2019 Ram 3500 Anc

STARTING AND OPERATING 323
This system is controlled by the electronic control sway bar
switch located below the instrument panel.Sway Bar Disconnect Button
Push the SWAY BAR switch to activate the system. Push the
switch again to deactivate the system. The “Sway Bar Indi -
cator Light” (located in the instrument cluster) will illumi -
nate when the bar is disconnected. The “Sway Bar Indicator
Light” will flash during activation transition, or when activa -
tion conditions are not met. The stabilizer/sway bar should
remain in on-road mode during normal driving conditions. To disconnect the stabilizer/sway bar, shift to either 4HI or
4LO and push the SWAY BAR button to obtain the Off-Road
position. Refer to “Four Wheel Drive Operation” in “Starting
And Operating” for further information. The “Sway Bar
Indicator Light” will flash until the stabilizer/sway bar has
been fully disconnected.
NOTE:
The stabilizer/sway bar may be torque locked due to left and
right suspension height differences. This condition is due to
driving surface differences or vehicle loading. In order for
the Stabilizer/Sway Bar to disconnect/reconnect, the rightWARNING!
Do not disconnect the stabilizer bar and drive on hard
surfaced roads or at speeds above 18 mph (29 km/h), you
may lose control of the vehicle, which could result in
serious injury or death. The front stabilizer bar enhances
vehicle stability and assists in maintaining control of the
vehicle. The system monitors vehicle speed and will
attempt to reconnect the stabilizer bar at speeds over
18 mph (29 km/h). This is indicated by a flashing off road
light and solid on road light. Once vehicle speed is
reduced below 14 mph (22 km/h), the system will
attempt to return to the Off-Road mode.
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324 STARTING AND OPERATING
and left halves of the bar must be aligned. This alignment
may require that the vehicle be driven onto level ground or
rocked from side to side.
To return to the On-Road mode; push the SWAY BAR button
again.
SAFE OFF-ROAD DRIVING — POWER WAGON ONLY
Off-Road Driving Tips And Vehicle Characteristics
Your vehicle has excellent on and off-road capabilities. These
off-road capabilities will allow you to explore those wilder-
ness trails where few travel, providing a source of exciting
and satisfying recreation. Before you venture out, you
should contact your local governmental agency to determine
the designated off-road vehicle (ORV) trails or recreation areas. You should always tread lightly and only use estab
-
lished roads, trails or ORV recreational areas.
The National Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management,
or local Department of Natural Resources are a wealth of
information and usually have maps with marked trails.
Skid Plates And Underbody Protection
Steel skid plates protect the major driveline components of
the truck including the fuel tank, transfer case and steering
damper. In addition, this vehicle is equipped with boxed
cross members and fore/aft rails. This additional protection
allows the vehicle to be utilized in severe off-road situations
that would be considered impassable by a normal truck.
Ramp Travel Index (RTI)
The ramp travel index is the distance, in inches, that you can
drive your vehicle with one wheel on a 20-degree ramp
without lifting any other wheel off the ground. This distance
up the ramp divided by the wheelbase of the vehicle and
multiplied by 1,000 is the RTI. This vehicle has an RTI of 510,
which means you can articulate one front wheel 26 inches (66
cm) in the air while the other three wheels remain in contact
with the ground.
WARNING!
If the stabilizer/sway bar will not return to On-Road
mode, vehicle stability is reduced. Do not attempt to
drive the vehicle over 18 mph (29 km/h). Driving faster
than 18 mph (29 km/h) may cause loss of control of the
vehicle, which could result in serious injury or death.
Contact your local service center for assistance.

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Water Fording Characteristics
Water fording characteristic is the vehicle's ability to cross a
body of still water, where the powertrain and drivetrain are
safe from water ingestion. This vehicle has high water
fording characteristics with the ability to cross a pool of
water, without stopping, 24 inches (60 cm) deep at a
maximum speed of 10 mph (16 km/h) and a pool of water
30 inches (76 cm) deep at a maximum speed of 5 mph (8 km/
h), both with an entrance ramp angle of 1.3 degrees.
Simultaneous Brake And Throttle Operation
Many off-road driving conditions require the simultaneous
use of the brake and throttle (two footed driving). When
climbing rocks, logs, or other stepped objects, using light
brake pressure with light throttle will keep the vehicle from
jerking or lurching. This technique is also used when you
need to stop and restart a vehicle on a steep incline.The Basics Of Off-Road Driving
You will encounter many types of terrain driving off-road.
You should be familiar with the terrain and area before
proceeding. There are many types of surface conditions:
hard packed dirt, gravel, rocks, grass, sand, mud, snow and
ice. Every surface has a different effect on your vehicle's
steering, handling and traction. Controlling your vehicle is
one of the keys to successful off-road driving, so always keep
a firm grip on the steering wheel and maintain a good
driving posture. Avoid sudden accelerations, turns or
braking. In most cases there are no road signs, posted speed
limits or signal lights. Therefore you will need to use your
own good judgment on what is safe and what isn't. When on
a trail you should always be looking ahead for surface obsta
-
cles and changes in terrain. The key is to plan your future
driving route while remembering what you are currently
driving over.
CAUTION!
The door sill height is 25 inches (63.5 cm). Water may
intrude into the interior of the vehicle at greater depths.
WARNING!
Always wear your seat belt and firmly tie down cargo.
Unsecured cargo can become projectiles in an off-road
situation.
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326 STARTING AND OPERATING
When To Use Low Range
When driving off-road, shift into 4LO (Low Range) for addi-
tional traction or to improve handling and control on slip -
pery or difficult terrain. Due to the lower gearing, low range
will allow the engine to operate in a higher power range.
This will allow you to idle over obstacles and down hills,
with improved control and less effort. Also, use 4LO (Low
Range) in rain, ice, snow, mud, sand, to get heavy loads
rolling, improve traction, or whenever 4HI (High Range)
traction will not do the job.
Driving In Snow, Mud And Sand
There is a drastic reduction in traction when driving in snow,
mud or sand. The vehicle will be less responsive to steering,
acceleration and braking inputs. Therefore you should accel -
erate slowly, leave greater stopping distances and avoid
abrupt vehicle maneuvers. You want to keep a slow constant
steady pace. The key is to maintain the vehicle's momentum. •
Snow – In heavy snow or for additional control and trac -
tion at slower speeds, shift the transmission to a low gear
and shift the transfer case to 4LO (Low Range) if necessary.
Do not shift to a lower gear than necessary to maintain
headway. Over-revving the engine can spin the wheels
and traction will be lost. If you start to slow to a stop, try
turning your steering wheel no more than a ¼ turn quickly
back and forth, while still applying throttle. This will allow
the tires to get a fresh "bite" and help maintain your
momentum.
• Mud – Deep mud creates a great deal of suction around
the tires and is very difficult to get through. You should
use 4LO (Low Range) with a gear low enough to maintain
your momentum without shifting. If you start to slow to a
stop, try turning your steering wheel no more than a ¼
turn quickly back and forth for additional traction. Mud
holes pose an increased threat of vehicle damage and
getting stuck. They are normally full of debris from
previous vehicles getting stuck. As a good practice before
CAUTION!
Never park your vehicle over dry grass or other
combustible materials. The heat from your vehicle
exhaust system could cause a fire.
CAUTION!
On icy or slippery roads, do not downshift at high
engine RPMs or vehicle speeds because engine braking
may cause skidding and loss of control.

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entering any mud hole, get out and determine how deep it
is, if there are any hidden obstacles and if the vehicle can
be safely recovered if stuck.
• Sand – Soft sand is very difficult to travel through with full
tire pressure. When crossing soft sandy spots in a trail
maintain your vehicle's momentum and do not stop. The
key to driving in soft sand using the appropriate tire pres -
sure, accelerating slowly, avoiding abrupt maneuvers and
maintaining the vehicle's momentum. If you are going to
be driving on large soft sandy areas or dunes, reduce your
tire pressure to a minimum of 15 psi (103 kPa) to allow for
a greater tire surface area. Reduced tire pressure will dras -
tically improve your traction and handling, while driving
on the soft sand, but you must return the tires to normal air
pressure before driving on pavement or other hard
surfaces. Be sure you have a way to air the tires back up
prior to reducing the pressure.Crossing Obstacles (Rocks And Other High Points)

While driving off road, you will encounter many types of
terrain. These varying types of terrain bring different types of
obstacles. Before proceeding review the path ahead to deter -
mine the correct approach and your ability to safely recover the
vehicle if something goes wrong. Keeping a firm grip on the
steering wheel, bring the vehicle to a complete stop and then
inch the vehicle forward until it makes contact with the object.
Apply the throttle lightly while holding a light brake pressure
and ease the vehicle up and over the object.

Using A Spotter
There are many times where it is hard to see the obstacle or
determine the correct path. Determining the correct path can
be extremely difficult when you are confronting many obsta -
cles. In these cases have someone guide you over, through, or
around the obstacle. Have the person stand a safe distance in
front of you where they can see the obstacle, watch your tires
and undercarriage, and guide you through.
CAUTION!
Reduced tire pressures may cause tire unseating and
total loss of air pressure. To reduce the risk of tire
unseating, while at a reduced tire pressure, reduce your
speed and avoid sharp turns or abrupt maneuvers.
WARNING!
Crossing obstacles can cause abrupt steering system
loading which could cause you to loose control of your
vehicle.
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328 STARTING AND OPERATING
Crossing Large Rocks
When approaching large rocks, choose a path which ensures
you drive over the largest with your tires. This will lift your
undercarriage over the obstacle. The tread of the tire is
tougher and thicker than the side wall and is designed to
take the abuse. Always look ahead and make every effort to
cross the large rocks with your tires.
Crossing A Ravine, Gully, Ditch, Washout Or Rut
When crossing a ravine, gully, ditch, washout or a large rut,
the angled approach is the key to maintaining your vehicle's
mobility. Approach these obstacles at a 45-degree angle and
let each tire go through the obstacle independently. You
need to use caution when crossing large obstacles with steep
sides. Do not attempt to cross any large obstacle with steep
sides at an angle great enough to put the vehicle at risk of a
rollover. If you get caught in a rut, dig a small trench to the
right or left at a 45-degree angle ahead of the front tires. Usethe removed dirt to fill the rut ahead of the turnout you just
created. You should now be able to drive out following the
trench you just created at a 45-degree angle.
Crossing Logs
To cross a log, approach it at a slight angle (approximately 10
to 15 degrees). This allows one front tire to be on top of the
log while the other just starts to climb the log. While climbing
the log, modulate your brake and accelerator to avoid spin
-
ning the log out from under your tires. Then ease the vehicle
off the log using your brakes.
CAUTION!
• Never attempt to straddle a rock that is large enough to strike your axles or undercarriage.
• Never attempt to drive over a rock which is large enough to contact the door sills.
WARNING!
There is an increased risk of rollover when crossing an
obstacle, at any angle, with steep sides.
CAUTION!
Do not attempt to cross a log with a greater diameter than
the running ground clearance or the vehicle will become
high centered.

STARTING AND OPERATING 329
Getting High Centered
If you get hung up or high centered on an object, get out of
the vehicle and try to determine what the vehicle is hung up
on, where it is contacting the underbody and what is the best
direction to recover the vehicle. Depending on what you are
in contact with, jack the vehicle up and place a few rocks
under the tires so the weight is off of the high point when
you let the vehicle down. You can also try rocking the vehicle
or winching the vehicle off the object.
Hill Climbing
Hill climbing requires good judgment and a good under-
standing of your abilities and your vehicle's limitations. Hills
can cause serious problems. Some are just too steep to climb
and should not be attempted. You should always feel confi -
dent with the vehicle and your abilities. You should always
climb hills straight up and down. Never attempt to climb a
hill on an angle. •
Before Climbing A Steep Hill – As you approach a hill
consider its grade or steepness. Determine if it is too steep.
Look to see what the traction is on the hill side trail. Is the
trail straight up and down? What is on top and the other
side? Are there ruts, rocks, branches or other obstacles on
the path? Can you safely recover the vehicle if something
goes wrong? If everything looks good and you feel confi -
dent, then change transmission into a lower gear, shift the
transfer case into 4LO (Low) and proceed with caution.
You should use first gear and 4LO (Low Range) for very
steep hills.
• Driving Up Hill – Once you have determined your ability
to proceed and have shifted into the appropriate gear, line
your vehicle up for the straightest possible run. Accelerate
with an easy constant throttle and apply more power as
you start up the hill. Do not race forward into a steep
grade, the abrupt change of grade could cause you to lose
control. If the front end begins to bounce, ease off the
throttle slightly to bring all four tires back on the ground.
As you approach the crest of the hill ease off the throttle
and slowly proceed over the top. If the wheels start to slip
as you approach the crest of a hill, ease off the accelerator
and maintain headway by turning the steering wheel no
more than a ¼ turn quickly back and forth. This will
provide a fresh "bite" into the surface and will usually
CAUTION!
Winching or rocking the vehicle off hard objects
increases the risk of underbody damage.
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330 STARTING AND OPERATING
provide enough traction to complete the climb. If you do
not make it to the top, place the vehicle in REVERSE and
back straight down the grade using engine resistance
along with the vehicle brakes.
• Driving Down Hill – Before driving down a steep hill you
need to determine if it is too steep for a safe descent. What
is the surface traction? Is the grade too steep to maintain a
slow controlled descent? Are there obstacles? Is it a
straight descent? Is there plenty of distance at the base of
the hill to regain control if the vehicle descends too fast? If
you feel confident in your ability to proceed then make
sure you are in 4LO (Low Range) with the transmission in
first gear (manually select first gear on automatic transmis -
sions) and proceed with caution. Allow engine braking to
control the descent and apply your brakes if necessary, but
do not allow the tires to lock. •
Driving Across An Incline – If at all possible avoid
driving across an incline. If it is necessary, know your
vehicle's abilities. Driving across an incline places more
weight on the down hill wheels, which increases the possi -
bilities of a down hill slide or rollover. Make sure the
surface has good traction with firm and stable soils. If
possible transverse the incline at an angle heading slightly
up or down.
• If You Stall Or Begin To Lose Headway – If you stall or
begin to lose headway while climbing a steep hill, allow
your vehicle to come to a stop and immediately apply the
brake. Restart the engine and shift into REVERSE. Back
slowly down the hill allowing the compression braking of
the engine and transmission to help regulate your speed. If
WARNING!
Never attempt to climb a hill at an angle or turn around
on a steep grade. Driving across an incline increases the
risk of a roll over, which may result in severe injury or
death.
WARNING!
Do not descend a steep grade in NEUTRAL. Use vehicle
brakes in conjunction with engine braking. Descending
a grade too fast could cause you to lose control and be
seriously injured or killed.
WARNING!
Driving across an incline increases the risk of a rollover,
which may result in severe injury.