2020 Ram 3500 towing capacity

326STARTING AND OPERATING
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
information.
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 associated
with the telescoping motion to dampen any
unwanted trailer swaying motions while
traveling.
If equipped, the electronic Trailer Sway Control
(TSC) recognizes 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 addition 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 (TSC) and a weight
distributing (load equalizing) hitch are
recommended for heavier Tongue Weights (TW)
and may be required depending on vehicle and
trailer configuration/loading to comply with
GAWR requirements.
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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STARTING AND OPERATING331
(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)
5

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332STARTING AND OPERATING
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
connection status.
If no electrical connection is detected after the
ignition is turned on, pushing the GAIN
adjustment 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.
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

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434SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
Tire And Loading Information Placard

Tire And Loading Information Placard

This placard tells you important information
about the:

1. Number of people that can be carried in the vehicle.

2. Total weight your vehicle can carry.
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
pressures specified on the Tire and Loading
Information 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
available 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.)

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SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE435
(Continued)
(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
available 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
is for illustration purposes only and may not
be accurate for the seating and load carry
capacity of your vehicle.
For the following example, the combined
weight of occupants and cargo should never
exceed 865 lbs (392 kg).
TIRES — GENERAL INFORMATION
Tire Pressure
Proper tire inflation pressure is essential to the
safe and satisfactory operation of your vehicle.
Four primary areas are affected by improper tire
pressure:
Safety
Fuel Economy
Tread Wear
Ride Comfort and Vehicle Stability
Safety
WARNING!
Overloading of your tires is dangerous.
Overloading can cause tire failure, affect
vehicle handling, and increase your stopping
distance. Use tires of the recommended load
capacity for your vehicle. Never overload
them.
WARNING!
Improperly inflated tires are dangerous and
can cause collisions.
Underinflation increases tire flexing and
can result in overheating and tire failure.
Overinflation reduces a tire's ability to
cushion shock. Objects on the road and
chuckholes can cause damage that result
in tire failure.
7

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555
Four-Way Hazard Flasher
............................... 346Freeing A Stuck Vehicle................................. 380Front Axle (Differential).................................. 424Fuel..................................................... 454, 456Adding............................................. 319, 320Additives................................................... 454Capacity.................................................... 460Clean Air.................................................... 454Diesel.............................................. 456, 464Ethanol...................................................... 454Filler Cap (Gas Cap)................................... 320Filter.......................................................... 409Gasoline.................................................... 454Light.......................................................... 135Materials Added........................................ 454Methanol................................................... 454Octane Rating................................. 454, 461Requirements........................ 454, 456, 459Specifications............................................ 457Tank Capacity............................................ 459Fueling........................................................... 320Fuses............................................................. 358
G
Garage Door Opener (HomeLink).................... 76Gas Cap (Fuel Filler Cap)............................... 320Gasoline, Clean Air........................................ 454Gasoline, Reformulated................................. 454Gauges Voltage...................................................... 223
Gear Ranges................................................. 240Gear Selector Override................................. 377Glass Cleaning.............................................. 451Gross Axle Weight Rating.............................. 326Gross Vehicle Weight Rating......................... 325GuideBody Builders.............................................. 12GVWR............................................................ 324
H
HazardDriving Through Flowing, Rising, Or Shallow Standing Water
....................... 343Hazard Warning Flashers.............................. 346Head Restraints............................................... 38Head Rests...................................................... 38Headlights.................................................... 353Automatic High Beam.................................. 49Cleaning................................................... 447High Beam................................................... 49Lights On Reminder..................................... 51Passing........................................................ 50Switch.......................................................... 48Heated Mirrors................................................. 46Heater, Engine Block.................................... 229Hill Descent Control...................................... 149Hill Descent Control Indicator....................... 149Hill Start Assist.............................................. 151HitchesTrailer Towing........................................... 329
Hoisting......................................................... 429HomeLink (Garage Door Opener).....................76Hood Prop........................................................74Hood Release...................................................74Hub Caps...................................................... 374
I
Idle-Up Feature............................................. 226Ignition.............................................................17Switch..........................................................17Illuminated Entry..............................................54In Vehicle HelpVehicle User Guide......................................13Inside Rearview Mirror.................... 42, 43, 346Instrument Cluster............................... 110, 112Descriptions.............................................. 141Display...................................................... 113Engine Oil Reset....................................... 115Instrument Panel Lens Cleaning................... 451Integrated Trailer Brake Control.................... 332Interior Appearance Care.............................. 450Interior Lights...................................................53Intermittent Wipers (Delay Wipers)..................55Intervention Regeneration Strategy..... 125, 413Introduction.....................................................11Inverter Outlet (115V)......................................88iPod/USB/MP3 Control................................. 53811

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557
Manual Park Release
............................................. 378Service...................................................... 551Media Hub..................................................... 538Memory Seat................................................... 31Memory Settings............................................. 31Methanol....................................................... 454Mirrors............................................................. 42Electric Powered......................................... 44Heated........................................................ 46Memory....................................................... 31Outside........................................................ 44Rearview..................................... 42, 43, 346Trailer Towing.............................................. 46Modifications/AlterationsVehicle........................................................ 12Monitor, Tire Pressure System....................... 163Mopar Parts................................................... 550MP3 Control.................................................. 538Multi-Function Control Lever............................ 48
N
Navigation System (Uconnect GPS)............... 309New Vehicle Break-In Period.......................... 230Noise ControlMaintenance............................................. 425Tampering Prohibited................................ 426Noise Emission Warranty..................... 425, 426
O
Occupant Restraints..................................... 172Octane Rating, Gasoline (Fuel)..................... 454Off-Pavement Driving (Off-Road).......... 261, 344Off-Road Driving (Off-Pavement).......... 261, 344Oil Change Indicator..................................... 390Oil Filter, Change.......................................... 403Oil Filter, Selection........................................ 403Oil Pressure Light.......................................... 132Oil Reset....................................................... 115Oil, Engine................................... 401, 461, 464Capacity........................................... 459, 460Change Interval........................................ 401Dipstick.................................................... 399Disposal................................................... 403Filter....................................... 403, 461, 464Filter Disposal........................................... 403Identification Logo.................................... 402Materials Added To.................................. 403Pressure Warning Light............................ 132Recommendation............................ 401, 459Synthetic.................................................. 403Viscosity.......................................... 402, 459Onboard Diagnostic System.......................... 142Operating Precautions.................................. 142Operator ManualOwner's Manual..................................12, 551Outside Rearview Mirrors................................ 44
Overdrive....................................................... 244Overdrive OFF Switch.................................... 244Overheating, Engine...................................... 379
P
Paint Care..................................................... 447Panic Alarm......................................................15Parking Brake............................................... 231ParkSense System, Rear...................... 296, 301Passive Entry....................................................28Pedals, Adjustable...........................................42Perform Service Indicator, Reset.................. 390Pets............................................................... 209Pickup Box................................................90, 92Pinch Protection...............................................73Placard, Tire And Loading Information.......... 433PowerDistribution Center (Fuses)....................... 358Door Locks...................................................27Mirrors.........................................................44Outlet (Auxiliary Electrical Outlet)..........86, 88Seats...........................................................35Side Steps...................................................27Sliding Rear Window....................................71Steering.......................................................44Sunroof........................................................72Windows......................................................7011

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560 Inflation Pressure
...................................... 436Life Of Tires............................................... 439Load Capacity.................................. 433, 434
Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)... 136, 163
Quality Grading.......................................... 446Radial........................................................ 437Replacement............................................. 439Rotation.................................................... 444Safety.............................................. 429, 435Sizes.......................................................... 430Snow Tires................................................. 440Spare Tires...................................... 441, 442Spinning.................................................... 438Trailer Towing............................................ 331Tread Wear Indicators............................... 438Wheel Nut Torque..................................... 452To Open Hood.................................................. 74Tongue Weight/Trailer Weight....................... 330Tonneau Cover.................................... 100, 448Tonneau Cover Cleaning................................ 448Torque Converter Clutch................................ 245
Towing................................................. 325, 381Disabled Vehicle....................................... 381Guide........................................................ 330Recreational............................................. 339Weight...................................................... 330Towing Behind A Motorhome........................ 339Traction......................................................... 343Traction Control............................................ 153Trailer Sway Control (TSC)............................. 153Trailer Towing............................................... 325Cooling System Tips................................. 336Hitches..................................................... 329Minimum Requirements........................... 330Mirrors......................................................... 46Tips........................................................... 335Trailer And Tongue Weight........................ 330Wiring....................................................... 334Trailer Towing Guide..................................... 330Trailer Weight................................................ 330Transfer Case............................................... 425Electronically Shifted....................... 246, 250Fluid................................................ 463, 466
Transmission................................................. 235Automatic............................... 235, 239, 422Fluid................................................. 463, 466Maintenance............................................ 422Shifting..................................................... 233Transporting Pets.......................................... 209Tread Wear Indicators................................... 438Turn Signals......................... 51, 141, 353, 355
U
UconnectUconnect Settings
.......................... 476, 478,494, 497, 514, 516Uconnect PhoneCall Continuation...................................... 537Uconnect SettingsCustomer Programmable Features... 28, 476, 478, 494, 497, 514, 516Passive Entry Programming............... 28, 476, 494, 514Uconnect Voice Command............................ 541Uniform Tire Quality Grades.......................... 446

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