2020 Ram 2500 height

250STARTING AND OPERATING
Transfer Case Position Indicator Light
The “Transfer Case Position Indicator Light” in
the instrument cluster is used to alert the driver
that the front axle is fully engaged and all four
wheels are driving.
AIR SUSPENSION SYSTEM — IF EQUIPPED
Description
This air suspension system is a rear leveling ride
height system. The main purpose of this system
is to maintain the truck’s rear ride height level.
There are two selectable heights that can be
chosen based on your operating conditions.
The system requires that the ignition be in the
ON/RUN position or the engine running with
zero vehicle speed for all user requested
changes and load leveling.
Rear Leveling Ride Height Switch

Normal Ride Height (NRH) – This is the standard
position of the suspension and is meant for
normal driving. It will automatically adjust to
maintain the rear ride height as conditions
change.
Alternate Trailer Height (ATH) – Lowers the
vehicle approximately 1 inch (25 mm) for a level
truck, to be used as required while trailer
towing. It will automatically adjust to maintain
the rear ride height as conditions change.
Trailer Decoupling/Unloading - The air suspen-
sion system will continue to load level after the
vehicle has been turned off for 10 minutes
without compressor activation. This allows for
easy removal of a trailer and/or load from the
back of the truck by maintaining the ride height.
After 10 minutes you will need to turn the igni -tion to the run position for the air suspension to
re-level due to addition/removal of load in the
vehicle. If the air suspension system is disabled
using the settings menu (Tire Jack Mode, Trans
-
port Mode, Alignment Mode, or Bed Lowering
Mode) the system will remain disabled when
the vehicle is turned off. Reactivating the air
suspension can be accomplished via the
settings menu or driving the vehicle above
5 mph (8 km/h) for Tire Jack Mode, Alignment
Mode, Transport Mode and Bed Lowering
Mode.
NOTE:
Most 3500 models will not lower to Alternate
Trailer Height (ATH) when unloaded.
Refer to “Trailer Towing” in “Starting And
Operating” for further information.
WARNING!
The air suspension system uses a high
pressure volume of air to operate the system.
To avoid personal injury or damage to the
system, see your authorized dealer for
service.

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STARTING AND OPERATING251
Air Suspension Modes
The air suspension system has multiple modes
to protect the system in unique situations:
Tire/Jack Mode
To assist with changing a tire, the air suspen -
sion system has a feature which allows the
automatic leveling to be disabled. This mode is
intended to be enabled with the engine running.
Refer to “Instrument Cluster Display” in
“Getting To Know Your Instrument Panel” or
“Uconnect Settings” in “Multimedia” (if
equipped with a touch screen radio) for further
information.
NOTE:
This mode is intended to be enabled with the
engine running.
Transport Mode
For towing your vehicle with four wheels off the
road, the air suspension system has a feature
which will put the vehicle below Normal Ride
Height (NRH) and disable the automatic load
leveling system. This mode is intended to be
enabled with engine running. Refer to “Instru -
ment Cluster Display” in “Getting To Know Your
Instrument Panel” or “Uconnect Settings” in
“Understanding Your Instrument Panel” if equipped with a touch screen radio for further
information.
NOTE:
This mode is intended to be enabled with the
engine running.
Wheel Alignment Mode
Before performing a wheel alignment this mode
must be enabled. Refer to “Instrument Cluster
Display” in “Getting To Know Your Instrument
Panel” or “Uconnect Settings” in “Multimedia”
(if equipped with a touch screen radio) for
further information.
NOTE:
This mode is intended to be enabled with the
engine running.
Bed Lowering Mode
This setting is used to lower the rear suspension
to the lowest possible height and disable the air
suspension system. It enables easier loading/
unloading of the truck and makes it easier to
hook up trailers. Refer to “Instrument Cluster
Display” in “Getting To Know Your Instrument
Panel” or “Uconnect Settings” in “Under
-
standing Your Instrument Panel” if equipped with a touch screen radio for further informa
-
tion.
Protection Strategy
In order to “protect” the air suspension system,
the vehicle will disable load leveling as required
(suspension overloaded, battery charge low,
etc.). Load leveling will automatically resume as
soon as system operation requirements are
met. See your authorized dealer if system does
not resume.
Instrument Cluster Display Messages
When the appropriate conditions exist, a
message will appear in the instrument cluster
display. Refer to “Instrument Cluster Display” in
“Getting To Know Your Instrument Panel” for
further information.
An audible chime will be heard whenever a
system error has been detected.
See your authorized dealer for system service if
normal operation does not resume.
Operation
Pushing the Alternate Trailer Height (ATH)
button once while at Normal Ride Height (NRH),
will lower the vehicle to Alternate Trailer Height
(ATH) and will illuminate the LED.
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252STARTING AND OPERATING
(Continued)
NOTE:
The LED will continuously blink until vehicle
Alternate Trailer Height (ATH) has been
achieved and the LED will turn on.
Pushing the Alternate Trailer Height (ATH) again
will raise the vehicle to Normal Ride Height
(NRH).
NOTE:
The LED will continuously blink until Normal
Ride Height (NRH) has been achieved and the
LED will turn off.
Transport Mode – No indicator lamps will be
illuminated. Transport Mode is disabled by
driving the vehicle, or deselecting the mode
via the interface.
Tire/Jack Mode – No indicator lamps will be
illuminated. Tire/Jack Mode is disabled by
driving the vehicle, or by deselecting the
mode via the interface.
Wheel Alignment Mode – No indicator lamps
will be illuminated. Wheel Alignment Mode is
disabled by driving the vehicle, or by dese-
lecting the mode via the interface.
Bed Lowering Mode – Telltale on the cluster
will be illuminated. Bed Lowering Mode is
disabled by driving the vehicle, or deselecting
the mode via the interface.
AXLE LOCKER SYSTEM — POWER WAGON
MODELS ONLY (IF EQUIPPED)
This vehicle is equipped with electronically
locking front and rear differentials. These differ -
entials, when engaged, mechanically lock
together the axle shafts forcing the wheels to
spin at an equal rate. This allows the vehicle to
maintain its momentum and prevents it from
becoming stuck. The locking front and rear
differentials should only be engaged during
low-speed, extreme off-road situations where
one wheel is likely to not be in contact with the
ground. It is not recommended to drive the
vehicle with the differentials locked on pave -
ment due to the reduced ability to turn and
speed limitations.
Axle Lock Selector

1 — FRONT/REAR LOCK – the front and rear axles
are locked
2 — REAR LOCK – the rear axle is locked
3 — AXLE UNLOCK – the front and rear axles are
unlocked
CAUTION!
Do not lock the front or rear axle on hard
surfaced roads. The ability to steer the
vehicle is reduced and damage to the drive
-
train may occur when the axles are locked
on hard surfaced roads.

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STARTING AND OPERATING253
The locking axles are controlled by the axle
locker switch.
Under normal driving conditions, the switch
should be left in the AXLE UNLOCK position.
NOTE:
Even when the axles are in the AXLE UNLOCK
position, the limited slip differential in the rear
axle still provides torque biasing capability for
moderate low traction environments.
During the command to lock the axle, the indi -
cator light will flash until the axle is locked. After
the lock command has been successfully
executed, the light will remain on solid.
To lock the rear axle, place the vehicle in 4WD
LOW, 4WD HIGH or 2WD. Refer to “Four Wheel
Drive Operation” in “Starting And Operating” for
further information. Push the REAR LOCK
button while traveling less than 10 mph (16 km/h). The RR indicator light will remain on
when the rear axle is locked.
NOTE:
Left to right wheel speed difference may be
necessary to allow the axle to fully lock. If the
indicator light is flashing after placing the switch
in the REAR LOCK or FRONT/REAR LOCK posi
-
tion, drive the vehicle in a turn or on loose gravel
to expedite the locking action.
To lock the front axle, push the FRONT/REAR
LOCK button while traveling less than 10 mph
(16 km/h) in 4WD LOW. The indicator light will
be solid when the front axle is locked.
NOTE:
The rear axle must be locked before the front
axle will lock. When both the axles are locked, to unlock the
front axle, push the REAR LOCK button while in
4WD LOW. The FRONT/REAR LOCK indicator
light will go out when the axle is unlocked.
NOTE:
The axle lockers could be torque locked due to
side to side loads on the axle. Driving slowly
while turning the steering wheel from a left
hand turn to a right hand turn or driving in
REVERSE for a short distance may be required
to release the torque lock and unlock the axles.
To unlock the rear axle, push the AXLE UNLOCK
button. The REAR LOCK indicator light will go
out when the rear axle is unlocked.
STABILIZER/SWAY BAR SYSTEM — POWER
WAGON ONLY
Your vehicle is equipped with an electronic
disconnecting stabilizer/sway bar. This system
allows greater front suspension travel in
off-road situations.
Due to the use of taller springs, this vehicle has
an increased ride height of approximately
1.9 inches (48.3 mm) in the front and
1.5 inches (38.1 mm) in the rear. A major
Do not try to lock the rear axle if the vehicle
is stuck and the tires are spinning. You can
damage drivetrain components. Lock the
rear axle before attempting situations or
navigating terrain, which could possibly
cause the vehicle to become stuck.
CAUTION! (Continued)
WARNING!
Do not use the locked axle position for normal
driving. A locked front axle is intended for
off-road driving only. Locking the front axle
during on-road driving will reduce the steering
ability. This could cause a collision and you
may be seriously injured.5

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254STARTING AND OPERATING
advantage to increasing ride height is the posi -
tive effect it has on approach/departure and
break over angles.
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 Indicator Light” (located
in the instrument cluster) will illuminate when
the bar is disconnected. The “Sway Bar Indi -
cator Light” will flash during activation transi -
tion, or when activation 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 4WD HIGH or 4WD LOW and push the
SWAY BAR button to obtain the Off-Road posi
-
tion. Refer to “Four Wheel Drive Operation” in
“Starting And Operating” for further informa -
tion. 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 differ
-
ences. This condition is due to driving surface
differences or vehicle loading. In order for the
stabilizer/sway bar to disconnect/reconnect,
the right 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.WARNING!
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.
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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STARTING AND OPERATING255
SAFE OFF-ROAD DRIVING — POWER
WAGON ONLY
Off-Road Driving Tips And Vehicle
Characteristics
Your vehicle has excellent on and off-road capa-
bilities. These off-road capabilities will allow you
to explore those wilderness trails where few
travel, providing a source of exciting and satis -
fying 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 established
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 consid
-
ered impassable by a normal truck.
Ramp Travel Index (RTI)
The RTI 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 429 (connected sway bar) or an RTI of
538 (disconnected sway bar), which means you
can articulate one front wheel 22 inches
(56 cm) or 27.5 inches (70cm) in the air while
the other three wheels remain in contact with
the ground.
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 pres
-
sure 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
CAUTION!
The door sill height is 25 inches (63.5 cm).
Water may intrude into the interior of the
vehicle at greater depths.
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STARTING AND OPERATING285
NOTE:
Aftermarket add-ons such as snow plows, lift
kits, and brush/grille bars can hinder module
performance. Ensure the radar/camera has
no obstructions in the field of view.
Height modifications can limit module perfor -
mance and functionality.
Do not put stickers or easy passes over the
camera/radar field of view.
Any modifications to the vehicle that may
obstruct the field of view of the radar/camera
are not recommended.
Cleaning Instructions
Dust and dirt can accumulate on the cover and
block the camera lens. Clean the camera lens
with a soft microfiber cloth, being careful not to
damage or scratch the module.
Towing A Trailer
ACC while towing a trailer is recommended only
with an Integrated Trailer Brake Controller.
Aftermarket trailer brake controllers will not
activate the trailer brakes when ACC is braking.
Offset Driving
ACC may not detect a vehicle in the same lane
that is offset from your direct line of travel, or a
vehicle merging in from a side lane. There may
not be sufficient distance to the vehicle ahead.
The offset vehicle may move in and out of the
line of travel, which can cause your vehicle to
brake or accelerate unexpectedly.

Offset Driving Condition Example

Turns And Bends
When driving on a curve with ACC engaged, the
system may decrease the vehicle speed and
acceleration for stability reasons, with no target
vehicle detected. Once the vehicle is out of the
curve the system will resume your original set
speed. This is a part of normal ACC system func -
tionality.
NOTE:
On tight turns ACC performance may be limited.

Turn Or Bend Example

5

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STARTING AND OPERATING319
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 combina -
tion.
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 informa -
tion.
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 multi -
plied 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 associated
with the telescoping motion to dampen any
unwanted trailer swaying motions while trav -
eling. If equipped, the electronic Trailer Sway Control
(TSC) recognizes a swaying trailer and automat
-
ically 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 accor -
dance with the manufacturer's directions, it
provides for a more level ride, offering more
consistent steering and brake control, thereby
enhancing towing safety. The addition of a fric -
tion/hydraulic sway control also dampens sway
caused by traffic and crosswinds and contrib -
utes positively to tow vehicle and trailer
stability. Trailer Sway Control (TSC) and a weight
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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