2017 RAM 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 “Starting And Operating”,
or the Tire Information Supplement, located in your Own-
er ’s Information kit.
NOTE: Under a maximum loaded vehicle condition, gross
axle weight ratings (GAWRs) for the front and rear axles
must not be exceeded. Refer to “Vehicle Loading” in
“Starting And Operating”, or the Tire Information Supple-
ment located in your Owner ’s Information kit, for further
information on GAWRs, vehicle loading, and trailer tow-
ing.
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. 5STARTING 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

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

Child Seat Installation .................. .80, 81
How To Stow An Unused ALR Seat Belt .........78
Infants And Child Restraints .................68
Locating The LATCH Anchorages ..............76
Lower Anchors And Tethers For Children ........73
Older Children And Child Restraints ...........70
Seating Positions ..........................72
Cigar Lighter ............................ .173
Clean Air Gasoline ........................ .397
Cleaning
Wheels ............................... .482
Climate Control ........................... .277
Cold Weather Operation ..................... .323
Compact Disc (CD) Maintenance ............... .275
Compact Spare Tire ........................ .381
Console, Overhead ........................ .159
Contract, Service .......................... .514
Coolant Pressure Cap (Radiator Cap) ............ .473
Cooling System ........................... .471
Adding Coolant (Antifreeze) ................ .472
Coolant Capacity ........................ .500
Coolant Level ....................... .471, 474
Disposal Of Used Coolant ................. .474
Drain, Flush, And Refill ................... .472
Inspection ............................. .474 Points To Remember ..................... .474
Pressure Cap ........................... .473
Radiator Cap .......................... .473
Selection Of Coolant (Antifreeze) ......... .472, 501
Corrosion Protection ....................... .480
Cruise Light ....................... .216, 217, 218
Cupholders .............................. .174
Customer Assistance ....................... .512
Customer Programmable Features .............. .255
Daytime Running Lights .................... .126
Dealer Service ............................ .450
Defroster, Rear Window ..................... .182
Defr oster , Windshield ........................93
Delay (Intermittent) Wipers .................. .134
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 ............................... .203
Door Ajar Light ........................... .203520 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