2005 DODGE RAM 1500 GAS load capacity

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.
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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.
294 STARTING AND OPERATING

5. Cargo capacity will be reduced by the addition of
options or passengers, etc.
The loaded vehicle weight, including the snowplow
system, all aftermarket accessories, driver, passengers,
options, and cargo, must not exceed either the Gross
Vehicle Weight (GVWR) or Gross Axle Weight (GAWR)
ratings. These weights are specified on the Safety Com-
pliance Certification Label on the driver’s side door
opening.
NOTE: Detach the snowplow when transporting
passengers.
Vehicle front end wheel alignment was set to specifica-
tions at the factory without consideration for the weight
of the plow. Front end tow-in should be checked and
reset if necessary at the beginning and end of the
snowplow season. This will help prevent uneven tire
wear.The blade should be lowered whenever the vehicle is
parked.
Maintain and operate your vehicle and snowplow equip-
ment following the recommendations provided by the
specific snowplow manufacturer.
Over the Road Operation With Snowplow
Attached
The blade restricts air flow to the radiator and causes the
engine to operate at higher than normal temperatures.
Therefore, when transporting the plow, angle the blade
completely and position it as low as road or surface
conditions permit. Do not exceed 40 mph (64 km/h). The
operator should always maintain a safe stopping distance
and allow adequate passing clearance.
STARTING AND OPERATING 307
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Capacity............................ 403
Change Interval....................... 354
Dipstick............................. 353
Disposal............................ 357
Filter............................357,405
Filter Disposal........................ 357
Identification Logo..................... 356
Materials Added to..................... 356
Pressure Gauge....................... 167
Recommendation...................355,403
Synthetic............................ 356
Viscosity..........................356,403
Onboard Diagnostic System..............350,351
Opener, Garage Door..................... 137
Operating Precautions.................... 350
Outside Rearview Mirrors.................. 79
Overdrive............................. 235
Overdrive OFF Switch.................... 235
Overhead Console....................129,130Overhead Travel Information Center.......... 130
Owner’s Manual........................ 433
Parking Brake.......................... 254
Passenger Airbag On/Off Switch............. 51
Passing Light........................... 120
Pedals, Adjustable....................... 124
Phone, Cellular.......................... 83
Phone, Hands-Free....................... 83
Pickup Box............................ 155
Placard, Tire and Loading Information......... 265
Positive Crankcase Valve.................. 361
Power
Distribution Center..................... 389
Door Locks........................... 16
Mirrors.............................. 80
Outlet.............................. 147
Seats............................... 111
Steering..........................259,363
INDEX 445
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Alignment........................... 277
Chains.............................. 278
Changing............................ 326
Compact Spare........................ 272
Dual............................281,334
General Information.................... 268
High Speed.......................... 271
Inflation Pressures..................... 269
Jacking............................. 327
Load Capacity.....................264,265
Radial.............................. 272
Replacement......................... 276
Rotation............................. 280
Safety...........................259,268
Sizes............................... 261
Snow Tires........................... 280
Spare Tire........................... 326
Spinning............................ 274
Tread Wear Indicators................... 275Wheel Mounting....................... 327
Wheel Nut Torque..................... 332
Tongue Weight/Trailer Weight.............. 301
Torque Converter Clutch.................. 237
Tow Hooks, Emergency................... 341
Towing
Disabled Vehicle....................... 342
Guide.............................. 302
Recreational.......................... 309
Trailering............................ 297
Weight.............................. 302
Traction.............................. 318
Trailer Towing.......................... 296
Hitches............................. 299
Mirrors...........................81,303
Tips ................................ 303
Trailer and Tongue Weight................ 301
Trailer Towing Guide..................... 302
Trailer Weight.......................... 302
INDEX 449
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