2006 DODGE RAM 2500 DIESEL load capacity

Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR)
The GAWR is the maximum capacity of the front and rear
axles. Distribute the load over the front and rear axles
evenly. Make sure that you do not exceed either front or
rear GAWR.
WARNING!
It is important that you do not exceed the maximum
front or rear GAWR. A dangerous driving condition
can result if either rating is exceeded. You could lose
control of the vehicle and have an accident.
Tongue Weight (TW)
The downward force exerted on the hitch ball by the
trailer. In most cases it should not be less than 10% or
more than 15% of the trailer load. You must consider this
as part of the load on your vehicle.
Frontal Area
The maximum height and maximum width of the front of
a trailer.
Trailer Sway Control
The trailer sway control is a telescoping link that can be
installed between the hitch receiver and the trailer tongue
that typically provides adjustable friction associated with
the telescoping motion to dampen any unwanted trailer
swaying motions while traveling.
Weight-Carrying Hitch
A weight-carrying hitch supports the trailer tongue
weight, just as if it were luggage located at a hitch ball or
some other connecting point of the truck. These kind of
hitches are the most popular on the market today and
they’re commonly used to tow small- and medium-sized
trailers.
324 STARTING AND OPERATING

Check for signs of tire wear or visible tire damage
before towing a trailer. Refer to the Tires–General
Information section of this manual on Tread Wear
Indicators for the proper inspection procedure.
When replacing tires refer to the Tires–General Infor-
mation section of this manual on Replacement Tires for
proper tire replacement procedures. Replacing tires
with a higher load carrying capacity will not increase
the vehicle’s GVWR and GAWR limits.
Towing Requirements — Trailer Brakes

Donotinterconnect the hydraulic brake system or
vacuum system of your vehicle with that of the trailer.
This could cause inadequate braking and possible
personal injury.
An electronically actuated trailer brake controller is
required when towing a trailer with electronicallyactuated brakes. When towing a trailer equipped with
a hydraulic surge actuated brake system, an electronic
brake controller is not required.
Trailer brakes are recommended for trailers over 1,000
lbs (454 kg) and required for trailers in excess of 2,000
lbs (907 kg).
CAUTION!
If the trailer weighs more than 1,000 lbs (454 kg)
loaded, it should have its own brakes and they
should be of adequate capacity. Failure to do this
could lead to accelerated brake lining wear, higher
brake pedal effort, and longer stopping distances.
330 STARTING AND OPERATING

4. 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 pas-
sengers.
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 337
5

Ethylene Glycol Antifreeze................. 400
Event Data Recorder...................... 54
Exhaust Gas Caution................71,169,397
Exhaust System.................71,396,397,412
Exterior Lighting........................ 122
Fan .................................. 402
Filters
Engine Oil.....................379,382,438
Flashers
Turn Signal.......................... 124
Flat Tire Stowage.....................352,362
Fluid, Brake........................... 439
Fluid Capacities......................... 437
Fluid Level Checks
Brake............................... 403
Manual Transmission................... 406
Power Steering........................ 392
Transfer Case......................... 406Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts.......... 438
Fog Lights.......................123,183,436
Fold Flat Load Floor..................... 162
Four Wheel Drive....................... 273
Four-Way Hazard Flasher.................. 350
Freeing A Stuck Vehicle................... 366
Front Axle (Differential)................394,405
Fuel..............................314,318
Diesel.........................314,318,438
Gauge.............................. 184
Requirements......................... 314
Specifications......................... 317
Tank Capacity........................ 437
Fuses................................ 420
Garage Door Opener (HomeLink) ........... 141
Gauges............................... 177
Coolant Temperature.................... 179
Fuel................................ 184
482 INDEX

Steering
Column Controls...................... 124
Column Lock.......................... 15
Linkage............................. 393
Power...........................290,392
Wheel, Tilt........................... 128
Storage, Behind the Seat................... 157
Storage Compartment, Center Seat.........157,158
Storage, Vehicle......................... 423
Storing Your Vehicle...................... 423
Sun Roof.............................. 147
Supplemental Tire Pressure Information........ 309
Synthetic Engine Oil...................... 261
Tachometer............................ 177
Tailgate............................... 167
Tether Anchor, Child Restraint.............60,64
Tilt Steering Column..................... 128
Tire and Loading Information Placard......296,309Tire Identification Number (TIN)............. 295
Tire Markings.......................... 291
Tire Safety Information.................... 291
Tires ............................72,300,475
Aging (Life of Tires).................... 307
Air Pressure.......................... 300
Alignment........................... 308
Chains.............................. 309
Changing............................ 352
Compact Spare........................ 304
Dual............................313,360
General Information.................... 300
High Speed.......................... 302
Inflation Pressures..................... 301
Jacking............................. 353
Life of Tires.......................... 307
Load Capacity.....................296,297
Quality Grading....................... 475
Radial.............................. 303
490 INDEX