RAM 2500 Complete Setup for Towing & Touring: The Ultimate Touring and Workhorse Build by CTO Industries
If you're investing in a RAM 2500, chances are you bought it for a reason. Whether it's towing a large caravan around Australia, hauling equipment to worksites, exploring remote tracks, or simply wanting one of the most capable American trucks on the road, the RAM 2500 delivers serious capability straight from the factory.
But as many owners quickly discover, once you start adding accessories, towing equipment, dual battery systems, long-range fuel tanks, communications gear and touring essentials, the factory setup can quickly reach its limits.
That's where the team at CTO Industries comes in.
This RAM 2500 rolled into the workshop as a clean platform and left with a complete touring, towing and work package designed to improve ride quality, increase legal carrying capacity, extend touring range, provide reliable off-grid power and create a vehicle capable of handling almost anything Australia can throw at it.
The result is a professionally engineered RAM 2500 that rides better, carries more, tows with confidence and is ready for long-distance adventures.
Why Build a RAM 2500 for Towing and Touring?
The modern RAM 2500 is one of Australia's most popular heavy-duty American trucks.
Owners love them for:
- Massive towing capability
- Comfortable cabin
- Powerful Cummins diesel engine
- Exceptional highway performance
- Excellent payload capacity
- Long-distance touring comfort
However, serious touring and towing often requires additional upgrades to maximise performance and compliance.
This build focused on five key areas:
- Suspension and ride quality
- Certified GVM capability
- Power management and battery systems
- Fuel range
- Touring and communications equipment
The end result is a truck that feels equally at home towing a large caravan around Australia or tackling daily work duties.
FOX 2.5 Performance Elite Remote Reservoir Suspension
One of the biggest upgrades on this RAM 2500 was the installation of premium FOX Factory Suspension 2.5 Performance Elite remote reservoir shocks.
Why FOX 2.5 Performance Elite?
FOX suspension is regarded as one of the world's leading off-road suspension manufacturers.
The 2.5 Performance Elite series provides:
- Superior ride quality
- Improved suspension control
- Better heat dissipation
- Enhanced towing stability
- Increased off-road capability
- Greater suspension tuning potential
The remote reservoir design allows the shocks to maintain consistent performance under heavy loads and demanding conditions.
Whether towing a heavy caravan through the Outback or travelling rough corrugated roads, FOX suspension helps maintain control and comfort.
Raised Front and Rear Springs
To complement the FOX suspension package, CTO Industries installed upgraded front and rear springs.
Benefits Include:
- Improved vehicle stance
- Better load support
- Increased ride height
- Reduced suspension sag
- Improved towing stability
- Enhanced handling characteristics
Combined with the FOX shocks, the upgraded springs create a significantly more capable vehicle while maintaining everyday drivability.
Certified GVM Upgrade
One of the most important modifications completed on this build was the certified GVM upgrade.
A GVM upgrade allows the vehicle to legally carry more weight while maintaining compliance and safety.
For touring and towing vehicles, this is often essential.
Once owners begin adding:
- Dual battery systems
- Long-range fuel tanks
- Recovery equipment
- UHF radios
- Toolboxes
- Caravan ball weight
- Camping gear
- Additional passengers
Factory payload capacity can quickly become a limiting factor.
A properly engineered GVM upgrade ensures the vehicle remains legal and capable.
Airbag Man Raised Airbags
To further improve towing performance, CTO Industries installed raised airbags from Airbag Man Australia.
These airbags help provide:
- Adjustable rear support
- Improved load levelling
- Enhanced towing stability
- Better ride comfort
- Reduced rear-end sag
This is especially valuable when towing large caravans or carrying heavy loads in the tub.
The raised design complements the upgraded suspension package perfectly.
LogIQ AirIQ HD Dual Onboard Air System
A serious touring vehicle deserves a serious air management system.
This RAM 2500 received a complete air solution from LogIQ Systems Australia.
The package includes:
- AirIQ Heavy Duty Dual Air System
- 4L Air Tank
- Two Channel Remote Controller
Benefits
- Wireless air control
- Fast airbag adjustment
- Convenient pressure monitoring
- Easy towing setup
- Improved ride tuning
The owner can adjust airbag pressures on demand depending on load conditions.
Whether towing, touring or running unloaded, the system provides exceptional flexibility.
ARB Twin Compressor Installation
To support the air management system, CTO Industries installed the legendary ARB 4x4 Accessories Twin Air Compressor.
Widely regarded as one of the best onboard compressors available, the ARB Twin delivers:
- Rapid tyre inflation
- Reliable airbag support
- Proven durability
- High airflow output
- Touring reliability
A remote-mounted air chuck provides easy access when airing tyres up or down.
For remote touring, this is one of the most useful upgrades available.
Complete Victron Dual Battery System
Modern touring vehicles require serious electrical capability.
This RAM 2500 received a premium power system built around products from Victron Energy Australia.
Components Installed
Victron 100Ah Lithium Battery
Providing reliable energy storage for:
- Fridges
- Lighting
- Chargers
- Accessories
- Camping equipment
Orion XS 50A DC-DC Charger
The highly regarded Orion XS ensures efficient charging from the vehicle's alternator.
Victron BatteryProtect
Protects batteries from excessive discharge and helps maximise battery life.
Victron MPPT Solar Regulator
Allows efficient charging from solar panels while touring.
Anderson Plug Integration
CTO Industries wired the system with:
- Anderson plug in the tub
- Anderson plug near the tow ball
- Wiring from both starter and lithium battery systems
This setup allows:
- Caravan charging
- Portable solar connection
- Auxiliary power supply
- Flexible touring options
For caravan owners, this level of integration creates a much more practical touring vehicle.
Switch-Pros 8 Switch Control System
To manage the growing list of accessories, CTO Industries installed the premium Switch-Pros Australia 8-switch control panel.
Benefits include:
- Reduced wiring clutter
- Centralised control
- Expandable accessory management
- Professional installation
- Simplified troubleshooting
Instead of multiple switches scattered throughout the cabin, everything is controlled from one convenient interface.
Method Wheels and Yokohama Tyres
Method MR305 NV HD Wheels
This RAM received a set of:
Method MR305 NV HD
18x9 Matte Black
Supplied by Method Race Wheels Australia.
These wheels are renowned for:
- Heavy-duty construction
- Premium appearance
- Load rating capability
- Off-road durability
The matte black finish perfectly complements the RAM's aggressive stance.
Yokohama Geolandar Tyres
The customer supplied tyres, which were professionally fitted, balanced and TPMS-equipped by CTO Industries.
Yokohama Tyres Australia Geolandar tyres continue to be one of the most popular choices for American truck owners due to:
- Excellent towing performance
- Long tread life
- Strong off-road traction
- Comfortable highway manners
Combined with the Method wheels, the result is a package that performs as well as it looks.
AMP PowerStep Electric Running Boards
Getting in and out of a lifted RAM 2500 can become challenging.
To improve accessibility, CTO Industries installed AMP Research PowerStep Running Boards.
Benefits include:
- Automatic deployment
- Clean appearance
- Improved access
- Better ground clearance
- OEM-style operation
When the doors open, the steps deploy automatically.
When closed, they retract neatly out of sight.
GME XRS Connect UHF Radio Package
Communication is critical when travelling Australia's remote regions.
This build received a complete GME Australia XRS Connect UHF package.
Features include:
- Advanced UHF communications
- Bluetooth connectivity
- Smartphone integration
- Touring reliability
- Crystal-clear audio
The installation also included:
- Bonnet-mounted aerial bracket
- RJ45 passthrough
- Professional cable management
The result is a clean installation without cluttering the cabin.
Titan 197L Long Range Fuel Tank
One of the most valuable touring upgrades on this build is the massive fuel capacity increase.
CTO Industries installed a:
Titan 197L Long Range Fuel Tank
From Titan Fuel Tanks Australia.
Benefits include:
- Increased touring range
- Fewer fuel stops
- Better remote-area capability
- Improved convenience
For outback travellers, extended fuel range can completely change trip planning and accessibility.
Hidden Winch Cradle Installation
The customer supplied a hidden winch cradle which CTO Industries professionally installed.
This setup provides:
- Recovery capability
- Factory appearance
- Improved protection
- Reduced visual clutter
It's the ideal solution for owners wanting recovery functionality without compromising aesthetics.
Dash Cam Installation
The customer also supplied front and rear dash cameras which were integrated into the vehicle.
Benefits include:
- Accident protection
- Security monitoring
- Touring footage recording
- Insurance support
The clean installation ensures factory-like appearance and reliable operation.
Electric Roll Cover Installation
To complete the build, CTO Industries installed the customer's electric roll cover.
This addition provides:
- Improved security
- Weather protection
- Convenient access
- Clean appearance
Combined with the upgraded electrical system, it creates a highly practical touring platform.
The Finished Result
This RAM 2500 now offers:
✅ FOX 2.5 Performance Elite Suspension
✅ Raised Front & Rear Springs
✅ Certified GVM Upgrade
✅ Airbag Man Raised Airbags
✅ LogIQ AirIQ HD Air Management
✅ ARB Twin Compressor
✅ Victron Lithium Power System
✅ Switch-Pros Accessory Control
✅ Method MR305 NV HD Wheels
✅ Yokohama Geolandar Tyres
✅ AMP PowerSteps
✅ GME XRS Connect UHF
✅ Titan 197L Long Range Fuel Tank
✅ Hidden Winch Cradle
✅ Front & Rear Dash Cameras
✅ Electric Roll Cover
The result is a vehicle capable of towing heavy caravans, travelling remote Australia and handling daily work duties without compromise.
Why Choose CTO Industries?
When it comes to American truck upgrades, experience matters.
The team at CTO Industries specialises in:
- RAM 1500 upgrades
- RAM 2500 upgrades
- Silverado upgrades
- GVM upgrades
- Touring setups
- Towing solutions
- Suspension systems
- Electrical systems
- Off-road accessories
Every build is engineered with reliability, compliance and real-world usability in mind.
If you're planning your own RAM 2500 towing and touring build, contact CTO Industries today.
1300 647 547
Build Your Adventure.




