2020 Ram ProMaster towing capacity

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

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STARTING AND OPERATING117
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 may be required
for any trailer, for example trailers in excess
of 2,000 lbs (907 kg). Trailer brake require -
ments vary by local law, consult local legal
requirements where the trailer is to be towed
for trailer brake requirements.
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.
5

20_VF_OM_EN_US_t.book Page 117

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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251

Cargo Area Cover

..................................... 37
Cargo Compartment
.................................. 37
Cargo Light
............................................ 26
Certification Label
.................................. 112
Change Oil Indicator
.................................. 44
Changing A Flat Tire
........................ 133, 168
Chart, Tire Sizing
.................................... 169
Check Engine Light
(Malfunction Indicator Light)
......................... 55
Checking Your Vehicle For Safety
................... 89
Checks, Safety
........................................ 89
Child Restraint
........................................ 83
Child Restraints
Booster Seats.................................... 86Child Seat Installation.......................... 88Infant And Child Restraints................... 85Older Children And Child Restraints........ 85
Clean Air Gasoline
.................................. 192
Cleaning
Wheels........................................... 183
Climate Control
........................................ 28Manual............................................ 28Rear................................................ 32
Cold Weather Operation
.............................. 92
Compact Spare Tire
................................. 181
Contract, Service
.................................... 247
Cooling Pressure Cap (Radiator Cap)
............. 165

Cooling System
...................................... 163Adding Coolant (Antifreeze)................. 164Coolant Level........................... 163, 165Cooling Capacity............................... 195Disposal Of Used Coolant................... 165Drain, Flush, And Refill....................... 163Inspection....................................... 165Points To Remember......................... 165Pressure Cap................................... 165Radiator Cap................................... 165Selection Of Coolant (Antifreeze).. 164, 195
Corrosion Protection
................................ 187
Cruise Light
............................................53
Cupholders
..................................... 38, 190
Customer Assistance
............................... 246
Customer Programmable Features
................ 199
Cybersecurity
........................................ 198
D

Dealer Service
....................................... 158
Defroster, Windshield
.................................90
Diagnostic System, Onboard
......................... 54
Dimmer Control Switch
............................... 27
Dimmer Switch
Headlight..........................................24
Dipsticks
Automatic Transmission..................... 168Power Steering................................. 103
Disable Vehicle Towing
............................. 149

Disposal
Antifreeze (Engine Coolant)................ 165
Door Ajar
.............................................. 47
Door Ajar Light
........................................ 47
Door Locks
............................................ 14Automatic........................................ 15
Doors
.................................................. 14
Driver’s Seat Back Tilt
............................... 15
Driving
Through Flowing, Rising, Or Shallow
Standing Water
............................... 121
E

Electric Brake Control System
....................... 57
Electric Remote Mirrors
.............................. 22
Electrical Power Outlets
............................. 39
Electronic Speed Control (Cruise Control)
....... 103
Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
................... 57
Electronic Throttle Control Warning Light
.......... 48
Emergency, In Case Of
Freeing Vehicle When Stuck............... 149Jacking...................................133, 168Jump Starting.................................. 145
Emission Control System Maintenance
............ 55
11
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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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