Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR)
The GVWR is the total permissible weight of your vehicle
including driver, passengers, vehicle, options and cargo.
The label also specifies maximum capacities of front and
rear axle systems (GAWR). Total load must be limited so
GVWR and front and rear GAWR are not exceeded.
Payload
The payload of a vehicle is defined as the allowable load
weight a truck can carry, including the weight of the driver,
all passengers, options and cargo.
Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR)
The GAWR is the maximum permissible load on the front
and rear axles. The load must be distributed in the cargo
area so that the GAWR of each axle is not exceeded.
Each axle GAWR is determined by the components in the
system with the lowest load carrying capacity (axle,
springs, tires or wheels). Heavier axles or suspension
components sometimes specified by purchasers for in-
creased durability does not necessarily increase the vehi-
cle’s GVWR. Tire Size
The tire size on the Vehicle Certification Label represents
the actual tire size on your vehicle. Replacement tires must
be equal to the load capacity of this tire size.
Rim Size
This is the rim size that is appropriate for the tire size
listed.
Inflation Pressure
This is the cold tire inflation pressure for your vehicle for
all loading conditions up to full GAWR.
Curb Weight
The curb weight of a vehicle is defined as the total weight
of the vehicle with all fluids, including vehicle fuel, at full
capacity conditions, and with no occupants or cargo loaded
into the vehicle. The front and rear curb weight values are
determined by weighing your vehicle on a commercial
scale before any occupants or cargo are added.402 STARTING AND OPERATING
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 exceed
the GVWR. Refer to “Vehicle Loading/Vehicle Certification
Label” in “Starting And Operating” for further informa-
tion.
Gross Trailer Weight (GTW)
The GTW is the weight of the trailer plus the weight of all
cargo, consumables and equipment (permanent or tempo-
rary) loaded in or on the trailer in its loaded and ready for
operation condition.
The recommended way to measure GTW is to put your
fully loaded trailer on a vehicle scale. The entire weight of
the trailer must be supported by the scale. WARNING!If the gross trailer weight is 5,000 lbs (2,267 kg) or more,
it is recommended to use a weight-distributing hitch to
ensure stable handling of your vehicle. If you use a
standard weight-carrying hitch, you could lose control
of your vehicle and cause a collision.
Gross Combination Weight Rating (GCWR)
The GCWR is the total allowable weight of your vehicle
and trailer when weighed in combination.
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.404 STARTING AND OPERATING
WARNING! (Continued)PARK. For four-wheel drive vehicles, make sure the
transfer case is not in NEUTRAL (N). Always block
or chock the trailer wheels.
• 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 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 Operat-
ing” for proper tire inflation procedures.
• Check the trailer tires for proper tire inflation pressures
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 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.410 STARTING AND OPERATING
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.
Integrated Trailer Brake Module (ITBM)1 — GAIN Adjustment Button
2 — GAIN Adjustment Button
3 — Manual Brake Control Lever 5STARTING AND OPERATING 411
Snowplow Prep Package Model Availability
For Information about snowplow applications visit
www.ramtrucks.com or refer to the current Ram Body
Builders Guide.
1. The maximum number of occupants in the truck should
not exceed two.
2. The total GVWR or the Front GAWR or the Rear GAWR
should never be exceeded.
3. Cargo capacity will be reduced by the addition of
options or passengers, etc.
The loaded vehicle weight, including the snowplow sys-
tem, all aftermarket accessories, driver, passengers, op-
tions, and cargo, must not exceed either the Gross Vehicle
Weight (GVWR) or Gross Axle Weight (GAWR) ratings.
These weights are specified on the Safety Compliance
Certification Label on the driver’s side door opening.
NOTE: Detach the snowplow when transporting passen-
gers. Vehicle front end wheel alignment was set to specifications
at the factory without consideration for the weight of the
plow. Front end toe-in should be checked and reset if
necessary at the beginning and end of the snowplow
season. This will help prevent uneven tire wear.
The blade should be lowered whenever the vehicle is
parked.
Maintain and operate your vehicle and snowplow equip-
ment following the recommendations provided by the
specific snowplow manufacturer.
Over The Road Operation With Snowplow Attached
The blade restricts air flow to the radiator and causes the
engine to operate at higher than normal temperatures.
Therefore, when transporting the plow, angle the blade
completely and position it as low as road or surface
conditions permit. Do not exceed 40 mph (64 km/h). The
operator should always maintain a safe stopping distance
and allow adequate passing clearance. 5STARTING AND OPERATING 417
Exhaust Gas Caution .................... .91, 400
Exhaust System ........................ .91, 470
Exterior Lighting .......................... .125
Exterior Lights .............................94
Filters
Air Cleaner ............................ .454
Air Conditioning .................... .291, 460
Engine Fuel ........................... .501
Engine Oil ......................... .453, 501
Engine Oil Disposal ...................... .453
Flashers
Turn Signal ...................... .94, 132, 216
Flat Tire Stowage .......................... .435
Flooded Engine Starting ..................... .323
Fluid, Brake ............................. .503
Fluid Capacities ........................... .500
Fluid Leaks ...............................94
Fluid Level Checks
Automatic Transmission ................... .479
Brake ................................ .475
Power Steering ......................... .350
Fluids, Lubricants And Genuine Parts ........... .501
Fog Lights ........................ .128, 212, 496
Fold Flat Load Floor ....................... .183 Four-Way Hazard Flasher .................... .426
Four Wheel Drive ......................... .338
Freeing A Stuck Vehicle ..................... .439
Front Axle (Differential) ..................... .476
Fuel ................................... .397
Adding .............................. .400
Additives ............................. .399
Clean Air ............................. .397
Ethanol .............................. .397
Filler Cap (Gas Cap) ..................... .401
Filter ................................ .501
Gasoline .............................. .397
Light ................................ .210
Materials Added ........................ .399
Methanol ............................. .397
Octane Rating .......................... .397
Requirements .......................... .397
Tank Capacity .......................... .500
Fuses .................................. .486
Garage Door Opener (HomeLink) ........... .161, 166
Gas Cap (Fuel Filler Cap) ................ .401, 449
Gasoline, Clean Air ........................ .397
Gasoline (Fuel) ........................... .397
Gasoline, Reformulated ..................... .397522 INDEX
Multi-Function Control Lever ................. .132
Navigation System (Uconnect GPS) ............. .156
New Vehicle Break-In Period ...................90
Occupant Restraints .........................41
Octane Rating, Gasoline (Fuel) ................ .397
Oil, Engine ........................... .451, 501
Capacity .............................. .500
Change Interval ........................ .452
Dipstick .............................. .451
Disposal .............................. .453
Filter ............................. .453, 501
Filter Disposal .......................... .453
Identification Logo ...................... .452
Pressure Warning Light ................... .201
Recommendation ........................ .452
Synthetic ............................. .453
Viscosity .............................. .453
Oil Filter, Change ......................... .453
Oil Pressure Light ......................... .201
Onboard Diagnostic System .................. .448
Operating Precautions ...................... .448
Operator Manual (Owner’s Manual) ...............4
Outside Rearview Mirrors ................... .105 Overdrive ............................... .333
Overdrive OFF Switch ...................... .333
Overhead Console ......................... .159
Overheating, Engine ....................... .426
Owner’s Manual (Operator Manual) ...........4,516
Paint Care ............................... .480
Panic Alarm ...............................25
Parking Brake ............................ .350
ParkSense System, Rear .................. .142, 150
Passing Light ............................ .132
Passive Entry ..............................35
Pedals, Adjustable ......................... .137
Personalized Menu Bar ..................... .293
Personal Settings .......................... .226
Pets ..................................... 89
Placard, Tire And Loading Information ....... .371, 372
Power
Distribution Center (Fuses) ................. .487
Door Locks ..............................32
Mirrors ............................... .106
Outlet (Auxiliary Electrical Outlet) ........ .168, 173
Seats .................................110
Sliding Rear Window ..................... .183
Steering ........................... .349, 350526 INDEX
Aging (Life Of Tires) ..................... .383
Air Pressure ........................ .371, 376
Chains ............................... .385
Compact Spare ......................... .381
Dual .......................... .388, 427, 434
General Information .................. .376, 380
High Speed ............................ .378
Inflation Pressures ....................... .377
Life Of Tires ........................... .383
Load Capacity ...................... .371, 373
Pressure Monitor System (TPMS) ............ .390
Pressure Warning Light ................... .208
Quality Grading ........................ .389
Radial ............................... .378
Replacement ........................... .384
Rotation .............................. .387
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 ................ .408 Torque Converter Clutch .................... .335
Tow Hooks, Emergency ..................... .440
Towing ............................. .403, 442
Disabled Vehicle ........................ .442
Guide ................................ .408
Recreational ........................... .419
Weight ............................... .408
Towing Vehicle Behind A Motorhome ........... .419
Traction ................................ .347
T raction Control .......................... .358
Trailer Sway Control (TSC) ................... .362
Trailer Towing ............................ .403
Cooling System Tips ..................... .416
Hitches ............................... .408
Minimum Requirements ................... .409
Mirrors ............................... .109
Trailer And Tongue Weight ................. .408
Wiring ............................... .414
Trailer Towing Guide ....................... .408
Trailer Weight ............................ .408
Transfer Case ............................ .477
Electronically Shifted ..................... .342
Fluid ................................ .503
Transmission ............................. .478
Automatic ......................... .327, 478530 INDEX