2019 Ram 2500 flat tow

8
PARKSENSE FRONT AND REAR PARK ASSIST ..... 387
ParkSense Sensors ....................................................... 388
ParkSense Warning Display ...................................... 388
ParkSense Display ....................................................... 389
Enabling And Disabling Front And/Or Rear
ParkSense ...................................................................... 394
Service The ParkSense Front/Rear Park Assist
System ........................................................................... 394
Cleaning The ParkSense System ............................... 395
ParkSense System Usage Precautions ...................... 395
 PARKVIEW REAR BACK UP CAMERA ................. 397
 SURROUND VIEW CAMERA SYSTEM —
IF EQUIPPED ................................................................... 401
 REFUELING THE VEHICLE — GAS ENGINE .......... 408
Loose Fuel Filler Cap Message ................................. 410
 VEHICLE LOADING .................................................... 410
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) .................... 410
Payload.......................................................................... 410
Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) ......................... 410
Tire Size......................................................................... 410
Rim Size ........................................................................ 410
Inflation Pressure......................................................... 410
Curb Weight ................................................................. 411
Loading ......................................................................... 411 
TRAILER TOWING ........................................................411
Common Towing Definitions ....................................412
Trailer Hitch Type and Maximum Trailer
Weight ...........................................................................417
Trailer Towing Weights (Maximum Trailer
Weight Ratings) .........................................................418
Trailer And Tongue Weight .....................................418
Towing Requirements ................................................418
Towing Tips .................................................................426
 SNOWPLOW .................................................................... 427
2500/3500 Models Only..............................................427
 RECREATIONAL TOWING (BEHIND MOTORHOME,
ETC.) ...................................................................................430
Towing This Vehicle Behind Another Vehicle ........430
Recreational Towing — Two-Wheel Drive
Models ...........................................................................431
Recreational Towing — Four-Wheel Drive
Models ...........................................................................432
 DRIVING TIPS ...................................................................436
Driving On Slippery Surfaces ...................................436
Driving Through Water .............................................437
Off-Road Driving Tips ..............................................438

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IN CASE OF EMERGENCY
HAZARD WARNING FLASHERS ............................. 440
 ASSIST AND SOS SYSTEM — IF EQUIPPED .............. 441
 BULB REPLACEMENT ................................................... 446
Replacement Bulbs ..................................................... 446
Replacing Exterior Bulbs ............................................ 447
 FUSES.................................................................................. 457
Power Distribution Center ......................................... 458
 JACKING AND TIRE CHANGING .......................... 469
Jack Location ................................................................ 470
Removal Of Jack And Tools ....................................... 470
Removing The Spare Tire ........................................... 473
Preparations For Jacking ............................................ 476
Jacking Instructions ..................................................... 477
To Stow The Flat Or Spare ...................................... 483
Reinstalling The Jack And Tools ............................... 485
Hub Caps/Wheel Covers — If Equipped .............. 487
 JUMP STARTING ............................................................ 488
Preparations For Jump Start ...................................... 489
Jump Starting Procedure ............................................ 490
 MANUAL PARK RELEASE — 8–SPEED
TRANSMISSION ............................................................... 492 
IF YOUR ENGINE OVERHEATS ..................................493
 FREEING A STUCK VEHICLE ......................................494
 TOWING A DISABLED VEHICLE ...............................495
Two-Wheel Drive Models .......................................... 497
Four-Wheel Drive Models .......................................... 497
Emergency Tow Hooks — If Equipped....................498
 ENHANCED ACCIDENT RESPONSE
SYSTEM (EARS) ...............................................................498
 EVENT DATA RECORDER (EDR)................................. 498
SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
SCHEDULED SERVICING ............................................499
Maintenance Plan ........................................................500
Heavy Duty Use Of The Vehicle ...............................503
 ENGINE COMPARTMENT .......................................... 504
6.4L Engine ..................................................................504
Checking Oil Level — Gas Engine ...........................505
Adding Washer Fluid ................................................505
Maintenance-Free Battery .......................................... 506

SAFETY 233
(Continued)
Change Of Status
If the driver or outboard front seat passenger (if equipped
with outboard front passenger seat BeltAlert) unbuckles
their seat belt while the vehicle is traveling, the BeltAlert
warning sequence will begin until the seat belts are buckled
again.
The outboard front passenger seat BeltAlert is not active
when the outboard front passenger seat is unoccupied.
BeltAlert may be triggered when an animal or other items are
placed on the outboard front passenger seat or when the seat
is folded flat (if equipped). It is recommended that pets be
restrained in the rear seat (if equipped) in pet harnesses or
pet carriers that are secured by seat belts, and cargo is prop-
erly stowed.
BeltAlert can be activated or deactivated by an authorized
dealer. FCA US LLC does not recommend deactivating
BeltAlert.
NOTE:
If BeltAlert has been deactivated and the driver or outboard
front seat passenger (if equipped with outboard front
passenger seat BeltAlert) is unbuckled the Seat Belt
Reminder Light will turn on and remain on until the driver
and outboard front seat passenger seat belts are buckled. Lap/Shoulder Belts
All seating positions except the Mega Cab and Crew Cab
front center seating position have combination lap/shoulder
belts.
The seat belt webbing retractor will lock only during very
sudden stops or collisions. This feature allows the shoulder
part of the seat belt to move freely with you under normal
conditions. However, in a collision the seat belt will lock and
reduce your risk of striking the inside of the vehicle or being
thrown out of the vehicle.
WARNING!
• Relying on the air bags alone could lead to more severe injuries in a collision. The air bags work with your seat
belt to restrain you properly. In some collisions, the air
bags won’t deploy at all. Always wear your seat belt
even though you have air bags.
• In a collision, you and your passengers can suffer much greater injuries if you are not properly buckled up. You
can strike the interior of your vehicle or other passen -
gers, or you can be thrown out of the vehicle. Always be
sure you and others in your vehicle are buckled up
properly.
4

SAFETY 289
Periodic Safety Checks You Should Make Outside
The Vehicle
Tires
Examine tires for excessive tread wear and uneven wear
patterns. Check for stones, nails, glass, or other objects
lodged in the tread or sidewall. Inspect the tread for cuts and
cracks. Inspect sidewalls for cuts, cracks, and bulges. Check
the wheel bolts for tightness. Check the tires (including
spare) for proper cold inflation pressure.
Lights
Have someone observe the operation of brake lights and
exterior lights while you work the controls. Check turn
signal and high beam indicator lights on the instrument
panel.
Door Latches
Check for proper closing, latching, and locking.
Fluid Leaks
Check area under the vehicle after overnight parking for
fuel, coolant, oil, or other fluid leaks. Also, if gasoline fumes
are detected or if fuel, or brake fluid leaks are suspected. The
cause should be located and corrected immediately.
• ALWAYS make sure objects cannot fall or slide into the
driver’s side floor area when the vehicle is moving.
Objects can become trapped under accelerator, brake,
or clutch pedals and could cause a loss of vehicle
control.
• NEVER place any objects under the floor mat (e.g., towels, keys, etc.). These objects could change the posi -
tion of the floor mat and may cause interference with
the accelerator, brake, or clutch pedals.
• If the vehicle carpet has been removed and re-installed, always properly attach carpet to the floor and check the
floor mat fasteners are secure to the vehicle carpet.
Fully depress each pedal to check for interference with
the accelerator, brake, or clutch pedals then re-install
the floor mats.
• It is recommended to only use mild soap and water to clean your floor mats. After cleaning, always check
your floor mat has been properly installed and is
secured to your vehicle using the floor mat fasteners by
lightly pulling mat.
WARNING! (Continued)
4

310 STARTING AND OPERATING
(Continued)
4WD LOW
Four-Wheel Drive Low Range — This range provides low
speed four-wheel drive. It maximizes torque (increased
torque over 4WD HIGH) to the front driveshaft; allowing
front and rear wheels to rotate at the same speed. This range
provides additional traction and maximum pulling power
for loose, slippery road surfaces only. Do not exceed 25 mph
(40 km/h) in this range.
NEUTRAL (N)
Neutral — This range disengages both the front and rear
driveshafts from the powertrain. To be used for flat towing
behind another vehicle. Refer to “Recreational Towing” in
this section for further information.This electronically shifted transfer case is designed to be
driven in the two–wheel drive position (2WD) for normal
street and highway conditions on dry hard surfaced roads).
Driving the vehicle in 2WD will have greater fuel economy
benefits as the front axle is not engaged in 2WD.
When additional traction is required, the transfer case 4WD
HIGH and 4WD LOW positions can be used to maximize
torque to the front driveshaft, forcing the front and rear
wheels to rotate at the same speed. This is accomplished by
pushing the desired position on the 4WD control switch.
Refer to “Shifting Procedure” in this section for specific
shifting instructions.
WARNING!
• You or others could be injured or killed if you leave the vehicle unattended with the transfer case in the
NEUTRAL (N) position without first fully engaging
the parking brake. The transfer case NEUTRAL (N)
position disengages both the front and rear drive shaft
from the powertrain, and will allow the vehicle to roll,
even if the transmission is in PARK. The parking brake
should always be applied when the driver is not in the
vehicle.
• The transmission may not engage PARK if the vehicleis moving. Always bring the vehicle to a complete stop
before shifting to PARK, and verify that the transmis -
sion gear position indicator solidly indicates PARK (P)
without blinking. Ensure that the vehicle is completely
stopped, and the PARK position is properly indicated,
before exiting the vehicle.
WARNING! (Continued)

314 STARTING AND OPERATING
Manually Shifted Transfer Case — If Equipped
The transfer case provides four mode positions:
• Two-Wheel Drive High Range (2H)
• Four-Wheel Drive Lock High Range (4H)
• Neutral (N)
• Four-Wheel Drive Low Range (4L)
For additional information on the appropriate use of each
transfer case mode position, see the information below:
2H
Two-Wheel Drive High Range — This range is for normal
street and highway driving on dry, hard surfaced roads.
4H
Four-Wheel Drive Lock High Range — This range locks the
front and rear driveshafts together forcing the front and rear
wheels to rotate at the same speed. Additional traction for
loose, slippery road surfaces only.
NEUTRAL (N)
Neutral — This range disengages both the front and rear
driveshafts from the powertrain. To be used for flat towingbehind another vehicle. Refer to “Recreational Towing” in
“Starting And Operating” for further information.
4L
Four-Wheel Drive Low Range — This range locks the front
and rear driveshafts together forcing the front and rear
wheels to rotate at the same speed. Additional traction and
maximum pulling power for loose, slippery road surfaces
only. Do not exceed 25 mph (40 km/h).
This transfer case is intended to be driven in the 2H position
for normal street and highway conditions such as dry, hard
surfaced roads.
When additional traction is required, the 4H and 4L posi -
tions can be used to lock the front and rear driveshafts
together and force the front and rear wheels to rotate at the
same speed. This is accomplished by simply moving the gear
selector to the desired positions once the appropriate speed
and gear requirements are met, refer to “Shifting Procedure
– Manually Shifted Transfer Case” in this section for further
information.
The 4H and 4L positions are intended for loose, slippery road
surfaces only. Driving in the 4H and 4L positions on dry,
hard surfaced roads may cause increased tire wear and
damage to the driveline components.

316 STARTING AND OPERATING
Neutral (N)
Neutral — This range disengages the front and rear drivesh-
afts from the powertrain. To be used for flat towing behind
another vehicle. Refer to “Recreational Towing” in “Starting
And Operating” for further information.
Four-Wheel Drive Low Range (4L)
Four-Wheel Drive Low Range — This range locks the front
and rear driveshafts together forcing the front and rear
wheels to rotate at the same speed. Additional traction and
maximum pulling power for loose, slippery road surfaces
only. Do not exceed 25 mph (40 km/h).
Shifting Procedure — Manually Shifted Transfer Case
2H To 4H
Shifting between 2H and 4H can be made with the vehicle
stopped or in motion. If the vehicle is in motion, shifts can be
made up to 55 mph (88 km/h). With the vehicle in motion,
the transfer case will engage/disengage faster if you
momentarily release the accelerator pedal after completing the shift. Apply a constant force when shifting the transfer
case lever.
2H Or 4H To 4L
NOTE:
When shifting into or out of 4L some gear noise may be
heard. This noise is normal and is not detrimental to the
vehicle or occupants.
With the vehicle rolling at 2 to 3 mph (3 to 5 km/h), shift the
transmission into NEUTRAL. While the vehicle is coasting at
2 to 3 mph (3 to 5 km/h), shift the transfer case lever firmly
to the desired position. Do not pause in transfer case
NEUTRAL.
NOTE:
• Pausing in transfer case NEUTRAL in vehicles equipped
with an automatic transmission may require shutting the
engine OFF to avoid gear clash while completing the shift.
If difficulty occurs, shift the transmission into NEUTRAL,
hold your foot on the brake, and turn the engine OFF.
Complete the range shift to the desired mode.
• Shifting into or out of 4L is possible with the vehicle completely stopped, however difficulty may occur due to
the mating clutch teeth not being properly aligned. Several
attempts may be required for clutch teeth alignment and
CAUTION!
Do not use 4L (Low) range when operating the vehicle on
dry pavement. Driveline hardware damage can result.

420 STARTING AND OPERATING
Towing Requirements — Tires
• Do not attempt to tow a trailer while using a compact sparetire.
• Do not drive more than 50 mph (80 km/h) when towing while using a full size spare tire.
• Proper tire inflation pressures are essential to the safe and satisfactory operation of your vehicle. Refer to “Tires” in
“Servicing And Maintenance” 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” in “Servicing And Main -
tenance” for the proper inspection procedure.
• When replacing tires, refer to “Tires” in “Servicing And Maintenance” for the proper tire replacement procedures.
Replacing tires with a higher load carrying capacity will
not increase the vehicle's GVWR and GAWR limits. 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 personal 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 hydraulic brake lines. It can overload your brake
system 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 distance. When towing, you should allow for addi -
tional space between your vehicle and the vehicle in
front of you. Failure to do so could result in an accident.