262STARTING AND OPERATING
NOTE:
For the 3500, 4500, and 5500 Chassis Cab
vehicles, the Rear Backup Camera is shipped
loose and not installed. Please refer to the
Ram Body Builder’s Guide for more informa -
tion.
The Surround View Camera System has
programmable settings that may be selected
through the Uconnect System. Refer to
“Uconnect Settings” in “Multimedia” for
further information.
When the vehicle is shifted into REVERSE, the
rear camera view and top view is the default
view of the system (Automatic Activation).
When the vehicle is shifted out of REVERSE
(with camera delay turned on), the camera
image will continue to be displayed for up to 10
seconds after shifting out of REVERSE unless
the vehicle speed exceeds 8 mph (13 km/h),
the vehicle is shifted into PARK or the ignition is
placed in the OFF position. There is a touch -
screen button “X” to disable the display of the
camera image.
When the vehicle is shifted out of REVERSE
(with camera delay turned off), the surround
view camera mode is exited and the last known
screen appears again. Modes Of Operation
Standard Backup Camera view can be manually
activated by selecting “Backup Camera”
through the Controls menu within the Uconnect
screen.
Refer to “Parkview Rear Back Up Camera” in
this chapter for more information on activation
conditions.
Top View
The Top view will show in the Uconnect System
with Rear view and Front view in a split view
display. There are integrated ParkSense arcs in
the image at the front and rear of the vehicle.
The arcs will change color from yellow to red
corresponding the distance zones to the
oncoming object.
The fifth button of the ParkSense Camera View
screen will be changed based on the features
present in the vehicle. If not equipped with a
Cargo Camera or Trailer Reverse Guidance, the
Backup Camera soft button will be displayed. If
equipped with a Cargo Camera but no Trailer
Reverse Guidance, the Cargo Camera soft
button will be displayed, and if equipped with
both a Cargo Camera and Trailer Reverse Guid
-
ance, the Cargo/Trailer Reverse Guidance soft
button will be displayed.
ParkSense Camera View
NOTE:
Front tires will be in image when the tires are
turned.
Due to wide angle cameras in mirror, the
image will appear distorted.
Top view will show which doors are open.
Open front doors will remove outside image.
Rear View This is the Default view of the system
in REVERSE and is always paired with
the Top view of the vehicle with
optional active guide lines for the
projected path when enabled.
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STARTING AND OPERATING263
Rear Cross Path View
Pressing the Rear Cross Path soft
key will give the driver a wider
angle view of the rear came ra
syste m. The Top view will be
dis abled when this is selec te d.
Front View
The Front view will show you what is
immediately in front of the vehicle
and is always paired with the Top view
of the vehicle.
Front Cross Path View Pressing the Fro nt Cro ss Path soft
key will give the driver a wider
angle view of the front cam era
syste m. The Top view will be
dis abled when this is selec te d.
Rear View Camera
Pressing the Backup Camera soft key
will provide a full screen rear view with
Zoom View. NOTE:
If the Backup Camera view was selected
through the Surround View screen, exiting out of
the Rear View Camera screen will return to the
Surround View screen. If the Backup Camera
was manually activated through the Controls
menu of the Uconnect display, exiting out of the
display screen will return to the Controls menu.
Cargo Camera
Pressing the Cargo Camera soft key
will provide a full screen view of the
cargo area.
NOTE:
If the Cargo Camera view was selected through
the Surround View screen, exiting out of the
Cargo Camera screen will return to the
Surround View screen. If the Cargo Camera was
manually activated through the Controls menu
of the Uconnect display, exiting out of the
display screen will return to the Controls menu.
Trailer Reverse Guidance Pressing the Trailer Reverse Guid -
ance soft key will provide a full screen
view of the cargo area and trailer. Pressing the Left & Right Tow Mirror
Split Screen View button within the
Trailer Reverse Guidance screen will
display a split screen to allow the
driver to see both sides of the trailer at the
same time. This view allows the driver to pan
left/right to better frame the trailer in the image.
NOTE:
Trailer Reverse Guidance can only be selected
through the Surround View screen; exiting out of
the Trailer Reverse Guidance screen will return
to the Surround View screen.
Zoom View
When the Rear View Camera image is
being displayed, and the vehicle
speed is below 8 mph (13 km/h)
while in any gear selector position,
Zoom View is available. By pressing the “magni -
fying glass” icon in the upper left of the display
screen, the image will zoom in to four times the
standard view. Pressing the icon a second time
will return the view to the standard Backup
Camera display.
5
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266STARTING AND OPERATING
Trailer Reverse Guidance — If Equipped
The Trailer Reverse Guidance feature assists
the driver in backing up a trailer by providing
adjustable camera views of the trailer and
surrounding area. The cameras are mounted on
the side mirrors and the images will be
displayed side-by-side on the touchscreen. Left
and right camera images are swapped and
mirrored on the touchscreen to show the equiv -
alent area behind the vehicle as though the
driver is using the side mirrors.
Activation
The Trailer Reverse Guidance feature can be
activated by pressing the Trailer Reverse Guid -
ance button on the Backup/Cargo Camera
Display.
Deactivation
When the vehicle is shifted out of REVERSE
(with camera delay turned on), the camera
image will continue to be displayed for up to
10 seconds after shifting out of REVERSE
unless the vehicle speed exceeds 8 mph
(13 km/h), the vehicle is shifted into PARK or
the ignition is placed in the OFF position. There
is a touch screen button “X” to disable the
display of the camera image. If Trailer Reverse Guidance is selected through
manually activated Surround View, Backup
Camera, or Cargo Camera, the below deactiva
-
tion conditions are applied:
The “X” button on the display is pressed
The vehicle is shifted into PARK
The ignition is placed in the OFF position
The vehicle speed is over 8 mph (13 km/h)
for 10 seconds
NOTE:
If the vehicle is not equipped with a Pickup Box:
The bottom wedge of the Top view will be
displayed in black.
The Rear Cross Path soft button will be
greyed out.
The guide lines will not be overlaid on Top
view/Rear view and Full Screen of Backup
Camera view.
Black video will be displayed for the right side
of the Top and Rear view, and full screen of
the Backup Camera view when the Rear View
Camera is not connected.
WARNING!
Drivers must be careful when backing up
even when using the Surround View Camera.
Always check carefully behind your vehicle,
and be sure to check for pedestrians,
animals, other vehicles, obstructions, or blind
spots before backing up. You are responsible
for the safety of your surroundings and must
continue to pay attention while backing up.
Failure to do so can result in serious injury or
death.
CAUTION!
To avoid vehicle damage, Surround View
should only be used as a parking aid. The
Surround View camera is unable to view
every obstacle or object in your drive path.
To avoid vehicle damage, the vehicle must
be driven slowly when using Surround View
to be able to stop in time when an obstacle
is seen. It is recommended that the driver
look frequently over his/her shoulder when
using Surround View.
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STARTING AND OPERATING267
AUX Camera — If Equipped
Your vehicle may be equipped with one or two
AUX Cameras, which display a rearview image
from the trailer on the touchscreen.
Activation
The AUX Camera is activated by first pressing
the Backup Camera, Cargo Camera (if
equipped), or Surround View Camera (if
equipped) button on the touchscreen, followed
by the AUX button located in the upper left
corner of the rearview display. The AUX camera
can also be activated when the vehicle is in
REVERSE by pressing the AUX button.
If equipped with two AUX Cameras, you can
switch between each camera by then pressing
the AUX1 or AUX2 buttons on the Trailer Camera
display.
AUX1 Camera Button
AUX2 Camera Button Deactivation
The AUX Camera is deactivated by pressing the
“X” in the upper right corner of the touchscreen.
This will return the display back to the previ
-
ously displayed screen.
NOTE:
If the AUX button is pressed and no AUX
Camera is connected, the touchscreen will
display a blue screen along with the message
“Camera System Unavailable.” The screen
can be exited out by pressing the “X” in the
upper right hand corner. This will return the
display back to the previously displayed
screen.
Zoom View is not available with the AUX
Camera feature.
The display will always default to the Trailer
Camera display (AUX 1).
ENGINE RUNAWAY
Diesel engine runaway is a rare condition
affecting diesel engines, where the engine
consumes its own lubrication oil and runs at
higher and higher RPM until it overspeeds to a
point where it destroys itself due to either
mechanical failure or engine seizure through
lack of lubrication.
WARNING!
In case of engine runaway due to flammable
fumes from fuel spills or turbocharger oil
leaks being sucked into the engine, do the
following to help avoid personal injury and/or
vehicle damage:
Turn the ignition switch to the OFF position.
Using a CO2 or dry chemical type fire extin -
guisher, direct the spray from the fire extin -
guisher into the grille on the passenger side
so that the spray enters the engine air
intake.
The inlet for the engine air intake is located
behind the passenger side headlamp and
receives air through the grille.
5
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274STARTING AND OPERATING
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.
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.
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.
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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STARTING AND OPERATING275
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 (TSC)
The TSC 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 tele -
scoping motion to dampen any unwanted trailer
swaying motions while traveling.
If equipped, the electronic TSC recognizes a
swaying trailer and automatically applies indi -
vidual 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
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.
Without Weight-Distributing Hitch (Incorrect)
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.
5
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276STARTING AND OPERATING
With Weight-Distributing Hitch (Correct)
Improper Adjustment Of Weight-Distributing Hitch (Incorrect)
Recommended Distribution Hitch Adjustment
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.
Measuring Height (H)
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]).
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STARTING AND OPERATING277
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.
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.
Measurement Example Example 2500/
3500 Height (mm)
H1 1,030
H2 1,058
H2-H1 28
(H2-H1)/2 14
(H2-H1)/2 + H1 1,044
5
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