2019 Ram 3500 Owner's Manual

STARTING AND OPERATING 407
Forward Facing Camera With Tire Lines — If Equipped
The Forward Facing Camera displays a front view image of
the road ahead, along with tire lines to guide the driver when
driving on narrow roads.
Activation
The Forward Facing Camera can be activated by pressing the
Forward Camera soft button on the touchscreen.
Once activated, the camera image will remain on as long as
the vehicle speed is below 8 mph (13 km/h).
Deactivation
The Forward Facing Camera is deactivated in the following
conditions:
• The vehicle speed exceeds 8 mph (13 km/h) for 10seconds.
• The “X” button on the display is pressed.
• Vehicle is shifted into PARK.
• Ignition is cycled to OFF.
NOTE:
The Forward Facing Camera cannot be deactivated when the
vehicle is in 4LO. Trailer Reverse Guidance — If Equipped
The Trailer Reverse Guidance feature assists the driver in
backing up a trailer by providing adjustable camera views of
the trailer and surrounding area. The cameras are mounted
on the side mirrors and the images will be displayed
side-by-side on the touchscreen. Left and right camera
images are swapped and mirrored on the touchscreen to
show the equivalent area behind the vehicle as though the
driver is using the side mirrors.
Activation
The Trailer Reverse Guidance feature can be activated by
pressing the Trailer Reverse Guidance button on the touch
-
screen.
Deactivation
Once activated, the image will continue to be displayed in
any gear until the vehicle speed exceeds 8 mph (13 km/h).
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408 STARTING AND OPERATING
REFUELING THE VEHICLE — GAS ENGINE
The fuel filler cap (gas cap) is located behind the fuel filler
door, on the left side of the vehicle. Open the fuel door and
remove the fuel cap by turning it counter-clockwise.Fuel Filler Cap
NOTE:
When removing the fuel filler cap, lay the cap tether in the
hook, located on the fuel filler door.
WARNING!
Drivers must be careful when backing up even when
using the Surround View Camera. Always check
carefully behind your vehicle, and be sure to check for
pedestrians, animals, other vehicles, obstructions, or
blind spots before backing up. You are responsible for
the safety of your surroundings and must continue to
pay attention while backing up. Failure to do so can
result in serious injury or death.
CAUTION!
• To avoid vehicle damage, Surround View should only be used as a parking aid. The Surround View camera is
unable to view every obstacle or object in your drive
path.
• To avoid vehicle damage, the vehicle must be driven slowly when using Surround View to be able to stop in
time when an obstacle is seen. It is recommended that
the driver look frequently over his/her shoulder when
using Surround View.

STARTING AND OPERATING 409
NOTE:
• When the fuel nozzle “clicks” or shuts off, the fuel tank isfull.
• Tighten the gas cap until you hear a “clicking” sound. This is an indication that the gas cap is tightened properly. The
MIL in the instrument cluster may turn on if the gas cap is
not secured properly. Make sure that the gas cap is tight -
ened each time the vehicle is refueled.WARNING!
• Never have any smoking materials lit in or near the vehicle when the gas cap is removed or the tank is
being filled.
• Never add fuel to the vehicle when the engine is running.
• 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.
CAUTION!
• Damage to the fuel system or emissions control system could result from using an improper fuel tank filler
tube cap.
• A poorly fitting fuel filler cap could let impurities into the fuel system.
• A poorly fitting fuel filler cap may cause the “Malfunc -
tion Indicator Light (MIL)” to turn on.
• To avoid fuel spillage and overfilling, do not “top off” the fuel tank after filling. When the fuel nozzle “clicks”
or shuts off, the fuel tank is full.
WARNING!
• Always place container on the ground before filling.
• Keep the pump nozzle in contact with the container when you are filling it.
• Use only approved containers for flammable liquid.
• Do not leave container unattended while filling.
• A static electric charge could cause a spark and fire hazard.
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410 STARTING AND OPERATING
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.
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.

STARTING AND OPERATING 411
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
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. 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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412 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 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. 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.
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.

STARTING AND OPERATING 413
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. 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.
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414 STARTING AND OPERATING
Without Weight-Distributing Hitch (Incorrect)With Weight-Distributing Hitch (Correct)
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.