2017 Ram ProMaster load capacity

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 itsloaded 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.
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 can be a mechanical 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.
If equipped, the electronic Trailer Sway Control (TSC)
recognizes a swaying trailer and automatically applies
individual wheel brakes and/or reduces engine power to
attempt to eliminate the trailer sway.
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 vehicle. These kinds of
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 231

WARNING!(Continued)
under the trailer tongue and allow enough slack for
turning corners.
• Vehicles with trailers should not be parked on a
grade. When parking, apply the parking brake on the
tow vehicle. Put the tow vehicle transmission in
PARK. For four-wheel drive vehicles, make sure the
transfer case is not in NEUTRAL. 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 the proper tire
replacement procedures. Replacing tires with a higher
load carrying capacity will not increase the vehicle’s
GVWR and GAWR limits.
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STARTING AND OPERATING 235

Towing Requirements — Trailer Brakes
•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
2,000 lbs (907 kg).
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 a collision.
• 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 a collision.
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.
Towing Requirements — Trailer Lights And Wiring
Whenever you pull a trailer, regardless of the trailer size,
stoplights and turn signals on the trailer are required for
motoring safety.
The Trailer Tow Package may include a four- and seven-pin
wiring harness. Use a factory approved trailer harness and
connector.
236 STARTING AND OPERATING

Telescoping Steering Column...................81
Tire And Loading Information Placard ........204, 205
Tire Markings ............................ .198
Tires.......................... .53, 207, 212, 331
Aging (Life Of Tires) ..................... .216
Air Pressure ........................... .207
Chains ............................... .217
Compact Spare ......................... .212
General Information ...................207, 212
High Speed ............................ .209
Inflation Pressures ....................... .209
Life Of Tires ........................... .216
Load Capacity ...................... .204, 205
Pressure Monitor System (TPMS) .............219
Pressure Warning Light ....................112
Quality Grading ........................ .331
Radial ............................... .210
Replacement ........................... .216
Rotation .............................. .218
Safety ............................ .198, 207
Sizes ................................ .200
Snow Tires .............................211
Spare Tire ......................... .212, 214
Spinning .............................. .214
Trailer Towing .......................... .235Tread Wear Indicators
.....................215
Tire Safety Information ...................... .198
Tire Service Kit ............244, 245, 247, 248, 250, 251
Tongue Weight/Trailer Weight .................233
Torque Converter Clutch .....................185
Towing ............................. .230, 272
Disabled Vehicle ........................ .272
Guide ................................ .233
Recreational ........................... .239
Weight ............................... .233
Towing Vehicle Behind A Motorhome ............239
T
raction ................................ .186
Traction Control .......................... .192
Traction Control Switch ..................... .192
Trailer Sway Control (TSC) ....................196
Trailer Towing ............................ .230
Cooling System Tips ..................... .239
Hitches ............................... .232
Minimum Requirements ....................234
Tips ................................. .238
Trailer And Tongue Weight ..................233
Wiring ............................... .236
Trailer Towing Guide ....................... .233
Trailer Weight ............................ .233
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