheel drive helps a Wrangler accelerate, but it doesn't help it stop or turn on ice. Tires and speed do that work. Drive slower than you think you need to and leave extra distance. Tire pressure drops as temperatures fall, so check it again when the cold arrives. Look at the tread as well. The Express Lane lists a tire wear and pressure check, which covers both. Four wheel drive helps a Wrangler accelerate, but it doesn't help it stop or turn on ice. Which fluids and wipers matter most? Check the washer fluid first, since road spray in cold weather can blind you in seconds. Use a fluid rated for freezing temperatures, and replace worn wiper blades before the first ice storm. Coolant protection matters too. The Express Lane lists coolant and fluid level checks, and a quick test shows whether the mix will survive a hard freeze. Heater and defroster performance also deserve a quick test. Run both on a cool evening and confirm warm air and a clear windshield, since you don't want to find a problem on the first freezing morning. What if you still take the doors off in fall? Plenty of Wrangler owners do, and October can be a great month for it. Just keep the doors and roof close and know how long it takes to put them back. A cold snap can arrive faster than the forecast says. If the Wrangler sits outside, consider a cover and check the interior for moisture after a wet cold spell. Water in the floor can freeze and cause more trouble. One last habit pays off. Walk around the Wrangler once a week in winter, looking at the tires, the lights and the wipers. Ninety seconds of looking prevents most of the surprises. Schedule service See Mopar coupons Service | Graham, TX Book it your way Schedule online, call (940) 532-6403 or add a battery test to an oil change in the Express Lane. Tell the advisor you want a pre freeze check. Go to the Express Lane Battery and starting How long does a car battery last? + It varies with heat, use and the battery itself. Texas summers are hard on batteries, so test one that's a few years old before winter. Does the Express Lane test batteries? + Yes. It lists a battery test and replacement, with replacement for non warranty batteries. Why is my Wrangler slow to start when it's cold? + Cold weakens a battery and thickens oil. A battery test is the first step. Tires and traction Does cold weather lower tire pressure? + Yes. Pressure drops as the air cools, so check it when the weather changes. Is four wheel drive enough on ice? + It helps you go, not stop. Slow down and leave extra distance. Should I carry anything in the Wrangler for winter? + A blanket, a flashlight, water, a phone charger and gloves are smart. Add a small shovel if you drive back roads. Doors, roof and heat Can I leave the doors off in cold weather? + You can, but expect a cold ride. Put them on before the first freeze. How do I stop a roof panel from leaking? + Check the seals and the fit. A shop can look at it if the leak continues. Does the Wrangler heater work well? + Yes, but a good seal on the doors and roof matters. Check them before winter. Service and booking How do I book a pre freeze check? + Use the Schedule Service page or call (940) 532-6403. Where do I find current coupons? + The Mopar Parts Specials page lists them, and the ones shown expire December 31, 2026. Who services a Jeep Wrangler in Graham? + The Holiday CDJR service department works on Jeep vehicles. At the store Where do I take my Wrangler for a pre freeze check? + To the service department at 1609 US Highway 380 in Graham, Texas 76450. What parts does the shop use? + Mopar states original equipment parts are used on Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge and Ram vehicles in its Express Lane. Can I add accessories like floor liners? + Ask the parts department about Mopar accessories for your Wrangler. Look at parts See what the parts department offers for your Jeep. Parts department See service specials Check current service and parts offers. Service and parts specials