2016 Ram 1500 Tow capacity

4. The resulting figure equals the available amount of
cargo and luggage load capacity. For example, if
“XXX” amount equals 1,400 lbs (635 kg) and there will
be five 150 lb (68 kg) passengers in your vehicle, the
amount of available cargo and luggage load capacity
is 650 lbs (295 kg) (since 5 x 150 lbs (68 kg) = 750 lbs
(340 kg), and 1400 lbs (635 kg) – 750 lbs (340 kg) =
650 lbs [295 kg]).
5. Determine the combined weight of luggage and cargo
being loaded on the vehicle. That weight may not
safely exceed the available cargo and luggage load
capacity calculated in step 4.NOTE:
•If your vehicle will be towing a trailer, load from your
trailer will be transferred to your vehicle. The follow-
ing table shows examples on how to calculate total
load, cargo/luggage, and towing capacities of your
vehicle with varying seating configurations and num-
ber and size of occupants. This table is for illustration
purposes only and may not be accurate for the seating
and load carry capacity of your vehicle.
•For the following example, the combined weight of
occupants and cargo should never exceed 865 lbs
(392 kg).
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 645

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
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 653

WARNING!(Continued)
•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
3. GAWR
4. Tongue weight rating for the trailer hitch uti-
lized.
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.
700 STARTING AND OPERATING

Towing Requirements — Trailer Brakes
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.
•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.
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.
•Donotinterconnect 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.
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 701

Cleaning
Wheels...............................833
Climate Control.......................422, 432
Automatic............................432
Cold Weather Operation....................480
Compact Disc (CD) Maintenance..............419
Compact Spare Tire........................654
Console, Overhead........................217
Contract, Service..........................883
Coolant Pressure Cap (Radiator Cap)...........818
Cooling System...........................815
Adding Coolant (Antifreeze)...............817
Coolant Capacity.......................861
Coolant Level...................815, 820, 821
Disposal Of Used Coolant.................819
Drain, Flush, And Refill...................816
Inspection.........................820, 821
Points To Remember.....................822
Pressure Cap..........................818Radiator Cap..........................818
Selection Of Coolant (Antifreeze)......816, 861, 863
Corrosion Protection.......................830
Cruise Light..........................330, 332
Cupholders.............................239
Customer Assistance.......................881
Customer Programmable Features.............398
Data Recorder, Event.......................83
Daytime Running Lights....................174
Dealer Service............................794
Defroster, Rear Window.....................249
Defroster, Windshield...................119,425
Delay (Intermittent) Wipers..................185
Differential, Limited-Slip....................587
Dipsticks
Power Steering.........................615
Disabled Vehicle Towing...................
.781
10
INDEX 895

Flashers
Turn Signal.....................121, 183, 329
Flat Tire Stowage......................743, 764
Flexible Fuel Vehicles
Cruising Range.........................682
Engine Oil............................681
Fuel Requirements...................680, 681
Maintenance...........................683
Replacement Parts.......................682
Starting..............................682
Flooded Engine Starting....................480
Fluid, Brake.............................867
Fluid Capacities..........................861
Fluid Leaks.............................121
Fluid Level Checks
Brake................................823
Power Steering.........................615
Fluids, Lubricants And Genuine Parts...........863
Fog Lights........................178, 320, 853Fold Flat Load Floor.......................251
Four-Way Hazard Flasher...................725
Four Wheel Drive.........................522
Freeing A Stuck Vehicle.....................775
Front Axle (Differential).....................825
Fuel...................................674
Adding..............................683
Additives.............................678
Clean Air.............................676
Ethanol...........................676, 680
Filler Cap (Gas Cap).....................685
Gasoline..............................674
Light................................317
Materials Added........................678
Methanol.............................676
Octane Rating......................674, 863
Requirements......................
.674, 861
Tank Capacity..........................861
Fuel, Flexible............................680
898 INDEX

Dual.............................663, 726
General Information..................647, 653
High Speed...........................650
Inflation Pressures.......................648
Life Of Tires...........................657
Load Capacity......................642, 643
Pressure Monitor System (TPMS)............665
Pressure Warning Light...................314
Quality Grading........................887
Radial...............................650
Replacement...........................657
Rotation..............................662
Safety............................636, 647
Sizes................................637
Snow Tires............................652
Spare Tire.........................653, 655
Spinning.............................656
Tread Wear Indicators....................656
Tire Safety Information.....................636Tongue Weight/Trailer Weight................697
Tonneau Cover...........................837
Tonneau Cover Cleaning....................837
Torque Converter Clutch.................510, 521
Tow Hooks, Emergency.....................776
Towing.............................688, 781
Disabled Vehicle........................781
Guide...............................697
Recreational...........................714
Weight...............................697
Towing Vehicle Behind A Motorhome...........714
Traction................................588
Traction Control..........................625
Trailer Sway Control (TSC)..................632
Trailer Towing..........................
.688
Cooling System Tips.....................709
Hitches..............................696
Minimum Requirements..................698
Mirrors..............................144
10
INDEX 909