2011 Ram 5500 Chassis Cab towing capacity

Loading
The vehicle maximum load on the tire must not exceed
the load carrying capacity of the tire on your vehicle. You
will not exceed the tire’s load carrying capacity if you
adhere to the loading conditions, tire size, and cold tire
inflation pressures specified on the Tire and Loading
Information placard and in the “Vehicle Loading” section
of this manual.
NOTE:Under a maximum loaded vehicle condition,
gross axle weight ratings (GAWRs) for the front and rear
axles must not be exceeded. For further information on
GAWRs, vehicle loading, and trailer towing, refer to
“Vehicle Loading” in this section.
To determine the maximum loading conditions of your
vehicle, locate the statement “The combined weight of occupants and cargo should never exceed XXX lbs or
XXX kg” on the Tire and Loading Information placard.
The combined weight of occupants, cargo/luggage and
trailer tongue weight (if applicable) should never exceed
the weight referenced here.
Steps for Determining Correct Load Limit
1. Locate the statement “The combined weight of occu-
pants and cargo should never exceed XXX lbs or XXX kg”
on your vehicle’s placard.
2. Determine the combined weight of the driver and
passengers that will be riding in your vehicle.
3. Subtract the combined weight of the driver and pas-
sengers from XXX lbs or XXX kg.
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4. The resulting figure equals the available amount of
cargo and luggage load capacity. For example, if “XXX”
amount equals 1,400 lbs (635 kg) and there will be five
150 lb (68 kg) passengers in your vehicle, the amount of
available cargo and luggage load capacity is 650 lbs
(295 kg) (since 5 x 150 = 750, and 1400 – 750 = 650 lbs
[295 kg]).
5. Determine the combined weight of luggage and cargo
being loaded on the vehicle. That weight may not safely
exceed the available cargo and luggage load capacity
calculated in Step 4.6. If your vehicle will be towing a trailer, load from your
trailer will be transferred to your vehicle. Consult this
manual to determine how this reduces the available
cargo and luggage load capacity of your vehicle.
NOTE:
•The following table shows examples on how to calcu-
late total load, cargo/luggage, and towing capacities
of your vehicle with varying seating configurations
and number and size of occupants. This table is for
illustration purposes only and may not be accurate for
the seating and load carry capacity of your vehicle.
•For the following example, the combined weight of
occupants and cargo should never exceed 865 lbs
(392 kg).
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STARTING AND OPERATING 305

WARNING! (Continued)
4. Trailer 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” in “Starting and Operat-
ing” 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” in “Starting and Operating” for the proper
inspection procedure.
•When replacing tires, refer to “Tires–General Informa-
tion” in “Starting and Operating” 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
•
Donot 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
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STARTING AND OPERATING 337

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).
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.
•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.
Integrated Trailer Brake Module – If Equipped
Your vehicle may have a Integrated Trailer Brake Module
for electric trailer brakes.
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Manual TransmissionFluid Level Check ..................... 405
Lubricant Selection ..................... 428
Memory Seat ........................... 132
Mini-Trip Computer ...................... 201
Mirrors ................................ 81
Automatic Dimming ..................... 82
Electric Powered ....................... 84
Heated .............................. 85
Memory ............................ 132
Outside .............................. 82
Rearview ............................. 81
Trailer Towing ......................... 86
Modifications/Alterations, Vehicle ............. 7
Mopar Parts ......................... 384,452
Multi-Function Control Lever ............... 143
New Vehicle Break-In Period ................ 72Occupant Restraints
................... 37,54,56
Occupant Restraints (Sedan) ................. 54
Octane Rating, Gasoline (Fuel) .............. 321
Odometer ............................. 183
Trip ................................ 183
Oil Change Indicator .................. 185,199
Oil Change Indicator, Reset ..............185,199
Oil, Engine ......................... 386,427
Capacity ............................ 426
Change Interval ....................... 386
Dipstick ............................. 386
Disposal ............................ 388
Filter ............................ 388,427
Filter Disposal ........................ 388
Identification Logo ..................... 387
Materials Added to ..................... 388
Pressure Gauge ....................... 183
Recommendation ...................... 387
Synthetic ............................ 388
10
INDEX 467

High Speed.......................... 312
Inflation Pressures ..................... 308
Life of Tires .......................... 314
Load Capacity ..................... 303,304
Quality Grading ....................... 454
Radial .............................. 313
Replacement ......................... 315
Rotation ............................ 319
Safety ........................... 297,307
Sizes ............................... 299
Snow Tires ........................... 319
Spinning ............................ 313
Steel Carcass Ply ...................... 310
Tread Wear Indicators ................... 314
Wheel Nut Torque ..................... 364
Tongue Weight/Trailer Weight .............. 334
Torque Converter Clutch .................. 276
Tow Hooks, Emergency ................... 375
Towing ............................... 330 24-Hour Towing Assistance
............... 102
Disabled Vehicle ....................... 376
Guide .............................. 334
Recreational .......................... 347
Weight .............................. 334
Towing Assistance ....................... 102
Traction .............................. 288
Trailer Towing .......................... 330
Cooling System Tips .................... 344
Hitches ............................. 333
Minimum Requirements ................. 335
Mirrors .............................. 86
Trailer and Tongue Weight ............... 334
Wiring .............................. 342
Trailer Towing Guide ..................... 334
Trailer Weight .......................... 334
Transfer Case ........................... 405
Electronically Shifted ................... 280
Fluid ............................... 428
472 INDEX