2008 DODGE RAM 2500 DIESEL load capacity

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 frontor 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.
Improper weight distributions can have an adverse effect
on the way your vehicle steers and handles and the way
the brakes operate.
CAUTION!
Do not load your vehicle any heavier than the GVWR
or the maximum front and rear GAWR. If you do,
parts on your vehicle can break, or it can change the
way your vehicle handles. This could cause you to
lose control. Also overloading can shorten the life of
your vehicle.
354 STARTING AND OPERATING

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.
STARTING AND OPERATING 357
5

2. GTW
3. GAWR
4. Tongue weight rating for the trailer hitch utilized
(This requirement may limit the ability to always
achieve the 10% to 15% range of tongue weight as a
percentage of total trailer weight).
Towing Requirements Ð Tires
þ
Do not attempt to tow a trailer while using a compact
spare tire.
þProper tire inflation pressures are essential to the safe
and satisfactory operation of your vehicle. Refer to the
Tires±General Information section of this manual on
Tire Pressures for proper tire inflation procedures.
þAlso, check the trailer tires for proper tire inflation
pressures before trailer usage.
þCheck 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.
þWhen 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 Ð Trailer Brakes
þ
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.
364 STARTING AND OPERATING

þAn electronically actuated trailer brake controller is
required when towing a trailer with electronically
actuated brakes. When towing a trailer equipped with
a hydraulic surge actuated brake system, an electronic
brake controller is not required.
þTrailer 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.
WARNING!
Do not connect trailer brakes to your vehicle's hy-
draulic brake lines. It can overload your brake sys-
tem and cause it to fail. You might not have brakes
when you need them and could have an accident.
Towing any trailer will increase your stopping dis-
tance. When towing you should allow for additional
space between your vehicle and the vehicle in front
of you. Failure to do so could result in an accident.
Towing Requirements Ð Trailer Lights & Wiring
Whenever you pull a trailer, regardless of the trailer size,
stop lights and turn signals on the trailer are required for
motoring safety.
STARTING AND OPERATING 365
5

Before plowing
²
Check the hydraulic system for leaks and proper fluid
level.
²Check the mounting bolts and nuts for proper tight-
ness.
²Check the runners and cutting edge for excessive wear.
The cutting edge should be 1/4 to 1/2 inch above
ground in snow plowing position.
²Check that snowplow lighting is connected and func-
tioning properly.
Snowplow Prep Package Model Availability
For Information about snowplow applications visit
www.dodge.com or refer to the current Dodge Body
Builders Guide.
1. The maximum number of occupants in the truck
should not exceed two.2. The total GVWR or the Front GAWR or the Rear
GAWR should never be exceeded.
3. The snowplow prep packages are not available with
the Sport Package.
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
372 STARTING AND OPERATING

Fan .................................. 442
Filters
Closed Crankcase Ventilation (CCV)......... 426
Engine Oil.....................413,416,480
Flashers
Turn Signal.......................... 133
Flat Tire Stowage.....................386,396
Fluid, Brake........................... 482
Fluid Capacities......................... 479
Fluid Level Checks
Brake............................... 444
Manual Transmission.................446,447
Power Steering........................ 431
Transfer Case......................... 446
Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts.......... 480
Fog Lights.......................132,193,469
Fold Flat Load Floor..................... 174
Four Wheel Drive....................... 294
Four-Way Hazard Flasher.................. 384Freeing A Stuck Vehicle................... 400
Front Axle (Differential)................432,446
Fuel..............................348,349
Adding............................. 349
Diesel.........................348,349,480
Gauge.............................. 199
Light............................... 199
Requirements......................... 348
Specifications......................... 349
Tank Capacity........................ 479
Fuses................................ 459
Garage Door Opener (HomeLinkt) ........... 151
Gauges............................... 189
Coolant Temperature.................... 191
Fuel................................ 199
Oil Pressure.......................... 191
Speedometer......................... 190
Tachometer.......................... 190
INDEX 511
10

Inflation Pressures..................... 325
Jacking............................. 387
Life of Tires.......................... 330
Load Capacity.....................320,321
Pressure Monitor System (TPMS)........... 338
Pressure Warning Light.................. 196
Quality Grading....................... 503
Radial.............................. 327
Replacement......................... 331
Rotation............................. 335
Safety...........................316,324
Sizes............................... 317
Snow Tires........................... 335
Spare Tire........................... 386
Spinning............................ 329
Tread Wear Indicators................... 330
Wheel Mounting....................... 387
Wheel Nut Torque..................... 392
Tongue Weight/Trailer Weight.............. 361Torque Converter Clutch.................. 290
Tow Hooks, Emergency................... 401
Tow/Haul............................. 288
Towing............................... 356
24-Hour Towing Assistance............... 102
Disabled Vehicle....................... 402
Guide.............................. 361
Recreational.......................... 375
Weight.............................. 361
Towing Assistance....................... 102
Traction.............................. 307
Traction Control......................... 446
Trailer Towing.......................... 356
Cooling System Tips.................... 369
Hitches............................. 360
Minimum Requirements................. 362
Mirrors...........................87,370
Trailer and Tongue Weight................ 361
Wiring.............................. 365
INDEX 521
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