2008 DODGE RAM 2500 GAS trailer

The following chart identifies the maximum electrical
loads that the trailer tow output circuits are capable of
supporting.
Trailer Tow Additional Lamp Loads
Output Func-
tionsMaximum Cur-
rentAdditional Bulbs
Allowed Ex-
ample Only.
Other bulb com-
binations can be
used as long as
maximum cur-
rent is not ex-
ceeded.
Stop/Turn Left 16A2 #3157 bulbs
for stop/turn
Stop/Turn Right 16A2 #3157 bulbs
for stop/turn
Trailer Park
Lamps14A2 #1157 bulbs
(two filament
park/stop/turn)
plus up to 24
#168 or #194
peanut bulbs.
Towing Tips
Before setting out on a trip, practice turning, stopping
and backing the trailer in an area away from heavy
traffic.
If using a manual transmission vehicle for trailer towing,
all starts must be in FIRST gear to avoid excessive clutch
slippage.
Towing Tips Ð Automatic Transmission
The ªDº range can be selected when towing. However, if
frequent shifting occurs while in this range, the ªTOW
HAULº or ªOD/OFFº range should be selected.
398 STARTING AND OPERATING

NOTE:Using the ªTOW HAULº or ªOD/OFFº range
while operating the vehicle under heavy operating con-
ditions will improve performance and extend transmis-
sion life by reducing excessive shifting and heat build up.
This action will also provide better engine braking.
The automatic transmission fluid and filter should be
changed if you REGULARLY tow a trailer for more than
45 minutes of continuous operation. See Maintenance
Schedule in section 8 of this manual for transmission
fluid change intervals.
NOTE:Check the automatic transmission fluid level
before towing.
Towing Tips Ð Tow/Haul (If Equipped)
To reduce potential for automatic transmission overheat-
ing, turn the ªTOW HAUL OD/OFFº feature ON when
driving in hilly areas or shift the transmission to Drive
position 2 on more severe grades.
Towing Tips Ð Electronic Speed Control (If
Equipped)
þ
Don't use in hilly terrain or with heavy loads.
þWhen using the speed control, if you experience speed
drops greater than 10 mph (16 km/h), disengage until
you can get back to cruising speed.
þUse speed control in flat terrain and with light loads to
maximize fuel efficiency.
Towing Tips Ð Cooling System
To reduce potential for engine and transmission over-
heating, take the following actions:
þCity Driving
When stopped for short periods of time, put transmission
in neutral and increase engine idle speed.
þHighway Driving
Reduce speed.
STARTING AND OPERATING 399
5

þAir Conditioning
Turn off temporarily.
þrefer to Cooling System Operating information in the
Maintenance section of this manual for more informa-
tion.
Trailer Towing Mirrors Ð If Equipped
These mirrors are designed with an adjustable mirror
head to provide a greater vision range when towing
extra-wide loads. To change position inboard or out-
board, the mirror head should be rotated (flipped Out or
In). A small blindspot mirror is integrated onto the main
mirror surface.
NOTE: Fold the7x10inch trailer towing mirrors
rearward prior to entering an automated car wash.
Blindspot Mirror
400 STARTING AND OPERATING

SNOWPLOW
Snowplow Prep Packages are available as a factory-
installed option. These packages include components
necessary to equip your vehicle with a snowplow.
1500 Models (Light Duty)
NOTE:Do not use 1500 (light duty) Models for snow-
plow applications.
WARNING!
On 1500 Models, snowplows, winches, and other
aftermarket equipment should not be added to the
front end of your vehicle. The airbag crash sensors
may be affected by the change in the front end
structure. The airbags could deploy unexpectedly or
could fail to deploy during a collision resulting in
serious injury or death.
Trailer Towing Position
STARTING AND OPERATING 401
5

Cavity Cartridge
FuseMini
FuseDescription
9 30 Amp
PinkOff Road Module
Power
10 5 Amp
OrangeTrx-Off Rd Pkg Sen
(Gas Engine Only)
NOTE: Insert 5 amp
fuse in this cavity to
enable the TRX capa-
bility (If Equipped).
11 20 Amp
YellowIgnition Off Draw
(IOD)-Cabin Com-
partment Node
(CCN)/Radio/Under
Hood Lamp/Wireless
Control Module
(WCM)/Satellite Digi-
tal Audio Receiver
(SDARS)/Hands Free
Module (HFM)/EOMCavity Cartridge
FuseMini
FuseDescription
12 30 Amp
PinkElectric Brake
13 25 Amp
NaturalPower-Battery
RWAL/ABS Module
Feed
14 15 Amp
BluePark Lights Left
15 20 Amp
YellowTrailer Park Lights
16 15 Amp
BluePark Lights Right
17 Ð Ð
18 40 Amp
GreenABS Pump
19 30 Amp
PinkTrailer Tow Battery
Feed
490 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Perform Maintenance Every(Where time and mileage
are listed, follow the interval that occurs first.)
Maintenance Items Miles Kilometers or Months
Change the engine oil and engine oil filter. 6,000 10 000 6
Rotate Tires. 6,000 10 000 6
Lubricate outer tie rod ends 2500/3500 (4X4) models
only.6,000 10 000 6
Lube Front Drive Shaft Fitting (2500/3500, 4x4 only). 6,000 10 000 6
If using your vehicle for any of the following: Dusty
or off-road conditions. Inspect the engine air cleaner
filter, replace if necessary.12,000 20 000 12
Inspect the brake linings, replace if necessary. 12,000 20 000 12
Inspect the front & rear axle fluid, change if using
your vehicle for police, taxi, fleet, off-road or frequent
trailer towing.18,000 30 000 18
Inspect the CV Joints. Perform the first inspection at
12,000 miles (20 000 km) or 12 months.24,000 40 000 24
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES 517
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Perform Maintenance Every(Where time and mileage
are listed, follow the interval that occurs first.)
Maintenance Items Miles Kilometers or Months
Inspect Exhaust System. Perform the first inspection at
12,000 miles (20 000 km) or 12 months.24,000 40 000 24
Inspect the front suspension, tie rod ends and boot
seals, replace if necessary.24,000 40 000 24
Replace the engine air cleaner filter. 30,000 50 000 30
Inspect the transfer case fluid. 30,000 50 000 30
Replace the top row of spark plugs on 4.7L engines. **30,000 50 000 30
Replace the spark plugs on 3.7L and 5.7L engines.30,000 50 000 30
Change the automatic transmission fluid & filter if
using your vehicle for any of the following: police,
taxi, fleet or frequent trailer towing.60,000 100 000 60
Change the transfer case fluid if using your vehicle for
any of the following: police, taxi, fleet, off-road or fre-
quent trailer towing.60,000 100 000 60
518 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
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Perform Maintenance Every(Where time and mileage
are listed, follow the interval that occurs first.)
Maintenance Items Miles Kilometers or Months
Change the manual transmission fluid if using your
vehicle for any of the following: trailer towing, snow
plowing, heavy loading, taxi, police, delivery service
(commercial service), off-road, desert operation or
more then 50% of your driving is at sustained high
speeds during hot weather, above 90FÉ (32CÉ).60,000 100 000 60
Inspect and replace PCV valve if necessary. ²90,000 150 000 90
Flush and replace the engine coolant. 102,000 170 000 60
Replace the ignition cables on 4.7L engines.102,000 170 000 102
Replace the side row of spark plugs on 4.7L engines. **102,000 170 000 102
Change the automatic transmission fluid & filter. 120,000 200 000 120
Replace Accessory Drive Belt(s). 120,000 200 000 120
² This maintenance is recommended by the manufacturer
to the owner, but is not required to maintain emissions
warranty.
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES 519
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