2004 DODGE RAM 2500 DIESEL tire type

Trailer Weight and Trailer Tongue Weight
Gross Trailer Weight (GTW) means the weight of the
trailer plus the weight of all cargo, consumables and
equipment loaded on the trailer when in actual under-
way towing condition. The recommended way to mea-
sure GTW is to put your fully loaded trailer on a vehicle
scale. The entire weight of the trailer must be supported
by the scale.
Tongue Weight is the weight placed on the vehicle's
trailer hitch by the trailer. Always load a trailer with 60%
to 65% of the weight located ahead of the trailer axle(s)
sufficiently to place 10% to 15% of the GTW on the tow
hitch of your vehicle.
Equalizing hitch are required for Class III or IV trailer
hitches and tongue weights above 350 lbs (159 kg) and
use of trailer sway control is recommended.Tongue weight must be equal to at least 10% of GTW, but
no more than 15% of GTW.
Also, there are maximum tongue weight ratings that are
not to be exceeded, as follows:
²Class III (the bumper ball type) 500 lbs (227 kg)
²Class IV (the receiver hitch type) 1200 lbs (544 kg)
278 STARTING AND OPERATING

If you must back down a hill, back straight down using
REVERSE gear. Never back down in NEUTRAL, or
diagonally across the hill.
When driving over sand, mud, and other soft terrain,
shift to low gear and drive steadily. Apply the accelerator
slowly to avoid spinning the wheels.
DO NOT REDUCE the tire pressures for this type of
driving.
NOTE:After off-road usage, particularly in sand or
mud, inspect the underside of the vehicle for accumu-
lated dirt at the propeller shaft, axles, U-joints, brake
rotors and calipers.
Use a hose to clean off any accumulation of dirt or mud.
Check the exhaust system and all exposed components
for any sign of damage.If you experience unusual vibration after driving in mud,
slush or similar conditions, check the wheels for im-
pacted material. Impacted foreign material can cause a
wheel imbalance. Removing the foreign material from
the wheels will correct the situation.
TRACTION
When driving on wet or slushy roads, it is possible for a
wedge of water to build up between the tire and road
surface. This is known as hydroplaning and may cause
partial or complete loss of vehicle control and stopping
ability. To reduce this possibility, the following precau-
tions should be observed:
1. Slow down during rainstorms or when roads are
slushy.
2. Slow down if road has standing water or puddles.
STARTING AND OPERATING 293
5

wheel. The nuts should then be tightened to recom-
mended torque. Tighten the nuts to final torque in
increments. Progress around the bolt circle, tightening
the nut opposite to the nut just previously tightened until
final torque is achieved. Recommended torques are
shown in the following chart.
Disc
WheelsType Nut Stud Size Torque
Ft. Lbs.Torque
Newton
Meters
Cone 9/16-18 120-150 160-200
Flanged 9/16-18 130-160 190-220
To Stow The Flat Or Spare
Turn the wheel so that the valve stem is down. Slide the
wheel retainer through the center of the wheel and
position it properly across the wheel opening.
For convenience in checking the spare tire inflation, stow
with the valve stem toward the rear of the vehicle.Attach the wheel wrench to the extension tube. Rotate the
winch mechanism until the wheel is drawn into place
against the underside of the vehicle. Continue to rotate
until you feel the winch mechanism slip or click 3 or 4
times. It cannot be overtightened. Push against the tire
several times to be sure it is firmly in place.
HOISTING
A conventional floor jack may be used at the jacking
locations, refer to the graphics that show jacking loca-
tions. However, a floor jack or frame hoist must never be
used on any other parts or the underbody.
CAUTION!
Never use a floor jack directly under the differential
housing of a loaded truck or damage to your vehicle
may result.
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 309
6

Air Cleaner, Engine...................331,358
Air Conditioner Maintenance............... 338
Air Conditioning Refrigerant.............338,339
Air Conditioning System................187,338
Air Conditioning System, Zone Control........ 191
Air Filter.............................. 331
Air Pressure, Tires....................252,259
Airbag..............................45,50
Airbag Light.........................70,144
Airbag On/Off Switch..................... 50
Airbag, Side............................ 53
Alarm..............................29,147
Alignment and Balance................... 258
Alterations/Modifications, Vehicle............. 7
Antifreeze (Engine Coolant)................ 345
Capacities........................... 379
Anti-Lock Warning Light...............146,242
Anti-Theft System.....................29,147
Appearance Care........................ 362Ashtray............................... 127
Automatic Transmission................... 353
Adding Fluid......................... 353
Fluid and Filter Changes................. 354
Fluid Level Check...................... 353
Fluid Type........................354,381
Shift Indicator........................ 147
Shifting............................. 218
Special Additives...................... 355
Axle Fluid.......................274,351,381
Axle Lubrication.....................274,351
Ball Joints............................. 340
Battery............................... 336
Blanket..........................213,338
Emergency Starting..................... 310
Bearings.............................. 355
Belts, Drive............................ 331
Belts, Seat.............................. 34
412 INDEX