Page 305 of 455

These cautions apply to all chain traction devices, includ-
ing link and cable (radial) chains.
NOTE:On 4x4 Power Wagon models, class“U”snow
chains are permitted on the rear wheels only of vehicles
equipped with LT285/70R17D.
CAUTION!
Do not use tire chains on the 4X4 front wheels of
Ram Trucks equipped with LT285/70R17D. There
may not be adequate clearance for the chains and
you are risking structural or body damage to your
vehicle.
SNOW TIRES
Snow tires should be of the same size and type construc-
tion as the front tires. Consult the manufacturer of the
snow tire to determine any maximum vehicle speed
requirement associated with the tire. These tires should
always be operated at the vehicle maximum capacity
inflation pressures under any load condition.
While studded tires improve performance on ice, skid
and traction capability on wet or dry surfaces may be
poorer than that of non-studded tires. Some states pro-
hibit studded tires; therefore, local laws should be
checked before using these tire types.
STARTING AND OPERATING 305
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Page 315 of 455

VEHICLE LOADING
Certification Label
As required by National Highway Traffic Safety Admin-
istration Regulations, your vehicle has a certification
label affixed to the driver’s side door or pillar.
This label contains the month and year of manufacture,
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR), Gross Axle Weight
Rating (GAWR) front and rear, and Vehicle Identification
Number (VIN). A Month-Day-Hour (MDH) number is
included on this label and indicates the Month, Day and
Hour of manufacture. The bar code that appears on the
bottom of the label is your Vehicle Identification Number
(VIN).
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR)
The GVWR is the total permissible weight of your vehicle
including driver, passengers, vehicle, options and cargo.
The label also specifies maximum capacities of front andrear axle systems (GAWR). Total load must be limited so
GVWR and front and rear GAWR are not exceeded.
Payload
The payload of a vehicle is defined as the allowable load
weight a truck can carry, including the weight of the
driver, all passengers, options and cargo.
Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR)
The GAWR is the maximum permissible load on the front
and rear axles. The load must be distributed in the cargo
area so that the GAWR of each axle is not exceeded.
Each axle GAWR is determined by the components in the
system with the lowest load carrying capacity (axle,
springs, tires or wheels). Heavier axles or suspension
components sometimes specified by purchasers for in-
creased durability does not necessarily increase the vehi-
cle’s GVWR.
STARTING AND OPERATING 315
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Page 316 of 455

Tire Size
This is the minimum allowable tire size for your vehicle.
Replacement tires must be equal to the load capacity of
this tire size.
Rim Size
This is the rim size that is appropriate for the tire size
listed.
Inflation Pressure
This is the cold tire inflation pressure for your vehicle for
all loading conditions up to full GAWR.
Curb Weight
The curb weight of a vehicle is defined as the total weight
of the vehicle with all fluids, including vehicle fuel, at full
capacity conditions, and with no occupants or cargo
loaded into the vehicle. The front and rear curb weight
values are determined by weighing your vehicle on a
commercial scale before any occupants or cargo are
added.
Loading
The actual total weight and the weight of the front and
rear of your vehicle at the ground can best be determined
by weighing it when it is loaded and ready for operation.
The entire vehicle should first be weighed on a commer-
cial scale to insure that the GVWR has not been exceeded.
The weight on the front and rear of the vehicle should
then be determined separately to be sure that the load is
properly distributed over front and rear axle. Weighing
the vehicle may show that the GAWR of either the front
or rear axles has been exceeded but the total load is
within the specified GVWR. If so, weight must be shifted
from front to rear or rear to front as appropriate until the
specified weight limitations are met. Store the heavier
items down low and be sure that the weight is distributed
equally. Stow all loose items securely before driving.
316 STARTING AND OPERATING
Page 444 of 455

Ethylene Glycol Antifreeze................. 374
Exhaust Gas Caution..............72,150,313,371
Exhaust System....................72,370,371
Exterior Lighting........................ 111
Filters
Air Cleaner........................361,385
Engine Fuel.......................... 362
Engine Oil........................360,407
Engine Oil Disposal.................... 360
Flashers
Turn Signal.......................... 113
Flat Tire Stowage.....................337,343
Flooded Engine Starting................... 268
Fluid, Brake........................... 408
Fluid Capacities......................... 406
Fluid Level Checks
Automatic Transmission................. 380
Power Steering........................ 367Fog Lights.......................... 113,405
Fold Flat Load Floor..................... 144
Four Wheel Drive....................... 277
Four-Way Hazard Flasher.................. 334
Freeing A Stuck Vehicle................... 347
Front Axle............................. 378
Front Wheel Bearings..................... 383
Fuel................................. 307
Adding............................. 309
Filter............................... 362
Gauge.............................. 164
Octane Rating......................307,407
Requirements......................307,406
Tank Capacity........................ 406
Fueling............................... 309
Fuses................................ 393
Garage Door Opener..................... 130
GasCap .............................. 310
444 INDEX
Page 453 of 455

Inflation Pressures..................... 296
Jacking............................. 338
Load Capacity.....................291,292
Off-Road............................. 82
Radial.............................. 299
Replacement......................... 302
Rotation............................. 306
Safety...........................286,295
Sizes............................... 287
Snow Tires........................... 305
Spare Tire........................... 337
Spinning............................ 301
Tread Wear Indicators................... 302
Wheel Mounting....................... 338
Wheel Nut Torque..................... 341
Tongue Weight/Trailer Weight.............. 323
Torque Converter Clutch.................. 274
Tow Hooks, Emergency................... 347Towing
Disabled Vehicle....................... 348
Guide.............................. 325
Recreational.......................... 329
Trailering............................ 319
Weight.............................. 325
Traction.............................. 331
Trailer Towing.......................... 318
Hitches............................. 321
Mirrors...........................88,326
Tips ................................ 326
Trailer and Tongue Weight................ 323
Trailer Towing Guide..................... 325
Trailer Weight.......................... 325
Transfer Case........................... 379
Fluid............................... 408
Transmission
Automatic........................270,380
Fluid............................... 408
INDEX 453
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