2019 Ram 3500 steering

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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STARTING AND OPERATING 419
(Continued)
Perform the maintenance listed in the “Scheduled
Servicing”. Refer to “Scheduled Servicing” in “Servicing
And Maintenance” for the proper maintenance intervals.
When towing a trailer, never exceed the GAWR or GCWR
ratings.• Then, during the first 500 miles (805 km) that a trailer is
towed, do not drive over 50 mph (80 km/h) and do not
make starts at full throttle. This helps the engine and
other parts of the vehicle wear in at the heavier loads.
WARNING!
• Make certain that the load is secured in the trailer and will not shift during travel. When trailering cargo that
is not fully secured, dynamic load shifts can occur that
may be difficult for the driver to control. You could lose
control of your vehicle and have a collision.
• When hauling cargo or towing a trailer, do not overload your vehicle or trailer. Overloading can cause a loss of
control, poor performance or damage to brakes, axle,
engine, transmission, steering, suspension, chassis
structure or tires. CAUTION!
(Continued)
• Safety chains must always be used between your
vehicle and trailer. Always connect the chains to the
hook retainers of the vehicle hitch. Cross the chains
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.
WARNING! (Continued)
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STARTING AND OPERATING 423
4. Push the UP or DOWN button on the steering wheel until“TRAILER TOW” appears on the screen.
5. Push the RIGHT arrow on the steering wheel to enter “TRAILER TOW”.
6. Push the UP or DOWN buttons until the Trailer Brake Type appears on the screen.
7. Push the RIGHT arrow and then push the UP or DOWN buttons until the proper Trailer Brake Type appears on
the screen. 8. In a traffic-free environment, tow the trailer on a dry,
level surface at a speed of 20–25 mph (30–40 km/h) and
squeeze the manual brake control lever completely.
9. If the trailer wheels lockup (indicated by squealing tires), reduce the GAIN setting; if the trailer wheels turn freely,
increase the GAIN setting.
Repeat steps 8 and 9 until the GAIN setting is at a point just
below trailer wheel lockup. If towing a heavier trailer, trailer
wheel lockup may not be attainable even with the maximum
GAIN setting of 10.
* The suggested selection depends and may change
depending on the customer preferences for braking perfor -
mance. Condition of the trailer brakes, driving and road state
may also affect the selection. Light Electric Heavy Electric
Light EOHHeavy EOH
Type of Trailer Brakes Electric Trailer Brakes Electric Trailer Brakes Electric over Hydraulic
Trailer BrakesElectric over Hydraulic
Trailer Brakes
Load *Under 10,000 lbs *Above 10,000 lbs *Under 10,000 lbs *Above 10,000 lbs
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STARTING AND OPERATING 439
After Driving Off-Road
Off-road operation puts more stress on your vehicle than
does most on-road driving. After going off-road, it is always
a good idea to check for damage. That way you can get any
problems taken care of right away and have your vehicle
ready when you need it.
• Completely inspect the underbody of your vehicle. Checktires, body structure, steering, suspension, and exhaust
system for damage.
• Inspect the radiator for mud and debris and clean as required.
• Check threaded fasteners for looseness, particularly on the chassis, drivetrain components, steering, and suspension.
Retighten them, if required, and torque to the values spec -
ified in the Service Manual.
• Check for accumulations of plants or brush. These things could be a fire hazard. They might hide damage to fuel
lines, brake hoses, axle pinion seals, and propeller shafts. • After extended operation in mud, sand, water, or similar
dirty conditions, have the radiator, fan, brake rotors,
wheels, brake linings, and axle yokes inspected and
cleaned as soon as possible.
• If you experience unusual vibration after driving in mud, slush or similar conditions, check the wheels for impacted
material. Impacted material can cause a wheel imbalance
and freeing the wheels of it will correct the situation.
WARNING!
Abrasive material in any part of the brakes may cause
excessive wear or unpredictable braking. You might not
have full braking power when you need it to prevent a
collision. If you have been operating your vehicle in
dirty conditions, get your brakes checked and cleaned as
necessary.
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IN CASE OF EMERGENCY 441
ASSIST AND SOS SYSTEM — IF EQUIPPED
Assist And SOS Buttons
If equipped, the overhead console contains an ASSIST and a
SOS button. NOTE:
• Your vehicle may be transmitting data as authorized by
the subscriber.
• The SOS and ASSIST buttons will only function if you are connected to an operable LTE (voice/data) or 4G (data)
network. Other Uconnect services will only be operable if
your SiriusXM Guardian™ service is active and you are
connected to an operable LTE (voice/data) or 4G (data)
network.
1 — ASSIST Button
2 — SOS Button
WARNING!
ALWAYS obey traffic laws and pay attention to the road.
ALWAYS drive safely with your hands on the steering
wheel. You have full responsibility and assume all risks
related to the use of the features and applications in this
vehicle. Only use the features and applications when it is
safe to do so. Failure to do so may result in an accident
involving serious injury or death.
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442 IN CASE OF EMERGENCY
ASSIST Call
The ASSIST Button is used to automatically connect you to
any one of the following support centers:
• Roadside Assistance – If you get a flat tire, or need a tow,just push the ASSIST button and you’ll be connected to
someone who can help. Roadside Assistance will know
what vehicle you’re driving and its location. Additional
fees may apply for roadside assistance.
• SiriusXM Guardian™ Customer Care – In-vehicle support for SiriusXM Guardian™.
• Vehicle Customer Care – Total support for all other vehicle issues.
SOS Call
1. Push the SOS Call button on the overhead console.
NOTE:
In case the SOS Call button is pushed in error, there will be a
ten second delay before the SOS Call system initiates a call to
a SOS operator. To cancel the SOS Call connection, push the
SOS call button on the overhead console or press the cancel -
lation button on the Device Screen. Termination of the SOS
Call will turn off the green LED light on the overhead
console. 2. The LED light located between the ASSIST and SOS
buttons on the overhead console will turn green once a
connection to a SOS operator has been made.
3. Once a connection between the vehicle and a SOS oper -
ator is made, the SOS Call system may transmit the
following important vehicle information to a SOS oper -
ator:
•Indication that the occupant placed a SOS Call.
•The vehicle brand.
•The last known GPS coordinates of the vehicle.
4. You should be able to speak with the SOS operator through the vehicle audio system to determine if addi -
tional help is needed.
WARNING!
ALWAYS obey traffic laws and pay attention to the road.
ALWAYS drive safely with your hands on the steering
wheel. You have full responsibility and assume all risks
related to the use of the features and applications in this
vehicle. Only use the features and applications when it is
safe to do so. Failure to do so may result in an accident
involving serious injury or death.

IN CASE OF EMERGENCY 445
• Equipment malfunction at the SOS operator facility.
• Operator error by the SOS operator.
• LTE (voice/data) or 4G (data) network congestion.
• Weather.
• Buildings, structures, geographic terrain, or tunnels.
NOTE:
• Your vehicle may be transmitting data as authorized bythe subscriber. • Never place anything on or near the vehicle’s LTE (voice/
data) or 4G (data) and GPS antennas. You could prevent
LTE (voice/data) or 4G (data) and GPS signal reception,
which can prevent your vehicle from placing an emer -
gency call. An operable LTE (voice/data) or 4G (data)
network connection and a GPS signal is required for the
SOS Call system to function properly.
General Information
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Opera -
tion is subject to the following two conditions: (1) This device
may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must
accept any interference received, including interference that
may cause undesired operation.
NOTE:
Changes or modifications not expressly approved by the
party responsible for compliance could void the user's
authority to operate the equipment.
WARNING!
ALWAYS obey traffic laws and pay attention to the road.
ALWAYS drive safely with your hands on the steering
wheel. You have full responsibility and assume all risks
related to the use of the features and applications in this
vehicle. Only use the features and applications when it is
safe to do so. Failure to do so may result in an accident
involving serious injury or death.
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IN CASE OF EMERGENCY 457
Side Marker Lamps (Dual Rear Wheels) — If Equipped Side Marker Lamp Locations
1. Push rearward on the side marker lamp assembly.
2. Pull the entire assembly from the fender.
3. Turn the socket ¼ turn counterclockwise and remove from assembly to access the bulb.
4. Pull the bulb straight out from socket.
5. Reverse the procedure for installation of the bulbs and housing.FUSES
WARNING!
• When replacing a blown fuse, always use an appro -
priate replacement fuse with the same amp rating as the
original fuse. Never replace a fuse with another fuse of
higher amp rating. Never replace a blown fuse with
metal wires or any other material. Do not place a fuse
inside a circuit breaker cavity or vice versa. Failure to
use proper fuses may result in serious personal injury,
fire and/or property damage.
• Before replacing a fuse, make sure that the ignition is off and that all the other services are switched off and/
or disengaged.
• If the replaced fuse blows again, contact an authorized dealer.
• If a general protection fuse for safety systems (air bag system, braking system), power unit systems (engine
system, transmission system) or steering system blows,
contact an authorized dealer.
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