2016 Ram 1500 tow

While studded tires improve performance on ice, skid
and traction capability on wet or dry surfaces may be
poorer than that of non-studded tires. Some states pro-
hibit studded tires; therefore, local laws should be
checked before using these tire types.
Run Flat Tires — If Equipped
Run Flat tires allow you the capability to drive 50 miles
(80 km) at 50 mph (80 km/h) after a rapid loss of inflation
pressure. This rapid loss of inflation is referred to as the
Run Flat mode. A Run Flat mode occurs when the tire
inflation pressure is of/or below 14 psi (96 kPa). Once a
Run Flat tire reaches the run flat mode it has limited
driving capabilities and needs to be replaced immedi-
ately. A Run Flat tire is not repairable.
It is not recommended driving a vehicle loaded at full
capacity or to tow a trailer while a tire is in the run flat
mode.See the tire pressure monitoring section for more infor-
mation.
Spare Tires — If Equipped
NOTE:For vehicles equipped with Tire Service Kit
instead of a spare tire, please refer to “Tire Service Kit” in
“What To Do In Emergencies” for further information.
CAUTION!
Because of the reduced ground clearance, do not take
your vehicle through an automatic car wash with a
compact or limited-use temporary spare installed.
Damage to the vehicle may result.
Spare Tire Matching Original Equipped Tire And
Wheel — If Equipped
Your vehicle may be equipped with a spare tire and
wheel equivalent in look and function to the original
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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,
parts on your vehicle can break, or it can change the
way your vehicle handles. This could cause you to
lose control. Also overloading can shorten the life of
your vehicle.
TRAILER TOWING
In this section you will find safety tips and information
on limits to the type of towing you can reasonably do
with your vehicle. Before towing a trailer, carefully
review this information to tow your load as efficiently
and safely as possible.
To maintain the New Vehicle Limited Warranty coverage,
follow the requirements and recommendations in this
manual concerning vehicles used for trailer 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
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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. The recommended tongue weight
is 10% to 15% of the vehicle’s GTW for a conventional
hitch. 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.
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 kinds
of hitches are the most popular on the market today and
they are commonly used to tow small and medium sized
trailers.
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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 GAWR
requirements.
WARNING!
•An improperly adjusted weight distributing hitch
system may reduce handling, stability and 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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Recommended Distribution Hitch Adjustment
Towing With 1500 Air Suspension
1. Set air suspension to normal ride height. No action is
required if already in normal ride height.
NOTE:The vehicle must remain in the engine running
position while attaching a trailer for proper leveling of
the air suspension system.
2. Position the truck to be ready to connect to the trailer
(do not connect the trailer).
3. Under radio suspension settings, turn on jack mode.
Jack mode will be canceled and procedure must be
restarted if the vehicle is driven at speeds above 5mph
(8kph).
4. Measure the height of the top of the front wheel
opening on the fender to ground, this is height H1.
Improper Adjustment Of Weight-Distributing Hitch
(Incorrect)
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NOTE:For all towing conditions, we recommend towing
with tow haul mode engaged.
All Other 1500(Non-Air Suspension)/2500/3500 Trucks
1. Position the truck to be ready to connect to the trailer
(do not connect the trailer).
NOTE:For Ram 2500/3500 trucks equipped with rear air
suspension, normal ride height or alternate ride height
can be used. The vehicle must remain in the engine
running position while attaching a trailer for proper
leveling of the air suspension system. It may not be
possible to enter alternate ride height while lightly
loaded.
2. Measure the height of the top of the front wheel
opening on the fender to ground, this is height H1.
3. Attach the trailer to the vehicle without the weight
distribution bars connected.4. Measure the height of the top of the front wheel
opening on the fender to ground, this is height H2.
5. Install and adjust the tension in the weight distribut-
ing bars so that the height of the front fender is
approximately (H2-H1)/2+H1 (about 1/2 the differ-
ence between H2 and H1 above normal ride height
[H1]).
Measurement ExampleExample 2500/3500
Height (mm)
H1 1030
H2 1058
H2-H1 28
(H2-H1)/2 14
(H2-H1)/2 + H1 1044
NOTE:For all towing conditions, we recommend towing
with tow haul mode engaged.
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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.
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 Weight
Hitch Type Max. Trailer Weight / Max.
Tongue Weight
Class III Bumper
Hitch - 1500 Model5,000 lbs (2,268 kg) / 500 lbs
(226 kg)
Class IV - 1500
Model11,000 lbs (4,989 kg) / 1100
lbs (498 kg)
Class V - 2500/3500
Models18,000 lbs (8,164 kg) /
1800 lbs (816 kg)
Fifth Wheel - 2500
Model25,000 lbs (11,339 kg) /
5000 lbs (2,267 kg)
Gooseneck - 2500
Model20,000 lbs (9,071 kg) /
4000 lbs (1,814 kg)
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Trailer Hitch Type and Maximum Trailer Weight
Gooseneck Or Fifth
Wheel - 3500 Model32,000 lbs (14,545 kg) / 6000
lbs (2,721 kg)
Refer to the “Trailer Towing Weights (Maximum
Trailer Weight Ratings)” for the Maximum Gross
Trailer Weight (GTW) towable for your given drive-
train.
All trailer hitches should be professionally installed on
your vehicle.
Trailer Towing Weights (Maximum Trailer Weight
Ratings)
NOTE:For additional trailer towing information (maxi-
mum trailer weight ratings) refer to the following website
addresses:
•ramtrucks.com/en/towing_guide/•ramtruck.ca (Canada)
•rambodybuilder.com
Trailer And Tongue Weight
Always load a trailer with 60% of the weight in the front
of the trailer. This places 10% of the GTW on the tow
hitch of your vehicle. Loads balanced over the wheels or
heavier in the rear can cause the trailer to swayseverely
side 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 maxi-
mum tongue weight stamped on your trailer hitch.
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