2012 Ram 5500 Chassis Cab load capacity

Towing Requirements – Tires
•
Do not attempt to tow a trailer with less than the full
size 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 Oper-
ating” 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
Information” in “Starting and Operating” for the
proper inspection procedure.
•When replacing tires, refer to “Tires – General Infor-
mation” in “Starting and Operating” for proper tirereplacement 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 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).
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 357

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 a
collision.
(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 a
collision.
Integrated Trailer Brake Module – If Equipped
Your vehicle may have a Integrated Trailer Brake Module
for electric trailer brakes.
NOTE:This module has been designed and verified for
electric trailer brakes. To determine the type of brakes on
your trailer, check with your trailer manufacturer or
dealer.
358 STARTING AND OPERATING

Before Plowing
•
Check the hydraulic system for leaks and proper fluid
level.
•Check the mounting bolts and nuts for proper tight-
ness.
•Check the runners and cutting edge for excessive wear.
The cutting edge should be 1/4 to 1/2 in (6 cm to
1.2 cm) above ground in snow plowing position.
•Check 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. 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 toe-in should be checked and reset
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 365

Oil, Engine.........................410,454
Capacity........................... 453
Change Interval...................... 411
Dipstick........................... 410
Disposal........................... 412
Filter ..........................412,454
Filter Disposal....................... 412
Identification Logo................... 411
Materials Added to................... 412
Pressure Gauge...................... 193
Recommendation..................... 411
Synthetic.......................... 412
Viscosity........................... 412
Onboard Diagnostic System..............406,407
Operating Precautions.................... 406
Operator Manual (Owner’s Manual)............ 4
Outside Rearview Mirrors.................. 88
Overdrive............................. 292
Overdrive OFF Switch.................... 292Overhead Console....................... 163
Overheating, Engine...................... 191
Owner’s Manual (Operator Manual)......... 4,481
Panic Alarm............................ 24
Parking Brake.......................... 310
Passing Light........................... 154
Pedals, Adjustable....................... 158
Personal Settings........................ 218
Pets.................................. 78
Pets, Transporting........................ 78
Phone, Cellular.......................... 93
Phone, Hands-Free (Uconnect™).............. 93
Placard, Tire and Loading Information......... 320
Power
Door Locks......................... 30
Mirrors ............................ 90
Outlet (Auxiliary Electrical Outlet).....165,170
Seats............................. 129
496 INDEX

Supplemental Tire Pressure Information........ 336
Synthetic Engine Oil...................... 412
System, Remote Starting.................... 26
Tachometer............................ 190
Temperature Control, Automatic (ATC)........ 267
Temperature Gauge, Engine Coolant.......... 190
Tether Anchor, Child Restraint............. 69,74
Tilt Steering Column..................... 157
Tip Start.............................. 280
Tire and Loading Information Placard......320,336
Tire Identification Number (TIN)............. 318
Tire Markings.......................... 315
Tire Safety Information.................... 315
Tires ............................ 82,324,483
Aging(LifeofTires) .................. 334
Air Pressure........................ 324
Chains............................ 336
Compact Spare...................... 331Dual...........................340,388
General Information.................. 324
High Speed......................... 329
Inflation Pressures.................... 325
LifeofTires ........................ 334
Load Capacity....................320,321
Quality Grading..................... 483
Radial............................ 330
Replacement........................ 334
Rotation........................... 339
Safety..........................315,324
Sizes ............................. 316
Snow Tires......................... 338
Spinning ........................... 333
Steel Carcass Ply..................... 327
Tread Wear Indicators................. 333
Wheel Nut Torque.................... 386
Tongue Weight/Trailer Weight.............. 354
Torque Converter Clutch.................. 293
500 INDEX