2020 Ram ProMaster weight

STARTING AND OPERATING113
The best way to figure out the total weight of
your vehicle is to weigh it when it is fully loaded
and ready for operation. Weigh it on a commer -
cial scale to ensure that it is not over the GVWR.
Figure out the weight on the front and rear axle
of the vehicle separately. It is important that you
distribute the load evenly over the front and rear
axles.
Overloading can cause potential safety hazards
and shorten useful service life. Heavier axles or
suspension components do not necessarily
increase the vehicle's GVWR.
Loading
To load your vehicle properly, first figure out its
empty weight, axle-by-axle and side-by-side.
Store heavier items down low and be sure you
distribute their weight as evenly as possible.
Stow all loose items securely before driving. If
weighing the loaded vehicle shows that you
have exceeded either Gross Axle Weight Rating
(GAWR), but the total load is within the specified
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR), you must
redistribute the weight. Improper weight distri -
bution can have an adverse effect on the way
your vehicle steers and handles and the way the
brakes operate. NOTE:
Refer to the “Vehicle Certification Label” affixed
to the rear of the driver's door for your vehicle's
GVWR and GAWRs.
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 Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (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 Combination Weight Rating (GCWR)
The Gross Combination Weight Rating (GCWR)
is the total allowable weight of your vehicle and
trailer when weighed in combination.
Gross Trailer Weight (GTW)
The Gross Trailer Weight (GTW) is the weight of
the trailer plus the weight of all cargo, consum
-
ables and equipment (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 Axle Weight Rating (GAWR)
The Gross Axle Weight Rating (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.
5

20_VF_OM_EN_US_t.book Page 113

114STARTING AND OPERATING
Tongue Weight (TW)
The Tongue Weight (TW) 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 (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 telescoping 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 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
Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) requirements.
Trailer Hitch Classification
The following chart provides the industry stan -
dard for the maximum trailer weight a given
trailer hitch class can tow and should be used to
assist you in selecting the correct trailer hitch
for your intended towing condition.
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.
WARNING!
An improperly adjusted Weight Distributing
Hitch system may reduce handling,
stability, 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.

20_VF_OM_EN_US_t.book Page 114

STARTING AND OPERATING115
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
Never exceed the maximum tongue weight
stamped on your bumper or trailer hitch.
Weight Distribution
Trailer Hitch Classification Definitions
Class Max. Trailer Hitch Industry Standards
Class I - Light Duty 2,000 lbs (907 kg)
Class II - Medium Duty 3,500 lbs (1,587 kg)
Class III - Heavy Duty 5,000 lbs (2,267 kg)
Class IV - Extra Heavy Duty 10,000 lbs (4,535 kg)
Refer to the “Trailer Towing Weights (Maximum Trailer Weight Ratings)” chart for the Maximum Gross Trailer Weight (GTW) towable for your given
drivetrain.
All trailer hitches should be professionally installed on your vehicle.
CAUTION!
Always load a trailer with 60% of the weight in
the front of the trailer. This places 10% of the
GTW on the tow hitch of your vehicle. Loads
balanced over the wheels or heavier in the
rear can cause the trailer to sway severely
side to side which will cause loss of control of
the vehicle and trailer. Failure to load trailers
heavier in front is the cause of many trailer
collisions.
5

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116STARTING AND OPERATING
(Continued)
(Continued)
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 collision.

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.

CAUTION!
(Continued)

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.
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_VF_OM_EN_US_t.book Page 116

SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE173
Tire Loading And Tire Pressure
NOTE:
The proper cold tire inflation pressure is listed
on the driver’s side B-Pillar or the rear edge of
the driver's side door.
Check the inflation pressure of each tire,
including the spare tire (if equipped), at least
monthly and inflate to the recommended pres -
sure for your vehicle.
Example Tire Placard Location (Door) Example Tire Placard Location (B-Pillar)
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.
7

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174SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
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 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.)
(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).

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252

Engine

................................................ 156Air Cleaner...................................... 159Block Heater..................................... 93Break-In Recommendations.................. 93Compartment.................................. 156Compartment Identification................ 156Coolant (Antifreeze)................... 163, 195Cooling........................................... 163Exhaust Gas Caution................... 89, 194Fails To Start..................................... 92Flooded, Starting................................ 92Fuel Requirements................... 192, 195Jump Starting.................................. 145Oil......................................... 158, 195Oil Filler Cap.................................... 156Oil Filter......................................... 159Oil Selection............................ 158, 195Oil Synthetic.................................... 159Overheating.................................... 147Starting............................................ 92
Engine Oil Viscosity
................................. 159
Engine Oil Viscosity Chart
.......................... 159
Enhanced Accident Response Feature
........... 151
Entry System, Illuminated
............................ 27
Ethanol
............................................... 193
Exhaust Gas Cautions
........................ 89, 194
Exhaust System
............................... 89, 162
Exterior Lights
................................... 23, 91
F

Filters
Air Cleaner
...................................... 159Air Conditioning.......................... 34, 160Engine Oil............................... 159, 195Engine Oil Disposal........................... 159
Flashers
Hazard Warning................................ 123Turn Signals................................ 53, 91
Flat Tire Changing
........................... 168, 181
Flat Tire Stowage
............................ 168, 181
Flooded Engine Starting
.............................. 92
Fluid Capacities
.....................................195
Fluid Leaks
............................................. 91
Fluid Level Checks
Automatic Transmission..................... 168Brake............................................. 166Cooling System................................ 163Power Steering................................. 103
Fluids And Lubricants
............................... 195
Fog Lights
.............................................. 25
Fold-Flat Seats
........................................ 15
Four-Way Hazard Flasher
........................... 123
Freeing A Stuck Vehicle
............................ 149

Fuel
.................................................. 192Additives........................................ 193Clean Air........................................ 192Ethanol.......................................... 193Filler Cap (Gas Cap).......................... 111Gasoline........................................ 192Materials Added.............................. 193Methanol....................................... 193Octane Rating..........................192, 195Requirements..........................192, 195Tank Capacity................................. 195
Fuses
................................................ 128
G

Gas Cap (Fuel Filler Cap)
.......................... 111
Gasoline, Clean Air
................................. 192
Gasoline, Reformulated
........................... 192
Gear Ranges
.......................................... 97
Gear Selector Override
............................. 148
Glass Cleaning
...................................... 190
Gross Axle Weight Rating
...................112, 113
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating
...............112, 113
Guide
Body Builders...................................... 8
GVWR
................................................ 112
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256

Sentry Key (Immobilizer)

............................. 12
Service Assistance
.................................. 246
Service Contract
.................................... 247
Service Manuals
.................................... 249
Settings
Personal......................................... 199
Shift Lever Override
................................. 148
Shoulder Belts
......................................... 67
Signals, Turn
.................................... 53, 91
Snow Chains (Tire Chains)
......................... 184
Snow Tires
........................................... 181
Spare Tires
.......................... 181, 182, 183
Spark Plugs
.......................................... 195
Speed Control (Cruise Control)
.................... 103
Starting
................................................ 92Automatic Transmission....................... 92Button............................................. 11Cold Weather..................................... 92Engine Fails To Start............................ 92
Steering
................................................ 21Column Lock..................................... 21Power.................................... 102, 103
Steering Wheel Audio Controls
.................... 238
Storage, Vehicle
............................... 33, 186
Storing Your Vehicle
................................ 186
Supplemental Restraint System – Air Bag
......... 74
Sway Control, Trailer
.................................. 61
Synthetic Engine Oil
................................ 159
T

Telescoping Steering Column
........................ 21
Tire And Loading Information Placard
............. 173
Tire Markings
........................................ 168
Tire Safety Information
............................. 168
Tire Service Kit
...... 139, 140, 142, 143, 144
Tires
............................ 91, 176, 181, 185Aging (Life Of Tires)........................... 179Air Pressure.....................................176Chains........................................... 184Changing................................ 133, 168Compact Spare................................ 181General Information.................. 176, 181High Speed.....................................177Inflation Pressure............................. 177Jacking................................... 133, 168Life Of Tires.....................................179Load Capacity.......................... 173, 174Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS).. 50, 61Quality Grading................................ 185Radial............................................ 178Replacement................................... 179Rotation......................................... 185Safety.................................... 168, 176
Sizes............................................. 169Snow Tires..................................... 181Spare Tires...................... 181, 182, 183Spinning........................................ 178Trailer Towing.................................. 117Tread Wear Indicators....................... 179Wheel Nut Torque............................ 191
To Open Hood
......................................... 36
Tongue Weight/Trailer Weight
.................... 115
Torque Converter Clutch
........................... 102
Towing
........................................113, 149Disabled Vehicle.............................. 149Guide............................................ 115Recreational................................... 120Weight........................................... 115
Towing Behind A Motorhome
...................... 120
Traction
.............................................. 121
Traction Control
...................................... 60
Trailer Sway Control (TSC)
........................... 61
Trailer Towing
....................................... 113Cooling System Tips.......................... 119Hitches.......................................... 114Minimum Requirements.................... 116Tips.............................................. 118Trailer And Tongue Weight.................. 115Wiring........................................... 118
Trailer Towing Guide
............................... 115
Trailer Weight
....................................... 115
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