2009 DODGE RAM 3500 DIESEL load capacity

Common Towing DefinitionsThe following trailer towing related definitions will assist
you in understanding the following information:Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR)The GVWR is the total allowable weight of your vehicle.
This includes driver, passengers, cargo and tongue
weight. The total load must be limited so that you do not
exceed the GVWR.Gross Trailer Weight (GTW)The GTW is the weight of the trailer plus the weight of all
cargo, consumables and equipment (permanent or tem-
porary) loaded in or on the trailer in itsloaded and
ready for operation condition. The recommended way to
measure GTW is to put your fully loaded trailer on a
vehicle scale. The entire weight of the trailer must be
supported by the scale.
Gross Combination Weight Rating (GCWR)The GCWR is the total permissible weight of your vehicle
and trailer when weighed in combination.
NOTE: The GCWR rating includes a 150 lbs (68 kg)
allowance for the presence of a driver.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.
384 STARTING AND OPERATING

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 — Tires

Do not attempt to tow a trailer while using a compact
spare tire.

Proper tire inflation pressures are essential to the safe
and satisfactory operation of your vehicle. Refer to
“Tires–General Information” for proper tire inflation
procedures.

Check the trailer tires for proper tire inflation pres-
sures before trailer usage.

Check for signs of tire wear or visible tire damage
before towing a trailer. Refer to “Tires–General Infor-
mation” for the proper inspection procedure.

When replacing tires, refer to “Tires–General Informa-
tion” for proper tire replacement procedures. Replac-
ing tires with a higher load carrying capacity will not
increase the vehicle’s GVWR and GAWR limits.
Towing Requirements — Trailer Brakes

Do not interconnect 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 electronically
actuated 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).
392 STARTING AND OPERATING

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
hydraulic brake lines. It can overload your brake
system and cause it to fail. You might not have
brakes when you need them and could have an
accident.(Continued)
WARNING! (Continued)
•
Towing any trailer will increase your stopping
distance. When towing you should allow for addi-
tional space between your vehicle and the vehicle
in front of you. Failure to do so could result in an
accident.
Towing Requirements — Trailer Lights & WiringWhenever you pull a trailer, regardless of the trailer size,
stop lights and turn signals on the trailer are required for
motoring safety.
The Trailer Tow Package may include a 4 and 7–pin
wiring harness. Use a factory approved trailer harness
and connector.
NOTE:Do not cut or splice wiring into the vehicles
wiring harness.
STARTING AND OPERATING 393
5

Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts.......... 479
Fog Lights ....................... 135,193,468
Fold Flat Load Floor ..................... 174
Four Wheel Drive ....................... 260
Four-Way Hazard Flasher .................. 406
Freeing A Stuck Vehicle ................... 421
Front Axle (Differential) ................... 448
Fuel ................................. 375
Adding ............................. 379
Filler Cap (Gas Cap) .................... 381
Gauge .............................. 200
Octane Rating ...................... 375,479
Requirements ...................... 375,478
Tank Capacity ........................ 478
Fuses ................................ 458
Garage Door Opener (HomeLink) ........... 153
Gas Cap (Fuel Filler Cap) ...............381,428
Gasoline (Fuel) ......................... 375 Gasoline, Reformulated
................... 375
Gauges ............................... 188
Coolant Temperature ................... 190
Fuel ............................... 200
Oil Pressure .......................... 190
Speedometer ......................... 189
Tachometer .......................... 189
Voltmeter ............................ 188
Gear Ranges ........................... 255
General Information ................. 18,114,374
Glass Cleaning .......................... 456
Grocery Bag Retainer ..................... 172
Gross Axle Weight Rating .................. 384
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating ................ 384
Guide, Body Builders ...................... 6
GVWR ............................... 381
Hands-Free Phone (uconnect) ............... 86
INDEX 515
10

Oil Change Indicator..................... 193
Oil Change Indicator, Reset ................. 193
Oil, Engine ......................... 431,479
Capacity ............................ 478
Change Interval ....................... 432
Dipstick ............................. 431
Disposal ............................ 433
Filter ............................ 433,479
Filter Disposal ........................ 433
Identification Logo ..................... 432
Materials Added to ..................... 433
Pressure Gauge ....................... 190
Recommendation ................... 432,478
Synthetic ............................ 433
Viscosity ......................... 432,478
Onboard Diagnostic System ..............428,429
Opener, Garage Door (HomeLink) ........... 153
Operating Precautions .................... 428
Operator Manual (Owner’s Manual) ............ 4Outside Rearview Mirrors
.................. 83
Overdrive ............................. 257
Overdrive OFF Switch .................... 257
Overhead Console .................... 145,146
Overhead Travel Information Center .......... 146
Overheating, Engine ...................... 191
Owner’s Manual (Operator Manual) .........4,505
Parking Brake .......................... 329
Passenger Airbag On/Off Switch ............. 54
Passing Light ........................... 137
Pedals, Adjustable ....................... 141
Pets .................................. 73
Pets, Transporting ........................ 73
Phone, Cellular .......................... 86
Phone, Hands-Free (uconnect) ............... 86
Pickup Box ............................ 176
Placard, Tire and Loading Information ......... 350520 INDEX

Life of Tires.......................... 359
Load Capacity ..................... 350,351
Pressure Monitor System (TPMS) ........... 366
Pressure Warning Light .................. 197
Quality Grading ....................... 506
Radial .............................. 357
Replacement ......................... 359
Rotation ............................ 363
Safety ........................... 346,354
Sizes ............................... 347
Snow Tires ........................... 363
Spare Tire ........................... 408
Spinning ............................ 357
Tread Wear Indicators ................... 358
Wheel Mounting ...................... 409
Wheel Nut Torque ..................... 414
Tongue Weight/Trailer Weight .............. 389
Torque Converter Clutch .................. 259
Tow Hooks, Emergency ................... 422 Towing
............................... 383
24-Hour Towing Assistance ............... 101
Disabled Vehicle ....................... 422
Guide .............................. 389
Recreational .......................... 397
Weight .............................. 389
Towing Assistance ....................... 101
Traction .............................. 304
Traction Control ......................... 334
Trailer Sway Control (TSC) ................. 345
Trailer Towing .......................... 383
Cooling System Tips .................... 396
Hitches ............................. 388
Minimum Requirements ................. 390
Mirrors .............................. 85
Trailer and Tongue Weight ............... 389
Wiring .............................. 393
Trailer Towing Guide ..................... 389
Trailer Weight .......................... 389
INDEX 525
10