2015 Ram Cargo Van weight

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.
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 compat-
ible with Surge Brake Couplers. Consult with your
hitch and trailer manufacturer or a reputable Rec-
reational Vehicle dealer for additional information.
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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)
The following chart provides the maximum trailer
weight ratings towable for your given drivetrain.
Engine/
Transmission GCWR (Gross
Combined Weight Rating) Frontal Area
Max. GTW (Gross
Trailer Weight) Max. Tongue
Weight
3.6L/Automatic 8,750 lbs (3 969 kg) 40 sq ft (3.72 sq m) Up to 2 persons &
Luggage 3,600 lbs(1 633 kg)* 360 lbs (163 kg)
8,750 lbs (3 969 kg) 40 sq ft (3.72 sq m) 3 to 5 persons & Luggage 3,350 lbs(1 519 kg)* 335 lbs (152 kg)
8,750 lbs (3 969 kg) 40 sq ft (3.72 sq m) 6 to 7 persons & Luggage 3,000 lbs(1 360 kg)* 300 lbs (136 kg)
* For vehicles equipped with Fold-in-Floor seating, the Gross Trailer Weight must be reduced by 100 lbs (45 kg). Refer to local laws for maximum trailer towing speeds.
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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.
Consider the following items when computing the
weight on the rear axle of the vehicle:
•
The tongue weight of the trailer.5
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•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 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.
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!(Continued)
•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
3. GAWR
4.
Tongue weight rating for the trailer hitch utilized.
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 the 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.
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Garage Door Opener (HomeLink®)............232
Gas Cap (Fuel Filler Cap) ...................519
Gasoline, Clean Air ....................... .512
Gasoline (Fuel) ...........................511
Conserving ........................... .314
Gasoline, Reformulated .....................512
Gauges Tachometer ........................... .289
Gear Ranges ............................ .447
Gear Select Lever Override ..................567
General Information ...................... .155
Glass Cleaning .......................... .607
Gross Axle Weight Rating ...................522
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating ..................521
Guide, Body Builders ........................6
GVWR ................................ .521
Hands-Free Phone (Uconnect®) ...............123Hazard
Driving Through Flowing, Rising, or Shallow
Standing Water ........................ .456
Hazard Warning Flasher ....................540
Headlights Bulb Replacement ...................... .620
Cleaning ............................ .607
Lights On Reminder .....................201
Passing ............................. .204
Replacing ............................ .620
Time Delay ........................... .200
Washers ............................. .200
Head Restraints ......................... .170
Heated Mirrors .......................... .120
Heater ................................ .412
Heater, Engine Block ...................... .442
High Beam/Low Beam Select (Dimmer) Switch . . . .203
Hill Start Assist .......................... .472
10
INDEX 655

Aging (Life of Tires).....................497
Air Pressure .......................... .487
Chains .............................. .500
Changing ............................ .543
Compact Spare ........................ .494
General Information .....................487
High Speed .......................... .490
Inflation Pressures ...................... .488
Jacking .............................. .543
Life of Tires .......................... .497
Load Capacity ........................ .482
Pressure Monitor System (TPMS) ............502
Pressure Warning Light ...................289
Quality Grading ....................... .645
Radial .............................. .490
Replacement .......................... .498
Rotation ............................. .501
Safety .............................. .475
Sizes ............................... .477Snow Tires
........................... .492
Spare Tire ............................ .544
Spinning ............................ .496
Trailer Towing ........................ .532
Tread Wear Indicators ....................496
Tire Safety Information .....................475
Tongue Weight/Trailer Weight ................529
Torque Converter Clutch ....................454
Towing ............................... .524
24-Hour Towing Assistance ................138
Disabled Vehicle ....................... .569
Guide .............................. .528
Recreational .......................... .537
Weight .............................. .528
Towing Assistance ........................ .138
T

owing Vehicle Behind a Motorhome ...........537
Traction ............................... .455
Traction Control ......................... .465
Traction Control Switch .....................465
664 INDEX