2019 Ram 3500 Chassis Cab weight

230 SAFETY
Frequently Asked Questions About Installing Child Restraints With Seat Belts
What is the weight limit (child’s weight
+ weight of the child restraint) for using
the Tether Anchor with the seat belt to
attach a forward facing child restraint? Weight limit of the Child Restraint Always use the tether anchor when
using the seat belt to install a forward
facing child restraint, up to the
recommended weight limit of the child
restraint.
Can the rear-facing child restraint
touch the back of the front passenger
seat? Yes Contact between the front passenger
seat and the child restraint is allowed, if
the child restraint manufacturer also
allows contact.
Can the rear head restraints be
removed? Yes The head restraints can be removed in
every rear seating position if they
interfere with the installation of the
child restraint.
Refer to “Head Restraints” in “Getting
To Know Your Vehicle” for further
information.
Can the buckle stalk be twisted to
tighten the seat belt against the belt
path of the child restraint? Yes – Cinching Latch Plate
No – ALR In positions with cinching latch plates
(CINCH), the buckle stalk may be
twisted up to 3 full turns. Do not twist
the buckle stalk in a seating position
with an ALR retractor.

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NOTE:
Tighten the gas cap ¼ turn until you hear one click. This is an
indication that the cap is properly tightened.
If the gas cap is not tightened properly, the Malfunction Indi-
cator Light will come on. Be sure the gas cap is tightened
every time the vehicle is refueled.
Loose Fuel Filler Cap Message
If the vehicle diagnostic system determines that the
fuel filler cap is loose, improperly installed, or
damaged, a loose gascap indicator will display in the
instrument cluster telltale display area. Refer to “Instrument
Cluster Display” in “Getting To Know Your Instrument
Panel” for further information. Tighten the fuel filler cap
properly and push the RIGHT button to turn off the message.
If the problem continues, the message will appear the next
time the vehicle is started.
VEHICLE LOADING
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.
• Never add fuel to the vehicle when the engine is
running. This is in violation of most state and federal
fire regulations and may cause the MIL to turn on.
WARNING!
A fire may result if gasoline is pumped into a portable
container that is inside of a vehicle. You could be
burned. Always place gas containers on the ground
while filling.
WARNING! (Continued)
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338 STARTING AND OPERATING
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 increased durability
does not necessarily increase the vehicle'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.
Loading
The actual total weight and the weight of the front and rear
of your vehicle at the ground can best be determined by
weighing it when it is loaded and ready for operation.
The entire vehicle should first be weighed on a commercial
scale to insure that the GVWR has not been exceeded. The
weight on the front and rear of the vehicle should then be
determined separately to be sure that the load is properly
distributed over the front and rear axle. Weighing the vehicle
may show that the GAWR of either the front or rear axles has
been exceeded but the total load is within the specified
GVWR. If so, weight must be shifted from front to rear or

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rear to front as appropriate until the specified weight limita-
tions are met. Store the heavier items down low and be sure
that the weight is distributed equally. Stow all loose items
securely before driving.
Improper weight distributions can have an adverse effect on
the way your vehicle steers and handles and the way the
brakes operate.
TRAILER TOWING
In this section you will find safety tips and information on
limits to the type of towing you can reasonably do with your
vehicle. Before towing a trailer, carefully review this infor -
mation to tow your load as efficiently and safely as possible.
To maintain the New Vehicle Limited Warranty coverage,
follow the requirements and recommendations in this
manual concerning vehicles used for trailer towing.
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 information.
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.
CAUTION!
Do not load your vehicle any heavier than the GVWR or
the maximum front and rear GAWR. If you do, parts on
your vehicle can break, or it can change the way your
vehicle handles. This could cause you to lose control.
Also overloading can shorten the life of your vehicle.
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340 STARTING AND OPERATING
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 Certification Label” in
“Starting And Operating” for further information.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.
Trailer 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 asso
-
ciated with the telescoping motion to dampen any unwanted
trailer swaying motions while traveling.
If equipped, the electronic Trailer Sway Control (TSC) recog -
nizes a swaying trailer and automatically applies individual
wheel brakes and/or reduces engine power to attempt to
eliminate the trailer sway.
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.
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. You could lose control of the
vehicle and have a collision.

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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 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 control and
a weight distributing (load equalizing) hitch are recom -
mended for heavier Tongue Weights (TW) and may be
required depending on vehicle and trailer configuration/
loading to comply with GAWR requirements. Without Weight-Distributing Hitch (Incorrect)WARNING!
• An improperly adjusted weight distributing hitch system may reduce handling, stability and braking
performance and could result in a collision.
• Weight distributing systems may not be compatible with surge brake couplers. Consult with your hitch and
trailer manufacturer or a reputable Recreational
Vehicle dealer for additional information.
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342 STARTING AND OPERATING
With Weight-Distributing Hitch (Correct)Improper Adjustment Of Weight-Distributing Hitch
(Incorrect)
Recommended Distribution Hitch Adjustment
1. Position the truck to be ready to connect to the trailer (do not connect the trailer).
2. Measure the height of the top of the front wheel opening on the fender to ground, this is height H1.

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Measuring Height (H)
3. Attach the trailer to the vehicle without the weight distri -
bution bars connected.
4. Measure the height of the top of the front wheel opening on the fender to ground, this is height H2.
5. Install and adjust the tension in the weight distributing bars per the manufacturers’ recommendations so that the
height of the front fender is approximately (H2-H1)/
2+H1 (about 1/2 the difference between H2 and H1 above
normal ride height [H1]). 6. Preform a visual inspection of the trailer and weight
distributing hitch to confirm manufacturers’ recommen -
dations have been met.
NOTE:
For all towing conditions, we recommend towing with tow
haul mode engaged.
Fifth-Wheel Hitch
The fifth-wheel hitch is a special high platform with a
coupling that mounts over the rear axle of the tow vehicle in
the truck bed. It connects a vehicle and fifth-wheel trailer
with a coupling king pin.
Your truck may be equipped with a 5th wheel hitch option.
Refer to the separately provided 5th wheel hitch safety, care,
assembly, and operating instructions.
Measurement Example Example 2500/3500 Height
(mm)
H1 1030
H2 1058
H2-H1 28
(H2-H1)/2 14
(H2-H1)/2 + H1 1044
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