2020 Ram 2500 towing capacity

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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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.
5

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324STARTING AND OPERATING
(Continued)
Towing Requirements — Tires
Do not attempt to tow a trailer while using a
compact spare tire.
Do not drive more than 50 mph (80 km/h) when towing while using a full size spare tire.
Proper tire inflation pressures are essential
to the safe and satisfactory operation of your
vehicle. Refer to “Tires” in “Servicing And
Maintenance” for proper tire inflation proce -
dures.
Check the trailer tires for proper tire inflation
pressures before trailer usage.
Check for signs of tire wear or visible tire
damage before towing a trailer. Refer to
“Tires” in “Servicing And Maintenance” for
the proper inspection procedure.
When replacing tires, refer to “Tires” in
“Servicing And Maintenance” for the proper
tire replacement procedures. Replacing tires
with a higher load carrying capacity will not
increase the vehicle's GVWR and GAWR
limits.
Towing Requirements — Trailer Brakes
Do not interconnect the hydraulic brake
system or vacuum system of your vehicle
with that of the trailer. This could cause inad -
equate braking and possible personal injury.
An electronically actuated trailer brake
controller is required when towing a trailer
with electronically actuated brakes. When
towing a trailer equipped with a hydraulic
surge actuated brake system, an electronic
brake controller is not required.
Trailer brakes are recommended for trailers
over 1,000 lbs (453 kg) and required for
trailers in excess of 2,000 lbs (907 kg).
When hauling cargo or towing a trailer, do
not overload your vehicle or trailer. Over -
loading can cause a loss of control, poor
performance or damage to brakes, axle,
engine, transmission, steering, suspension,
chassis structure or tires.
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.
WARNING! (Continued)
Total weight must be distributed between
the tow vehicle and the trailer such that the
following four ratings are not exceeded :
GVWR
GTW
GAWR
Tongue weight rating for the trailer
hitch utilized.
WARNING! (Continued)

20_DJD2_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 324

STARTING AND OPERATING325
Integrated Trailer Brake Module — If
Equipped
Your vehicle may have an Integrated Trailer
Brake Module (ITBM) for Electric and Electric
Over Hydraulic (EOH) trailer brakes. NOTE:
This module has been designed and verified
with electric trailer brakes and new electric over
hydraulic systems. Some previous EOH systems
may not be compatible with ITBM.

Integrated Trailer Brake Module (ITBM)

The user interface consists of the following:
Manual Brake Control Lever
Slide the manual brake control lever to the left
to activate power to the trailer's electric brakes
independent of the tow vehicle's brakes. If the
manual brake control lever is activated while
the brake is also applied, the greater of the two inputs determines the power sent to the trailer
brakes.
The trailer and the vehicle’s stop lamps will
come on when braking normally with the vehicle
brake pedal. Only the trailer stop lamps will
come on when the manual brake control lever is
applied.
Trailer Brake Status Indicator Light
This light indicates the trailer electrical connec
-
tion status.
If no electrical connection is detected after the
ignition is turned on, pushing the GAIN adjust -
ment button or sliding the manual brake control
lever will display the GAIN setting for 10
seconds and the “Trailer Brake Status Indicator
Light” will not be displayed.
If a fault is detected in the trailer wiring or the
Integrated Trailer Brake Module (ITBM), the
“Trailer Brake Status Indicator Light” will flash.
GAIN Adjustment Buttons (+/-)
Pushing these buttons will adjust the brake
control power output to the trailer brakes in
0.5 increments. The GAIN setting can be
increased to a maximum of 10 or decreased to
a minimum of 0 (no trailer braking).
WARNING!
Do not connect trailer brakes to your
vehicle's hydraulic brake lines. It can over -
load your brake system and cause it to fail.
You might not have brakes when you need
them and could have an accident.
Towing any trailer will increase your stop -
ping distance. When towing, you should
allow for additional space between your
vehicle and the vehicle in front of you.
Failure to do so could result in an accident.
CAUTION!
If the trailer weighs more than 1,000 lbs
(453 kg) loaded, it should have its own
brakes and they should be of adequate
capacity. Failure to do this could lead to
accelerated brake lining wear, higher brake
pedal effort, and longer stopping distances.1 — GAIN Adjustment Button
2 — GAIN Adjustment Button
3 — Manual Brake Control Lever
5

20_DJD2_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 325

SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE427
3. Tire size designed for your vehicle.
4. Cold tire inflation pressures for the front,
rear, and spare tires.
Loading
The vehicle maximum load on the tire must not
exceed the load carrying capacity of the tire on
your vehicle. You will not exceed the tire's load
carrying capacity if you adhere to the loading
conditions, tire size, and cold tire inflation pres -
sures specified on the Tire and Loading Infor -
mation placard in “Vehicle Loading” in the
“Starting And Operating” section of this manual.
NOTE:
Under a maximum loaded vehicle condition,
gross axle weight ratings (GAWRs) for the front
and rear axles must not be exceeded.
For further information on GAWRs, vehicle
loading, and trailer towing, refer to “Vehicle
Loading” in the “Starting And Operating”
section of this manual.
To determine the maximum loading conditions
of your vehicle, locate the statement “The
combined weight of occupants and cargo
should never exceed XXX kg or XXX lbs” on the
Tire and Loading Information placard. The combined weight of occupants, cargo/luggage
and trailer tongue weight (if applicable) should
never exceed the weight referenced here.
Steps For Determining Correct Load
Limit—
(1) Locate the statement “The combined
weight of occupants and cargo should
never exceed XXX kg or XXX lbs.” on your
vehicle's placard.
(2) Determine the combined weight of
the driver and passengers that will be
riding in your vehicle.
(3) Subtract the combined weight of the
driver and passengers from XXX kg or
XXX lbs.
(4) The resulting figure equals the avail
-
able amount of cargo and luggage load
capacity. For example, if “XXX” amount
equals 1400 lbs. and there will be five
150 lb passengers in your vehicle, the
amount of available cargo and luggage
load capacity is 650 lbs. (1400-750
(5x150) = 650 lbs.) (5) Determine the combined weight of
luggage and cargo being loaded on the
vehicle. That weight may not safely
exceed the available cargo and luggage
load capacity calculated in Step 4.
(6) If your vehicle will be towing a trailer,
load from your trailer will be transferred
to your vehicle. Consult this manual to
determine how this reduces the avail
-
able cargo and luggage load capacity of
your vehicle.
Metric Example For Load Limit
For example, if “XXX” amount equals 635 kg
and there will be five 68 kg passengers in your
vehicle, the amount of available cargo and
luggage load capacity is 295 kg (635-340
(5x68) = 295 kg) as shown in step 4.
NOTE:
If your vehicle will be towing a trailer, load
from your trailer will be transferred to your
vehicle. The following table shows examples
on how to calculate total load, cargo/
luggage, and towing capacities of your
vehicle with varying seating configurations
and number and size of occupants. This table
7

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543
Forward Collision Warning
............................. 160
Four Wheel Drive........................................... 244
Four-Way Hazard Flasher............................... 338
Freeing A Stuck Vehicle................................. 367
Front Axle (Differential).................................. 418
Fuel..................................................... 446, 448
Adding............................................. 312, 313Additives................................................... 446
Capacity.................................................... 451
Clean Air.................................................... 446Diesel.............................................. 448, 454
Ethanol...................................................... 446
Filler Cap (Gas Cap)................................... 313
Filter.......................................................... 403
Gasoline.................................................... 446Light.......................................................... 135
Materials Added........................................ 446
Methanol................................................... 446
Octane Rating................................. 446, 452Requirements........................ 446, 448, 451
Specifications............................................ 448
Tank Capacity............................................ 451
Fueling........................................................... 313
Fuses............................................................. 353
G
Garage Door Opener (HomeLink)
.................... 76
Gas Cap (Fuel Filler Cap)............................... 313
Gasoline, Clean Air........................................ 446
Gasoline, Reformulated................................. 446
Gauges Voltage
..................................................... 221
Gear Ranges................................................. 238
Gear Selector Override................................. 365
Glass Cleaning.............................................. 443
Gross Axle Weight Rating.............................. 319
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating......................... 318GuideBody Builders
.............................................. 12
GVWR............................................................ 317
H
HazardDriving Through Flowing, Rising, Or Shallow Standing Water
.................................... 335
Hazard Warning Flashers.............................. 338
Head Restraints............................................... 39
Head Rests...................................................... 39
Headlights.................................................... 374
Automatic High Beam.................................. 50
Cleaning................................................... 439
High Beam................................................... 50
Lights On Reminder..................................... 52
Passing........................................................ 51Switch.......................................................... 49
Heated Mirrors................................................. 47
Heater, Engine Block.................................... 227
Hill Descent Control...................................... 149
Hill Descent Control Indicator....................... 149
Hill Start Assist.............................................. 151
HitchesTrailer Towing
........................................... 322
Hoisting......................................................... 422
HomeLink (Garage Door Opener).....................76
Hood Prop........................................................74
Hood Release...................................................74
Hub Caps...................................................... 352
I
Idle-Up Feature
............................................. 224Ignition.............................................................18
Switch..........................................................18
Illuminated Entry..............................................55
In Vehicle HelpVehicle User Guide
......................................13
Inside Rearview Mirror.................... 43, 44, 338
Instrument Cluster............ 113, 114, 116, 117
Descriptions.............................................. 140
Display...................................................... 117
Engine Oil Reset....................................... 119
Instrument Panel Lens Cleaning................... 443
Integrated Trailer Brake Control.................... 325
Interior Appearance Care.............................. 442
Interior Lights...................................................53Intermittent Wipers (Delay Wipers)..................55
Intervention Regeneration Strategy..... 124, 407
Inverter Outlet (115V)......................................90
iPod/USB/MP3 Control................................. 52511

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545
Manual Park Release
............................................. 366
Service...................................................... 539
Media Hub..................................................... 525
Memory Seat................................................... 35
Methanol....................................................... 446
Mirrors............................................................. 43Electric Powered......................................... 45
Heated........................................................ 47
Memory....................................................... 35Outside........................................................ 45
Rearview..................................... 43, 44, 338
Trailer Towing.............................................. 46
Modifications/AlterationsVehicle
........................................................ 12Monitor, Tire Pressure System....................... 163
Mopar Parts................................................... 538
MP3 Control.................................................. 525
Multi-Function Control Lever............................ 49
N
Navigation System (Uconnect GPS)
............... 302
New Vehicle Break-In Period.......................... 228
Noise ControlMaintenance............................................. 419
Tampering Prohibited................................ 420
Noise Emission Warranty..................... 419, 420
O
Occupant Restraints
..................................... 171
Octane Rating, Gasoline (Fuel)..................... 446
Off-Pavement Driving (Off-Road).......... 255, 336
Off-Road Driving (Off-Pavement).......... 255, 336
Oil Change Indicator..................................... 385
Oil Filter, Change.......................................... 398Oil Filter, Selection........................................ 398
Oil Pressure Light.......................................... 132
Oil Reset....................................................... 119Oil, Engine................................... 396, 452, 454
Capacity.................................................... 451
Change Interval........................................ 396
Dipstick.................................................... 394
Disposal................................................... 398Filter....................................... 398, 452, 454
Filter Disposal........................................... 398
Identification Logo........................... 396, 397
Materials Added To.................................. 398Pressure Warning Light............................ 132
Recommendation............................ 396, 451
Synthetic.................................................. 398
Viscosity.......................................... 397, 451
Onboard Diagnostic System.......................... 141
Operating Precautions.................................. 141
Operator ManualOwner's Manual
..................................12, 539
Outside Rearview Mirrors.................................45
Overdrive....................................................... 242
Overdrive OFF Switch.................................... 242
Overheating, Engine...................................... 367
P
Paint Care
..................................................... 439
Panic Alarm......................................................15
Parking Brake............................................... 229
ParkSense System, Rear...................... 289, 294Passive Entry....................................................28
Pedals, Adjustable...........................................43
Perform Service Indicator, Reset.................. 385
Pets............................................................... 208
Pickup Box................................................92, 94
Pinch Protection...............................................74
Placard, Tire And Loading Information.......... 426
PowerDistribution Center (Fuses)
....................... 354
Door Locks...................................................27
Mirrors.........................................................45
Outlet (Auxiliary Electrical Outlet)..........88, 90
Seats...........................................................34
Side Steps...................................................28Sliding Rear Window....................................72
Steering.......................................................45
Sunroof........................................................72
Windows......................................................7011

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548
Tires
................................... 210, 428, 433, 438
Aging (Life Of Tires)................................... 431
Air Pressure............................................... 428
Chains....................................................... 435
Compact Spare......................................... 433
Dual................................................. 437, 444
General Information........................ 428, 433High Speed................................................ 429
Inflation Pressure...................................... 429
Life Of Tires............................................... 431Load Capacity.................................. 426, 427
Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
........................................ 135, 163
Quality Grading.......................................... 438
Radial........................................................ 429Replacement............................................. 431
Rotation.................................................... 436
Safety.............................................. 422, 428
Sizes.......................................................... 423Snow Tires................................................. 432
Spare Tires...................................... 433, 434
Spinning.................................................... 430
Trailer Towing............................................ 324
Tread Wear Indicators............................... 430
Wheel Nut Torque..................................... 444
To Open Hood.................................................. 74
Tongue Weight/Trailer Weight....................... 323
Tonneau Cover.................................... 101, 440
Tonneau Cover Cleaning................................ 440
Torque Converter Clutch................................ 243
Towing................................................. 318, 369
Disabled Vehicle....................................... 369
Guide........................................................ 323
Recreational............................................. 331
Weight...................................................... 323
Towing Behind A Motorhome........................ 331
Traction......................................................... 335Traction Control............................................ 153
Trailer Sway Control (TSC)............................. 153
Trailer Towing............................................... 318Cooling System Tips................................. 329
Hitches..................................................... 322
Minimum Requirements........................... 323
Mirrors......................................................... 46
Tips........................................................... 328Trailer And Tongue Weight........................ 323
Wiring....................................................... 327
Trailer Towing Guide..................................... 323
Trailer Weight................................................ 323Transfer Case............................................... 419
Electronically Shifted................................ 244
Fluid................................................ 454, 457
Transmission................................................ 233
Automatic............................... 233, 237, 416
Fluid................................................ 454, 457
Maintenance............................................ 416
Shifting..................................................... 231
Transporting Pets.......................................... 208
Tread Wear Indicators.................................. 430
Turn Signals......................... 52, 140, 374, 376
U
UconnectUconnect Settings
.. 466, 467, 483, 485, 502, 504
Uconnect PhoneCall Continuation
...................................... 524
Uconnect SettingsCustomer Programmable Features
.. 28, 466, 467, 483, 485, 502,
504
Passive Entry Programming
............... 28, 466, 483, 502
Uconnect Voice Command............................ 529
Uniform Tire Quality Grades.......................... 438
Universal Garage Door Opener (HomeLink).....76
Universal Transmitter.......................................76
Unleaded Gasoline........................................ 446
Untwisting Procedure, Seat Belt.................... 176
USB............................................................... 525
Utility Rails, Rear Cargo Area...........................98
V
Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
.............. 444
Vehicle Loading.................................... 317, 427
Vehicle Modifications/Alterations....................12
Vehicle Storage...................................... 69, 439

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