2004 DODGE RAM 2500 DIESEL towing capacity

27. Low Fuel Warning Light
Glows when the pointer is between ªEº and 1/8
indication mark (approximately 15% of tank vol-
ume) on the fuel gauge. When the fuel gauge
pointer is on ªEº (equivalent to Distance To Empty [DTE]
= 0 on the overhead console if so equipped) there is
reserve fuel capacity, which corresponds to approxi-
mately 8% of tank volume. This reserve capacity was put
in place to prevent the likelihood of customers running
out of fuel when operating at maximum load conditions
in areas where there aren't many gas stations.
Ram fuel tank volumes are as follows:
²34 gallons - 2500/3500 short box models
²35 gallons - 2500/3500 long box models28. Transmission Oil Temperature Warning Light
(Automatic Transmissions Only)
This light indicates that there is excessive trans-
mission fluid temperature that might occur
with severe usage such as trailer towing. If this
light comes on, stop the vehicle and run the
engine at idle or faster, with the transmission in NEU-
TRAL until the light goes off.
29. Check Gages
This light illuminates when the Voltmeter, Engine
Oil Pressure or Engine Coolant Temperature
gages indicate a reading either too high or too low.
Examine the gages carefully, and follow the instructions
above for each indicated problem.
150 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

Loading
The vehicle maximum load on the tire must not exceed
the load carrying capacity of the tire on your vehicle. You
will not exceed the tire's load carrying capacity if you
adhere to the loading conditions, tire size and cold tire
inflation pressures specified on the Tire and Loading
Information placard and the Vehicle Loading section of
this manual.
NOTE:Under a maximum loaded vehicle condition,
gross axle weight ratings (GAWR's) for the front and rear
axles must not be exceeded. For further information on
GAWR's, vehicle loading and trailer towing, see the
Vehicle Loading section of this manual.
To determine the maximum loading conditions of your
vehicle, locate the statement ªThe combined weight of
occupants and cargo should never exceed XXX kg or XXX
lbs.º on the Tire and Loading Information placard. Thecombined weight of occupants, cargo/luggage and
trailer tongue weight (if applicable) should never exceed
the weight referenced here.
Steps for Determining Correct Load Limit
1. Locate the statement ªThe combined weight of occu-
pants and cargo should never exceed XXX poundsº on
your vehicle's placard.
2. Determine the combined weight of the driver and
passengers that will be riding in your vehicle.
3. Subtract the combined weight of the driver and pas-
sengers from XXX kilograms or XXX pounds.
4. The resulting figure equals the available amount of
cargo and luggage load capacity. For example, if ªXXXº
amount equals 1400 lbs. and there will be five 150 lb.
passengers in your vehicle, the amount of available cargo
and luggage load capacity is 650 lb. (1400±750 (5 x 150) =
650 lb.)
248 STARTING AND OPERATING

5. Determine the combined weight of luggage and cargo
being loaded on the vehicle. That weight may not safely
exceed the available cargo and luggage load capacity
calculated in step 4.
6. If your vehicle will be towing a trailer, load from your
trailer will be transferred to your vehicle. Consult this
manual to determine how this reduces the available
cargo and luggage load capacity of your vehicle.NOTE:The following table shows examples on how to
calculate total load, cargo/luggage and towing capacities
of your vehicle with varying seating configurations and
number and size of occupants. This table is for illustra-
tion purposes only and may not be accurate for the
seating and load carry capacity of your vehicle.
NOTE:For the following example the combined weight
of occupants and cargo should never exceed 865 lbs. (392
Kg).
STARTING AND OPERATING 249
5

Trailer Towing......................79,279
Modifications/Alterations, Vehicle............. 7
Mopar Parts.........................322,407
Multi-Function Control Lever............... 103
New Vehicle Break-In Period................ 67
Noise Control
Maintenance.......................... 357
Tampering Prohibited................... 358
Noise Emission Warranty...............357,359
Occupant Restraints....................... 33
Odometer..........................148,149
Trip .............................148,149
Off-Pavement Driving.................... 292
Off-Road Driving........................ 292
Oil, Engine............................ 380
Capacity............................ 379
Change Interval....................... 326Dipstick............................. 325
Disposal............................ 331
Filter.........................325,328,380
Pressure Gauge....................... 145
Recommendation...................... 327
Viscosity............................ 327
Oil Filter, Change........................ 328
Onboard Diagnostic System................ 321
Opener, Garage Door..................... 120
Operating Precautions.................... 321
Outside Rearview Mirrors.................. 76
Overdrive............................. 220
Overdrive OFF Switch.................... 220
Overhead Console.................... 112,113
Overhead Travel Information Center.......... 113
Owner's Manual........................ 408
Parking Brake.......................... 238
Passenger Airbag On/Off Switch............. 50
420 INDEX

Tire Markings.......................... 243
Tire Safety Information.................... 243
Tires ...............................70,251
Air Pressure.......................... 251
Alignment........................... 258
Chains.............................. 259
Changing............................ 299
Compact Spare........................ 255
Dual............................263,306
General Information.................... 251
High Speed.......................... 254
Inflation Pressures..................... 252
Jacking............................. 300
Load Capacity.....................247,248
Radial.............................. 255
Replacement......................... 257
Rotation............................. 261
Safety...........................243,251
Sizes............................... 244Snow Tires........................... 261
Spare Tire........................... 299
Spinning............................ 256
Tread Wear Indicators................... 257
Wheel Mounting....................... 300
Wheel Nut Torque..................... 305
Tongue Weight/Trailer Weight.............. 278
Torque Converter Clutch.................. 222
Tow Hooks, Emergency................... 314
Towing
Disabled Vehicle....................... 315
Guide.............................. 279
Recreational.......................... 286
Trailering............................ 274
Weight.............................. 279
Traction.............................. 293
Traction Control......................... 352
Trailer Towing.......................... 272
Hitches............................. 275
424 INDEX