2014 Ram ProMaster trailer

Frontal Area
The frontal area is the maximum height multiplied by the
maximum width of the front of a trailer.
Trailer Sway Control
The trailer sway control can be a mechanical telescoping
link that can be installed between the hitch receiver and
the trailer tongue that typically provides adjustable fric-
tion associated with the telescoping motion to dampen
any unwanted trailer swaying motions while traveling.
If equipped, the electronic Trailer Sway Control (TSC)
recognizes a swaying trailer and automatically applies
individual wheel brakes and/or reduces engine power to
attempt to eliminate the trailer sway.
Weight-Carrying Hitch
A weight-carrying hitch supports the trailer tongue
weight, just as if it were luggage located at a hitch ball or
some other connecting point of the vehicle. These kindsof hitches are the most popular on the market today and
they are commonly used to tow small and medium sized
trailers.
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.
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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.
Trailer Hitch Classification
The following chart provides the industry standard for
the maximum trailer weight a given trailer hitch class can
tow and should be used to assist you in selecting the
correct trailer hitch for your intended towing condition.
Trailer Hitch Classification Definitions
Class Max. Trailer Hitch
Industry Standards
Class I - Light Duty 2,000 lbs (907 kg)
Class II - Medium Duty 3,500 lbs (1 587 kg) Class III - Heavy Duty 5,000 lbs (2 268 kg)
Class IV - Extra Heavy Duty 10,000 lbs (4 540 kg)
Refer to the “Trailer Towing Weights (Maximum
Trailer Weight Ratings)” chart 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)
Engine/
TransmissionVersions GVW
(Gross
Vehicle
Weight) WB
(wheel base) Max.
GAWR (Gross Axle
Weight
Rating) GCWR
(Gross
Combined Weight
Rating) Frontal
Area Max. GTW
(Gross
Trailer
Weight) Max. Tongue
Weight
3.6L/
Automatic All 8,550 lbs
(3 878 kg)
L1 118 in
(3 000 mm)Front
4,200 lbs
(1 905 kg) Rear
4,850 lbs
(2 200 kg) 11,500 lbs
(5 216 kg) H1
45.3 sq ft
(4.2 sq m) H2
51.7 sq ft
(4.8 sq m) 5,100 lbs
(2 313 kg) 220 lbs (100 kg)
Va n
510 lbs (231 kg)
Chassis Cab/ Cut Away
L2 136 in
(3 450 mm)
Front
4,400 lbs
(1 950 kg) Rear
5,200 lbs
(2 360 kg)
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Engine/
TransmissionVersions GVW
(Gross
Vehicle
Weight) WB
(wheel base) Max.
GAWR (Gross Axle
Weight
Rating) GCWR
(Gross
Combined Weight
Rating) Frontal
Area Max. GTW
(Gross
Trailer
Weight) Max. Tongue
Weight
3.6L/
Automatic All 8,900 lbs
(4 036 kg)
L2 136 in
(3 450 mm)Front
4,400 lbs
(2 000 kg) Rear
5,000 lbs
(2 270 kg) 11,500 lbs
(5 216 kg) H1
45.3 sq ft
(4.2 sq m) H2
51.7 sq ft
(4.8 sq m) 5,100 lbs
(2 313 kg) 220 lbs (100 kg)
Va n
510 lbs (231 kg) Chassis Cab/ Cut Away
L4 159 in
(4 035 mm)Front
4,500 lbs
(2 040 kg) Rear
5,300 lbs
(2 400 kg)
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Engine/
TransmissionVersions GVW
(Gross
Vehicle
Weight) WB
(wheel base) Max.
GAWR (Gross Axle
Weight
Rating) GCWR
(Gross
Combined Weight
Rating) Frontal
Area Max. GTW
(Gross
Trailer
Weight) Max. Tongue
Weight
3.6L/
Automatic All 9,350 lbs
(4 241 kg)
L4 159 in
(4 035 mm)Front
4,350 lbs
(1 970 kg) Rear
5,300 lbs
(2 400 kg) 11,500 lbs
(5 216 kg) H1
45.3 sq ft
(4.2 sq m) H2
51.7 sq ft
(4.8 sq m) 5,100 lbs
(2 313 kg) 220 lbs (100 kg)
Va n
510 lbs (231 kg) Chassis Cab/ Cut Away
L5 159 in
(4 035 mm)Front
4,350 lbs
(1 970 kg) Rear
5,300 lbs
(2 400 kg)
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NOTE:The trailer tongue weight must be considered as
part of the combined weight of occupants and cargo, and
should never exceed the weight referenced on the Tire
and Loading Information placard. Refer to “Tire Safety
Information” in “Starting and Operating” for further
information.
Trailer And Tongue Weight
Always load a trailer with 60% to 65% of the weight in
the front of the trailer. This places 10% to 15% of the
Gross Trailer Weight (GTW) on the tow hitch of your
vehicle. Loads balanced over the wheels or heavier in the
rear can cause the trailer to sway severelyside to side
which will cause loss of control of the vehicle and trailer.
Failure to load trailers heavier in front is the cause of
many trailer collisions. Never exceed the maximum tongue weight stamped on
your bumper or trailer hitch.
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Consider the following items when computing the
weight on the rear axle of the vehicle:
•The tongue weight of the trailer.
• The weight of any other type of cargo or equipment
put in or on your vehicle.
• The weight of the driver and all passengers.
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 the “Tire and Loading Information” placard for
the maximum combined weight of occupants and cargo
for your vehicle.Towing Requirements
To promote proper break-in of your new vehicle drivetrain
components, the following guidelines are recommended.
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.
Perform the maintenance listed in the “Maintenance
Schedule.” Refer to “Maintenance Schedule” for the
proper maintenance intervals. When towing a trailer,
never exceed the GAWR or GCWR ratings.
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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
overload your vehicle or trailer. Overloading can
cause a loss of control, poor performance or dam-
age to brakes, axle, engine, transmission, steering,
suspension, chassis 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.
(Continued)
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