2017 Ram 5500 Chassis Cab towing capacity

Loading
The vehicle maximum load on the tire must not exceed the
load carrying capacity of the tire on your vehicle. You will
not exceed the tire’s load carrying capacity if you adhere to
the loading conditions, tire size, and cold tire inflation
pressures specified on the Tire and Loading Information
placard in “Vehicle Loading” in the “Starting And Operat-
ing” section of this manual.
NOTE:Under a maximum loaded vehicle condition, gross
axle weight ratings (GAWRs) for the front and rear axles
must not be exceeded. For further information on GAWRs,
vehicle loading, and trailer towing, refer to “Vehicle Load-
ing” in the “Starting And Operating” section of this
manual.
To determine the maximum loading conditions of your
vehicle, locate the statement “The combined weight of
occupants and cargo should never exceed XXX kg or
XXX lbs” on the Tire and Loading Information placard. The
combined weight of occupants, cargo/luggage and trailer
tongue weight (if applicable) should never exceed the
weight referenced here.
Steps For Determining Correct Load Limit—
(1) Locate the statement “The combined weight of
occupants and cargo should never exceed XXX kg or
XXX lbs.” on your vehicle’s placard.
(2) Determine the combined weight of the driver and
passengers that will be riding in your vehicle.
(3) Subtract the combined weight of the driver and
passengers from XXX kg or XXX lbs.
(4) The resulting figure equals the available amount of
cargo and luggage load capacity. For example, if “XXX”
amount equals 1400 lbs. and there will be five 150 lb
passengers in your vehicle, the amount of available
cargo and luggage load capacity is 650 lbs. (1400-750
(5x150) = 650 lbs.)
(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.
(6) If your vehicle will be towing a trailer, load from
your trailer will be transferred to your vehicle. Consult
this manual to determine how this reduces the available
cargo and luggage load capacity of your vehicle. 5
STARTING AND OPERATING 373

Metric Example For Load Limit
For example, if “XXX” amount equals 635 kg and there will
be five 68 kg passengers in your vehicle, the amount of
available cargo and luggage load capacity is 295 kg (635-
340 (5x68) = 295 kg) as shown in step 4.
NOTE:
•If your vehicle will be towing a trailer, load from your
trailer will be transferred to your vehicle. The following
table shows examples on how to calculate total load,
cargo/luggage, and towing capacities of your vehicle
with varying seating configurations and number 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).
374 STARTING AND OPERATING

Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR)
The GAWR is the maximum capacity of the front and rear
axles. Distribute the load over the front and rear axles
evenly. Make sure that you do not exceed either front or
rear GAWR. Refer to “Vehicle Loading/Vehicle Certifica-
tion Label” in “Starting And Operating” for further infor-
mation.
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.
Tongue Weight (TW)
The tongue weight is the downward force exerted on the
hitch ball by the trailer. 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 is a telescoping link that can be
installed between the hitch receiver and the trailer tongue
that typically provides adjustable friction associated with
the telescoping motion to dampen any unwanted trailer
swaying motions while traveling.
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 truck. These kind of 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 leverage
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 provides
for a more level ride, offering more consistent steering and
brake control, thereby enhancing towing safety. The addi-
tion 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
404 STARTING AND OPERATING

•When replacing tires, refer to “Tires – General Informa-
tion” in “Starting And Operating” for proper tire re-
placement procedures. Replacing tires with a higher
load carrying capacity will not increase the vehicle’s
GVWR and GAWR limits.
Towing Requirements — Trailer Brakes
WARNING!
• Do not connect trailer brakes to your vehicle’s hy-
draulic brake lines. It can overload your brake sys-
tem 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 dis-
tance. When towing you should allow for additional
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 (453 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. •
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 per-
sonal injury.
• An electronically actuated trailer brake controller is
required when towing a trailer with electronically actu-
ated brakes. When towing a trailer equipped with a
hydraulic surge actuated brake system, an electronic
brake controller is not required.
• Trailer brakes are recommended for trailers over
1,000 lbs (453 kg) and required for trailers in excess of
1,653 lbs (749 kg).
Integrated Trailer Brake Module — If Equipped
Your vehicle may have an Integrated Trailer Brake Module
(ITBM) for Electric and Electric Over Hydraulic (EOH)
trailer brakes.
NOTE: This module has been designed and verified with
electric trailer brakes and new electric over hydraulic
systems. Some previous EOH systems may not be compat-
ible with ITBM.
410 STARTING AND OPERATING

How To Stow An Unused ALR Seat Belt.........81
Infants And Child Restraints .................72
Locating The LATCH Anchorages ..............79
Lower Anchors And Tethers For Children ........76
Older Children And Child Restraints ...........73
Seating Positions ..........................75
Cigar Lighter ............................ .177
Clean Air Gasoline ........................ .396
Cleaning Wheels ............................... .483
Climate Control ........................... .277
Cold Weather Operation ..................... .323
Compact Disc (CD) Maintenance ................275
Compact Spare Tire ........................ .381
Console, Overhead ........................ .164
Contract, Service .......................... .512
Coolant Pressure Cap (Radiator Cap) .............474
Cooling System ........................... .471
Adding Coolant (Antifreeze) .................473
Coolant Capacity ........................ .499
Coolant Level ....................... .471, 474
Disposal Of Used Coolant ..................474
Drain, Flush, And Refill ....................472
Inspection ............................. .474
Points To Remember ..................... .475Pressure Cap
........................... .474
Radiator Cap .......................... .474
Selection Of Coolant (Antifreeze) ..........472, 500
Corrosion Protection ....................... .481
Cruise Light ....................... .220, 221, 222
Cupholders .............................. .178
Customer Assistance ....................... .510
Customer Programmable Features ...............256
Daytime Running Lights .....................131
Dealer Service ............................ .451
Defroster, Rear Window ..................... .186
Defroster, Windshield ........................96
Delay

(Intermittent) Wipers ...................139
Differential, Limited-Slip .....................346
Dipsticks Automatic Transmission ....................479
Power Steering ......................... .350
Disabled Vehicle Towing .....................442
Disposal Antifreeze (Engine Coolant) .................474
Do Not Disturb ........................... .314
Door Ajar ............................... .207
Door Ajar Light ........................... .207
518 INDEX

Aging (Life Of Tires)..................... .383
Air Pressure ........................ .371, 376
Chains ............................... .385
Compact Spare ......................... .381
Dual .......................... .387, 427, 434
General Information ...................376, 380
High Speed ............................ .378
Inflation Pressures ....................... .377
Life Of Tires ........................... .383
Load Capacity ...................... .371, 373
Pressure Monitor System (TPMS) .............389
Pressure Warning Light ....................212
Quality Grading ........................ .388
Radial ............................... .378
Replacement ........................... .384
Rotation .............................. .386
Safety ............................ .365, 376
Sizes ................................ .367
Snow Tires ............................ .379
Spare Tire ...................... .380, 381, 382
Spinning .............................. .382
Tread Wear Indicators .....................383
Wheel Nut Torque ....................... .433
Tire Safety Information ...................... .365
Tongue Weight/Trailer Weight .................408Torque Converter Clutch
.....................335
Tow Hooks, Emergency ..................... .440
Towing ............................. .403, 442
Disabled Vehicle ........................ .442
Guide ................................ .407
Recreational ........................... .418
Weight ............................... .407
Towing Vehicle Behind A Motorhome ............418
Traction ................................ .347
T

raction Control .......................... .357
Trailer Sway Control (TSC) ....................362
Trailer Towing ............................ .403
Cooling System Tips ..................... .415
Hitches ............................... .407
Minimum Requirements ....................408
Mirrors ................................113
Trailer And Tongue Weight ..................408
Wiring ............................... .414
Trailer Towing Guide ....................... .407
Trailer Weight ............................ .407
Transfer Case ............................ .478
Electronically Shifted ..................... .342
Fluid ................................ .502
Transmission ............................. .478
Automatic ......................... .327, 478
528 INDEX