2020 Ram 2500 weight

STARTING AND OPERATING265
not operate the winch without reading and
understanding the complete winch owner's
manual.
Tensioning The Winch Rope
The winch rope must be properly tensioned
before use. Follow the instructions below to
tension the rope:

1. Un-spool the rope leaving five wraps of
rope on the winch drum.

2. Attach the hook to a suitable anchor point.
3. Apply at least 1,000 lbs (454 kg) of tension to the rope while winding the rope. Always
use care to ensure the rope does not pile up
on one side of the drum and is neatly wound
onto the drum.
Low Voltage Interrupt
Your winch is equipped with a device that will
interrupt winch function if the vehicle charging
system voltage drops to a low level. The winch
will not power-in or out for 30 seconds if this
device is tripped. If the interrupt is tripped, the
vehicle should be operated at high idle for a few
minutes to allow the vehicle charging system to
recover before continuing to winch.
Understanding The Features Of Your Winch

Winch Components

1.
Motor:
The winch motor is powered by the
vehicle charging system.

2. Remote Socket: The remote socket (which
will be located on the bumper assembly)
allows the remote control to be attached to the control pack to allow the winch to func
-
tion.
3. Winch Drum With Integral Brake: The winch
drum allows the rope to be stored on the
winch and transmits force to the rope. The
winch is equipped with an integral brake
that will stop rotation of the winch drum if
the winch motor is stopped.
4. Synthetic Rope: The synthetic rope allows
the winch to be connected to an anchor to
provide a pulling force. This synthetic rope is
highly flexible, lightweight, and it floats.
5. Clutch Lever: The clutch lever allows the
winch drum to be disconnected from the
winch motor to allow the rope to be pulled
from the winch by hand.
6. Remote Control: The remote control
provides the interface between the winch
operator and the winch. The remote control
provides the ability to power the winch in,
out, and stop the winch. To operate the
winch, the toggle switch is pressed down to
power the winch in and up to power the
winch out. The winch will stop if the switch
is left in the neutral (center) position.
CAUTION!
Be certain the anchor will withstand the load
required to tension the winch rope.
CAUTION!
The winch rope must spool on the winch
drum in the direction indicated on the drum
rotation decal on the winch.
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STARTING AND OPERATING317
3. Stop filling the DEF tank immediately when
any of the following happen: DEF stops
flowing from the fill bottle into the DEF tank,
DEF splashes out the filler neck, or a DEF
pump nozzle automatically shuts off.
4. Reinstall cap onto DEF tank.
Filling The Def Tank In Cold Climates
Since DEF will begin to freeze at 12°F (-11°C),
your vehicle is equipped with an automatic DEF
heating system. This allows the DEF injection system to operate properly at temperatures
below 12°F (-11°C). If your vehicle is not in
operation for an extended period of time with
temperatures below 12°F (-11°C), the DEF in
the tank may freeze. If the tank is overfilled and
freezes, it could be damaged. Therefore, do not
overfill the DEF tank.
Extra care should be taken when filling with
portable containers to avoid overfilling. Note the
level of the DEF gauge in your instrument cluster.
You may safely add a maximum of 2 Gallons
(7.5 Liters) of DEF from portable containers
when your DEF gauge is reading ½ full.
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 allow
-
able 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 compo -
nents in the system with the lowest load
carrying capacity (axle, springs, tires or wheels).
Heavier axles or suspension components some -
times 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.
Never add anything other than DEF to the
tank – especially any form of hydrocarbon
such as diesel fuel, fuel system additives,
gasoline, or any other petroleum-based
product. Even a very small amount of these,
less than 100 parts per million or less than
1 oz. per 78 Gallons (295 Liters) will
contaminate the entire DEF system and will
require replacement. If owners use a
container, funnel or nozzle when refilling
the tank, it should either be new or one that
is has only been used for adding DEF.
Mopar provides an attachable nozzle with
its DEF for this purpose.
CAUTION! (Continued)
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318STARTING AND OPERATING
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.
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 condi -
tions, 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 ensure 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 axles.
Weighing the vehicle may show that the GAWR
of either the front or rear axle has been
exceeded but the total load is within the speci
-
fied GVWR. If so, weight must be shifted from
front to rear or rear to front as appropriate until
the specified weight limitations 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 infor -
mation on limits to the type of towing you can reasonably do with your vehicle. Before towing a
trailer, carefully review this information to tow
your load as efficiently and safely as possible.
To maintain the New Vehicle Limited Warranty
coverage, follow the requirements and recom
-
mendations in this manual concerning vehicles
used for trailer towing.
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 equip -
ment (permanent or temporary) loaded in or on
the trailer in its "loaded and ready for operation"
condition.
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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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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320STARTING AND OPERATING
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.

With Weight-Distributing Hitch (Correct) Without Weight-Distributing Hitch (Incorrect)
Improper Adjustment Of Weight-Distributing Hitch (Incorrect)
Recommended Distribution Hitch Adjustment
Towing With 2500/3500 Air Suspension

1. Position the truck to be ready to connect to
the trailer (do not connect the trailer).

NOTE:
Normal Ride Height (NRH) or Alternate Trailer
Height (ATH) can be used. The vehicle must
remain in the engine running position while
attaching a trailer for proper leveling of the air
suspension system. It may not be possible to
enter Alternate Trailer Height (ATH) while lightly
loaded.
2. Measure the height of the top of the front wheel opening on the fender to ground, this
is height H1.
3. Attach the trailer to the vehicle without the weight distribution bars connected.
4. Measure the height of the top of the front wheel opening on the fender to ground, this
is height H2.
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 manufac -
turer or a reputable Recreational Vehicle
dealer for additional information.

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STARTING AND OPERATING321
5. Install and adjust the tension in the weight
distributing bars per the manufacturers’
recommendations so that the height of the
front fender is approximately (H2-H1)/
2+H1 (about 1/2 the difference between
H2 and H1 above normal ride height [H1]).
6. Perform a visual inspection of the trailer and weight distributing hitch to confirm
manufacturers’ recommendations have
been met.
NOTE:
For all towing conditions, we recommend towing
with TOW/HAUL mode engaged. Towing With All Other 2500/3500 (Non-Air
Suspension)

1. Position the truck to be ready to connect to
the trailer (do not connect the trailer).

2. Measure the height of the top of the front wheel opening on the fender to ground, this
is height H1.
3. Attach the trailer to the vehicle without the weight distribution bars connected.
4. Measure the height of the top of the front wheel opening on the fender to ground, this
is height H2.
5. Install and adjust the tension in the weight distributing bars per the manufacturers’
recommendations so that the height of the
front fender is approximately (H2-H1)/
2+H1 (about 1/2 the difference between
H2 and H1 above normal ride height [H1]).
6. Perform a visual inspection of the trailer and weight distributing hitch to confirm
manufacturers’ recommendations have
been met. NOTE:
For all towing conditions, we recommend towing
with TOW/HAUL mode engaged.
Fifth-Wheel Hitch
The fifth-wheel hitch is a special high platform
with a coupling that mounts over the rear axle of
the tow vehicle in the truck bed. It connects a
vehicle and fifth-wheel trailer with a coupling
king pin.
Your truck may be equipped with a fifth wheel
hitch option. Refer to the separately provided
fifth wheel hitch safety, care, assembly, and
operating instructions.
Measurement
Example Example 2500/
3500 Height (mm)
H1 1030
H2 1058
H2-H1 28
(H2-H1)/2 14
(H2-H1)/2 + H1 1044
Measurement
Example Example 2500/
3500 Height (mm)
H1 1030
H2 1058
H2-H1 28
(H2-H1)/2 14
(H2-H1)/2 + H1 1044
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322STARTING AND OPERATING
Gooseneck Hitch
The gooseneck hitch employs a pivoted
coupling arm which attaches to a ball mounted
in the bed of a pickup truck. The coupling arm
connects to the hitch mounted over the rear
axle in the truck bed.
Trailer Hitch Type and Maximum Trailer
Weight
The following chart provides the maximum
trailer weight a given factory equipped trailer
hitch type can tow and should be used to assist you in selecting the correct trailer hitch for your
intended towing condition.
All trailer hitches should be professionally installed on your vehicle.
Trailer Hitch Type and Maximum Trailer Weight
Hitch Type Max. Trailer Weight / Max. Tongue Weight
Class V - 2500 Models 20,000 lbs (9,071 kg) / 2,000 lbs (907 kg)
Class V - 3500 Models 23,000 lbs (10,432 kg) / 2,300 lbs (1,043 kg)
Fifth Wheel - 2500 Models 25,000 lbs (11,339 kg) / 3,750 lbs (1,700 kg)
Fifth Wheel - 3500 Models 30,000 lbs (13,607 kg) / 4,500 lbs (2,041 kg)
Gooseneck - 2500 Models 20,000 lbs (9,071 kg) / 3,000 lbs (1,360 kg)
Gooseneck - 3500 Models 35,250 lbs (15,989 kg) / 5,287 lbs (2,398 kg)
Refer to the “Trailer Towing Weights (Maximum Trailer Weight Ratings)” for the Maximum Gross Trailer Weight (GTW) towable for your given drivetrain.

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(Continued)
Trailer Towing Weights (Maximum Trailer
Weight Ratings)
NOTE:
For trailer towing information (maximum trailer
weight ratings) refer to the following website
addresses:
ramtrucks.com/en/towing_guide/
ramtruck.ca (Canada)
rambodybuilder.com
Trailer And Tongue Weight

Weight Distribution
Consider the following items when computing
the weight on the rear axle of the vehicle:
The tongue weight of the trailer.
The weight of any other type of cargo or
equipment put in or on your vehicle.
The weight of the driver and all passengers.
NOTE:
Remember that everything put into or on the
trailer adds to the load on your vehicle. Also,
additional factory-installed options or
dealer-installed options must be considered as
part of the total load on your vehicle. Refer to
the “Tire And Loading Information” placard for
the maximum combined weight of occupants
and cargo for your vehicle.
Towing Requirements
To promote proper break-in of your new vehicle
drivetrain components, the following guidelines
are recommended. Perform the maintenance listed in the “Sched
-
uled 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.
CAUTION!
Do not tow a trailer at all during the first
500 miles (805 km) the new vehicle is
driven. The engine, axle or other parts could
be damaged.
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 colli -
sion.
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