2013 Ram 2500 load capacity

This label contains the month and year of manufacture,
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR), Gross Axle Weight
Rating (GAWR) front and rear, and Vehicle Identification
Number (VIN). A Month-Day-Hour (MDH) number is
included on this label and indicates the Month, Day and
Hour of manufacture. The bar code that appears on the
bottom of the label is your VIN.
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR)
The GVWR is the total permissible weight of your vehicle
including driver, passengers, vehicle, options and cargo.
The label also specifies maximum capacities of front and
rear axle systems (GAWR). Total load must be limited so
GVWR and front and rear GAWR are not exceeded.
Payload
The payload of a vehicle is defined as the allowable load
weight a truck can carry, including the weight of the
driver, all passengers, options and cargo.
Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR)
The GAWR is the maximum permissible load on the front
and rear axles. The load must be distributed in the cargo
area so that the GAWR of each axle is not exceeded.
Each axle GAWR is determined by the components in the
system with the lowest load carrying capacity (axle,
springs, tires or wheels). Heavier axles or suspension
components sometimes specified by purchasers for in-
creased durability does not necessarily increase the vehi-
cle’s GVWR.
Tire Size
The tire size on the Vehicle Certification Label represents
the actual tire size on your vehicle. Replacement tires
must be equal to the load capacity of this tire size.
Rim Size
This is the rim size that is appropriate for the tire size
listed.
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 537

Inflation Pressure
This is the cold tire inflation pressure for your vehicle for
all loading conditions up to full GAWR.
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 the front and rear axle. Weigh-
ing the vehicle may show that the GAWR of either the
front or 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,
(Continued)
538 STARTING AND OPERATING

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. Refer to “Vehicle Loading/Vehicle Certifica-
tion Label” in “Starting and Operating” for further
information.
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 tongue weight is the downward force exerted on the
hitch ball by the trailer. In most cases it should not be
more than 10% of the trailer load. You must consider this
as part of the load on your vehicle.
Frontal Area
The frontal area is the maximum height multiplied by the
maximum width of the front of a trailer.
540 STARTING AND OPERATING

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 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 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
•
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
1,653 lbs (750 kg).
552 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.
Integrated Trailer Brake Module – If Equipped
Your vehicle may have an Integrated Trailer Brake Mod-
ule (ITBM) for Electric and Electric Over Hydraulic
(EOH) trailer brakes.
NOTE: This module has been designed and verified
with electric trailer brakes and new electric over hydrau-
lic systems. Some previous EOH systems may not be
compatible with ITBM.
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 553

Starting............................. .533
Flooded Engine Starting ....................345
Fluid, Brake ............................ .700
Fluid Capacities ......................... .696
Fluid Leaks ............................ .120
Fluid Level Checks Brake ............................... .661
Power Steering ........................ .467
Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts ...........698
Fog Lights ............................. .162
Fold Flat Load Floor ...................... .223
Four-Way Hazard Flasher ...................577
Four Wheel Drive ........................ .388
Freeing A Stuck Vehicle .....................621
Front Axle (Differential) .....................663
Fuel .................................. .526
Adding ............................. .534
Additives ............................ .529
Clean Air ............................ .527Ethanol
............................. .527
Filler Cap (Gas Cap) .....................536
Gasoline ............................. .526
Materials Added ....................... .529
Methanol ............................ .527
Octane Rating ......................... .526
Requirements ......................... .526
Tank Capacity ......................... .696
Fuel, Flexible ........................... .530
Fuel System Caution ...................... .535
Fuses ................................. .675
Gas Cap (Fuel Filler Cap) ...................536
Gasoline, Clean Air ....................... .527
Gasoline (Fuel) .......................... .526
Gasoline, Reformulated .....................527
Gauges Speedometer ......................... .260
T
achometer ........................... .255
10
INDEX 727

Off-Pavement Driving (Off-Road)..............422
Off-Road Driving (Off-Pavement) ..............422
Oil, Engine ............................. .643
Capacity ............................ .696
Change Interval ....................... .644
Dipstick ............................. .643
Disposal ............................. .645
Filter ............................... .646
Filter Disposal ........................ .645
Identification Logo ..................... .644
Recommendation ...................... .644
Synthetic ............................ .645
Viscosity ............................ .645
Oil Filter, Selection ....................... .646
Onboard Diagnostic System ..................639
Operating Precautions ..................... .639
Operator Manual (Owner’s Manual) .............4
Outside Rearview Mirrors ...................129
Overdrive .............................. .374Overdrive OFF Switch
..................... .374
Overhead Console ........................ .191
Overheating, Engine ...................... .264
Owner’s Manual (Operator Manual) .............4
Paint Care ............................. .668
Panic Alarm ..............................27
Parking Brake ........................... .468
Park Sense System, Rear ....................180
Passing Light ........................... .168
Pedals, Adjustable ........................ .175
Personal Settings ......................... .283
Pets ...................................115
Pets, Transporting .........................115
Pickup Box ............................. .226
Placard, Tire and Loading Information ..........494
Power Distribution Center (Fuses) ................675
Door Locks ............................
36
732 INDEX

Wheel, Heated........................ .173
Wheel, Tilt ........................... .172
Steering Wheel Audio Controls ................311
Steering Wheel Mounted Sound System Controls . . .311
Storage Compartment, Center Seat .............216
Storage, Vehicle .......................... .331
Storing Your Vehicle ...................... .685
Sun Roof .............................. .202
Supplemental Tire Pressure Information .........508
Suspension, Air .......................... .410
Sway Control, Trailer ...................... .485
Synthetic Engine Oil ...................... .645
System, Remote Starting .....................30
Tachometer ............................. .255
Tailgate ............................... .242
Temperature Control, Automatic (ATC) ..........324
Tilt Steering Column ...................... .172
Tip Start ............................... .343Tire and Loading Information Placard
...........493
Tire Markings ........................... .487
Tires ................................. .120
Aging (Life of Tires) .....................506
Air Pressure .......................... .498
Chains .............................. .509
Compact Spare ........................ .503
Dual ............................... .512
General Information .....................498
High Speed .......................... .501
Inflation Pressures ...................... .499
Life of Tires .......................... .506
Load Capacity ........................ .493
Pressure Monitor System (TPMS) ............513
Pressure Warning Light ...................260
Quality Grading ....................... .719
Radial .............................. .501
Replacement .......................... .507
Rotation ..............................

511
736 INDEX