STARTING AND OPERATING 351
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.
Display Messages
The trailer brake control interacts with the instrument cluster
display. Display messages, along with a single chime, will be
displayed when a malfunction is determined in the trailer
connection, trailer brake control, or on the trailer. Refer to
“Instrument Cluster Display” in “Getting To Know Your
Instrument Panel” for further information. 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
WARNING!
Connecting a trailer that is not compatible with the
ITBM system may result in reduced or complete loss of
trailer braking. There may be a increase in stopping
distance or trailer instability which could result in
personal injury.
CAUTION!
Connecting a trailer that is not compatible with the
ITBM system may result in reduced or complete loss of
trailer braking. There may be a increase in stopping
distance or trailer instability which could result in
damage to your vehicle, trailer, or other property.
5
356 STARTING AND OPERATING
Snowplow Prep Package Model Availability
For Information about snowplow applications visit
www.ramtrucks.com or refer to the current Body Builders
Guide.
1. The maximum number of occupants in the truck shouldnot exceed two.
2. The total GVWR or the Front GAWR or the Rear GAWR should never be exceeded.
3. Cargo capacity will be reduced by the addition of options or passengers, etc.
The loaded vehicle weight, including the snowplow system,
all aftermarket accessories, driver, passengers, options, and
cargo, must not exceed either the Gross Vehicle Weight
(GVWR) or Gross Axle Weight (GAWR) ratings. These
weights are specified on the Safety Compliance Certification
Label on the driver's side door opening. NOTE:
Detach the snowplow when transporting passengers.
Vehicle front end wheel alignment was set to specifications
at the factory without consideration for the weight of the
plow. Front end toe-in should be checked and reset if neces
-
sary at the beginning and end of the snowplow season. This
will help prevent uneven tire wear.
The blade should be lowered whenever the vehicle is parked.
Maintain and operate your vehicle and snowplow equip -
ment following the recommendations provided by the
specific snowplow manufacturer.
STARTING AND OPERATING 357
Over The Road Operation With Snowplow Attached
The blade restricts air flow to the radiator and causes the
engine to operate at higher than normal temperatures.
Therefore, when transporting the plow, angle the blade
completely and position it as low as road or surface condi-
tions permit. Do not exceed 40 mph (64 km/h). The operator
should always maintain a safe stopping distance and allow
adequate passing clearance.
Operating Tips
Under ideal snow plowing conditions, 20 mph (32 km/h)
should be maximum operating speed. The operator should
be familiar with the area and surface to be cleaned. Reduce
speed and use extreme caution when plowing unfamiliar
areas or under poor visibility. General Maintenance
Snowplows should be maintained in accordance with the
plow manufacturer's instructions.
Keep all snowplow electrical connections and battery termi
-
nals clean and free of corrosion.
When plowing snow, to avoid transmission and drivetrain
damage, the following precautions should be observed.
• Operate with transfer case in 4LO when plowing small or congested areas where speeds are not likely to exceed
15 mph (24 km/h). At higher speeds operate in 4HI.
• Vehicles with automatic transmissions should use 4LO range when plowing deep or heavy snow for extended
periods of time to avoid transmission overheating.
• Do not shift the transmission unless the engine has returned to idle and wheels have stopped. Make a practice
of stepping on the brake pedal while shifting the transmis -
sion.
5
358 STARTING AND OPERATING
RECREATIONAL TOWING (BEHIND MOTORHOME, ETC.)
Towing This Vehicle Behind Another Vehicle
NOTE:
• When towing your vehicle, always follow applicable stateand provincial laws. Contact state and provincial
Highway Safety offices for additional details. Towing Condition
Wheels OFF The
Ground Two-Wheel
Drive Models Four-Wheel Drive Models
Flat Tow NONENOT ALLOWED See Instructions
• Automatic transmission in PARK
• Transfer case in NEUTRAL (N)
• Tow in forward direction
Dolly Tow Front
NOT ALLOWED NOT ALLOWED
Rear OK NOT ALLOWED
On Trailer ALLOK OK
STARTING AND OPERATING 359
(Continued)
Recreational Towing — Two-Wheel Drive Models
DO NOT flat tow this vehicle. Damage to the drivetrain
will result.
Recreational towing (for two-wheel drive models) is allowed
ONLY if the rear wheels are OFF the ground. This may be
accomplished using a tow dolly or vehicle trailer. If using a
tow dolly, follow this procedure:
1. Properly secure the dolly to the tow vehicle, following the dolly manufacturer's instructions.
2. Drive the rear wheels onto the tow dolly.
3. Firmly apply the parking brake. Place automatic trans -
mission in PARK.
4. Properly secure the rear wheels to the dolly, following the dolly manufacturer's instructions.
5. Turn the ignition OFF and remove the key fob.
6. Install a suitable clamping device, designed for towing, to secure the front wheels in the straight position.
Recreational Towing — Four-Wheel Drive Models
NOTE:
Both the manual shift and electronic shift transfer cases must
be shifted into NEUTRAL (N) for recreational towing. Auto -
matic transmissions must be shifted into PARK for recre -
ational towing. Refer to the following for the proper transfer
case NEUTRAL (N) shifting procedure for your vehicle. CAUTION!
• Towing with the rear wheels on the ground will cause severe transmission damage. Damage from improper
towing is not covered under the New Vehicle Limited
Warranty.
• Do not disconnect the driveshaft because fluid may leak from the transmission, causing damage to internal
parts.
CAUTION!
• DO NOT dolly tow any 4WD vehicle. Towing with only one set of wheels on the ground (front or rear) will
cause severe transmission and/or transfer case damage.
Tow with all four wheels either ON the ground, or OFF
the ground (using a vehicle trailer).5
STARTING AND OPERATING 363
9. Press and hold the brake pedal.
10. Release the parking brake.
11. Shift the transmission into gear, release the brake pedal,and check that the vehicle operates normally.
NOTE:
With electronic shift transfer case:
• Steps 3 and 4 are requirements that must be met before pushing the button to shift out of NEUTRAL (N), and must
continue to be met until the shift has been completed. If
any of these requirements are not met before pushing the
button or are no longer met during the shift, the
NEUTRAL (N) indicator light will flash continuously until
all requirements are met or until the button is released.
• The ignition must be in the ON/RUN mode for a shift to take place and for the position indicator lights to be oper -
able. If the ignition is not in the ON/RUN mode, the shift
will not take place and no position indicator lights will be
on or flashing.
• A flashing NEUTRAL (N) position indicator light indi -
cates that shift requirements have not been met.DRIVING TIPS
Driving On Slippery Surfaces
Acceleration
Rapid acceleration on snow covered, wet, or other slippery
surfaces may cause the driving wheels to pull erratically to
the right or left. This phenomenon occurs when there is a
difference in the surface traction under the rear (driving)
wheels.
WARNING!
Rapid acceleration on slippery surfaces is dangerous.
Unequal traction can cause sudden pulling of the rear
wheels. You could lose control of the vehicle and
possibly have a collision. Accelerate slowly and carefully
whenever there is likely to be poor traction (ice, snow,
wet, mud, loose sand, etc.).
5
IN CASE OF EMERGENCY 367
If equipped, the overhead console contains an ASSIST and a
SOS button.
NOTE:
• Your vehicle may be transmitting data as authorized bythe 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. 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.
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.
6
368 IN CASE OF EMERGENCY
(Continued)
2. The LED light located between the ASSIST and SOSbuttons 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. NOTE:
• Your vehicle may be transmitting data as authorized bythe subscriber.
• Once a connection is made between the vehicle’s SOS Call system and the SOS operator, the SOS operator
may be able to open a voice connection with the vehicle
to determine if additional help is needed. Once the SOS
operator opens a voice connection with the vehicle’s
SOS Call system, the operator should be able to speak
with you or other vehicle occupants and hear sounds
occurring in the vehicle. The vehicle’s SOS Call system
will attempt to remain connected with the SOS operator
until the SOS operator terminates the connection.
5. The SOS operator may attempt to contact appropriate emergency responders and provide them with important
vehicle information and GPS coordinates.
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.
WARNING!
• If anyone in the vehicle could be in danger (e.g., fire or smoke is visible, dangerous road conditions or loca -
tion), do not wait for voice contact from an Emergency
Services Agent. All occupants should exit the vehicle
immediately and move to a safe location.