2014 Ram 3500 towing

Common Towing Definitions
The 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. Refer to “Vehicle Loading/Vehicle
Certification Label” in “Starting and Operating” for
further information.
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.
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.
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Weight-Distributing Hitch
A weight-distributing system works by applying lever-
age through spring (load) bars. They are typically used
for heavier loads to distribute trailer tongue weight to the
tow vehicle’s front axle and the trailer axle(s). When used
in accordance with the manufacturer’s directions, it pro-
vides for a more level ride, offering more consistent
steering and brake control thereby enhancing towing
safety. The addition of a friction/hydraulic sway control
also dampens sway caused by traffic and crosswinds and
contributes positively to tow vehicle and trailer stability.
Trailer sway control and a weight distributing (load
equalizing) hitch are recommended for heavier Tongue
Weights (TW) and may be required depending on vehicle
and trailer configuration/loading to comply with Gross
Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) requirements. Weight Dis-
tribution hitched are recommended for loads in excess of
5,000 lbs (2,268 kg).
WARNING!
•An improperly adjusted Weight Distributing Hitch
system may reduce handling, stability, braking
performance, and could result in a collision.
•
Weight Distributing Systems may not be compatible
with Surge Brake Couplers. Consult with your hitch
and trailer manufacturer or a reputable Recreational
Vehicle dealer for additional information.
Fifth-Wheel Hitch
The fifth-wheel hitch is a special high platform with a
coupling that mounts over the rear axle of the tow vehicle
in the truck bed. It connects a vehicle and fifth-wheel
trailer with a coupling king pin.
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Gooseneck Hitch
The gooseneck hitch employs a pivoted coupling arm
which attaches to a ball mounted in the bed of a pickup
truck. The coupling arm connects to the hitch mounted
over the rear axle in the truck bed.
Trailer Hitch Type and Maximum Trailer Weight
The following chart provides the maximum trailer
weight a given factory equipped trailer hitch type can
tow and should be used to assist you in selecting the
correct trailer hitch for your intended towing condition.
Trailer Hitch Type and Maximum Trailer WeightHitch Type Max. Trailer Hitch Max. Trailer Weight
Class III Bumper
Hitch - 1500 Model 5,000 lbs (2 268 kg)
Class IV - 1500 Model 10,450 lbs (4 740 kg)
Trailer Hitch Type and Maximum Trailer Weight
Hitch Type Max. Trailer Hitch Max. Trailer Weight
Class V - 2500/3500 Models 17,000 lbs (7 711 kg)
Fifth Wheel - 2500/ 3500 Models 25,000 lbs (11 339 kg)
Gooseneck - 2500 Model 20,000 lbs (9 071 kg)
Gooseneck - 3500 Model 30,000 lbs (13 636 kg)
Refer to the “Trailer Towing Weights (Maximum Trailer
Weight Ratings)” for the Maximum Gross Trailer
Weight (GTW) towable for your given drivetrain.
All trailer hitches should be professionally installed on
your vehicle.
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Trailer Towing Weights (Maximum Trailer Weight Ratings)
The rear bumper is intended to tow trailers up to a 5,000 lbs (2 268 kg) without added equipment or alterations to
the standard equipment.
Ram 1500 4x2
STSLT/Outdoorsman Sport/Laramie
3.6L V-6 8–Speed Auto- matic Transmission Standard Towing:
5,000 lbs (2 268 kg)
Max Towing: 7,400 lbs (3 379 kg)
Max Payload: 1,920 lbs (871 kg) Standard Towing:
5,000 lbs (2 268 kg)
Max Towing: 7,400 lbs (3 357 kg)
Max Payload: 1,900 lbs (862 kg) –
5.7L HEMI® V-8 6–Speed Automatic Transmission Standard Towing:
5,000 lbs (2 268 kg)
Max Towing: 10,450 lbs (4 740 kg)
Max Payload: 1,730 lbs (785 kg) Standard Towing:
5,000 lbs (2 268 kg)
Max Towing: 10,450 lbs (4 740 kg)
Max Payload: 1,700 lbs (771 kg) Standard Towing:
5,000 lbs (2 268 kg)
Max Towing: 10,250 lbs (4 649 kg)
Max Payload: 1,600 lbs (726 kg)
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Ram 1500 4x4
STSLT/Outdoorsman Sport/Laramie
3.6L V-6 8–Speed Auto- matic Transmission Standard Towing:
5,000 lbs (2 268 kg)
Max Towing: 7,250 lbs (3 289 kg)
Max Payload: 1,930 lbs (875 kg) Standard Towing:
5,000 lbs (2 268 kg)
Max Towing: 7,200 lbs (3 266 kg)
Max Payload: 1,900 lbs (861 kg) –
5.7L HEMI® V-8 6–Speed Automatic Transmission Standard Towing:
5,000 lbs (2 268 kg)
Max Towing: 10,350 lbs (4 695 kg)
Max Payload: 1,500 lbs (680 kg) Standard Towing:
5,000 lbs (2 268 kg)
Max Towing: 10,350 lbs (4 695 kg)
Max Payload: 1,480 lbs (671 kg) Standard Towing:
5,000 lbs (2 268 kg)
Max Towing: 10,050 lbs (4 558 kg)
Max Payload: 1,390 lbs (630 kg)
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Ram 2500 And 3500
STSLT/Outdoorsman/Sport Laramie
5.7L HEMI® V-8 6–Speed Automatic Transmission Max Towing: 13,850 lbs
(6 282 kg)
Max Payload: 4,480 lbs (2 032 kg) Max Towing: 13,810 lbs
(6 282 kg)
Max Payload: 4,440 lbs (2 014 kg) Max Towing: 13,350 lbs
(6 055 kg)
Max Payload: 4,410 lbs (2 000 kg)
6.4L HEMI® V-8 6–Speed Automatic Transmission Max Towing: 16,450 lbs
(7 462 kg)
Max Payload: 7,220 lbs (3 275 kg) Max Towing: 16,400 lbs
(7 439 kg)
Max Payload: 7,170 lbs (3 252 kg) Max Towing: 15,810 lbs
(7 171 kg)
Max Payload: 6,950 lbs (3 152 kg)
NOTE: For additional trailer towing information (maxi-
mum trailer weight ratings) refer to the following website
addresses:
• http://www.ramtrucks.com
• http://www.ramtruck.ca (Canada)
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NOTE:Remember that everything put into or on the
trailer adds to the load on your vehicle. Also, additional
factory-installed options or dealer-installed options must
be considered as part of the total load on your vehicle.
Refer to “Tire Safety Information/Tire and Loading In-
formation Placard” in “Starting and Operating” for fur-
ther information.
Towing Requirements
To promote proper break-in of your new vehicle drive-
train components the following guidelines are recom-
mended:
CAUTION!
• Do not tow a trailer at all during the first 500 miles
(805 km) the new vehicle is driven. The engine, axle
or other parts could be damaged.
• Then, during the first 500 miles (805 km) that a
trailer is towed, do not drive over 50 mph (80 km/h)
and do not make starts at full throttle. This helps
the engine and other parts of the vehicle wear in at
the heavier loads.
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WARNING!
Improper towing can lead to a collision. Follow these
guidelines to make your trailer towing as safe as
possible:
•Make certain that the load is secured in the trailer and
will not shift during travel. When trailering cargo that
is not fully secured, dynamic load shifts can occur that
may be difficult for the driver to control. You could
lose control of your vehicle and have a collision.
•When hauling cargo or towing a trailer, do not over-
load your vehicle or trailer. Overloading can cause a
loss of control, poor performance or damage to brakes,
axle, engine, transmission, steering, suspension, chas-
sis structure or tires.
(Continued)
WARNING! (Continued)
•Safety chains must always be used between your
vehicle and trailer. Always connect the chains to the
hook retainers of the vehicle hitch. Cross the chains
under the trailer tongue and allow enough slack for
turning corners.
•Vehicles with trailers should not be parked on a grade.
When parking, apply the parking brake on the tow
vehicle. Put the tow vehicle transmission in PARK.
For four-wheel drive vehicles, make sure the transfer
case is not in NEUTRAL. Always, block or chockthe
trailer wheels.
• GCWR must not be exceeded.
•
Total weight must be distributed between the tow
vehicle and the trailer such that the following four
ratings are not exceeded:
1. GVWR
2. GTW
(Continued)
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