Page 298 of 448
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% 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.
296 STARTING AND OPERATING
Page 299 of 448

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 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.5
STARTING AND OPERATING 297
Page 301 of 448
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 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.
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 299
Page 438 of 448

Gross Axle Weight Rating................290, 292
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating ..............289, 292
Guide, Body Builders ........................6
GVWR ................................ .289
Hazard Driving Through Flowing, Rising, Or Shallow Stand-
ing Water ............................ .235
Hazard Warning Flasher ....................309
Headlights Cleaning ............................ .384
High Beam ............................95
High Beam/Low Beam Select Switch ..........95
Passing ...............................95
Switch ................................93
Head Restraints ...........................87
Heated Mirrors ............................74
Heated Seats .............................86
Heater ................................ .204Heater, Engine Block
...................... .222
High Beam/Low Beam Select (Dimmer) Switch .....95
Hill Start Assist .......................... .249
Hitches Trailer Towing ........................ .295
Hood Release .............................90
Ignition .................................12
Key ...............................11,12
Ignition Key Removal .......................12
Illuminated Entry ..........................17
Immobilizer (Sentry Key) ....................14
Inside Rearview Mirror ......................72
Instrument Cluster ..............129, 138, 140, 157
Instrument Panel And Controls ...............128
Instrument Panel Lens Cleaning ...............385
Interior Appearance Care ....................383
Intermittent Wipers (Delay Wipers) .............100
436 INDEX
Page 445 of 448

Trailer Towing........................ .299
Tread Wear Indicators ....................271
Tire Safety Information .....................251
Tire Service Kit . . . .312, 313, 314, 317, 318, 320, 321, 322
Tongue Weight/Trailer Weight ................296
Torque Converter Clutch ....................233
Towing ............................ .292, 347
Disabled Vehicle ....................... .347
Guide .............................. .296
Recreational .......................... .305
Weight .............................. .296
Towing Vehicle Behind A Motorhome ...........305
Traction ............................ .234, 235
Traction Control ......................... .243
Traction Control Switch .....................243
Trailer Sway Control (TSC) ..................248
Trailer Towing .......................... .292
Cooling System Tips .....................305
Hitches ............................. .295Minimum Requirements
..................297
Tips................................ .304
Trailer And Tongue Weight ................296
Wiring .............................. .301
Trailer Towing Guide ...................... .296
Trailer Weight ........................... .296
Transaxle Automatic .............................12
Transmission Automatic ........................... .222
Fluid ............................ .378, 408
Transmitter Battery Service (Remote Keyless Entry) . .19
Transporting Pets ..........................63
Tread Wear Indicators ..................... .271
Turn Signals ............................ .157
Uniform Tire Quality Grades .................425
Unleaded Gasoline ....................... .282
10
INDEX 443
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