2021 RAM 1500 Owners Manual

STARTING AND OPERATING215
Gross Trailer Weight (GTW)
The GTW is the weight of the trailer plus the
weight of all cargo, consumables 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 Combination Weight Rating (GCWR)
The GCWR is the total allowable weight of your
vehicle and trailer when weighed in
combination.
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
Ú
page 213.
Tongue Weight (TW)
The 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
multiplied 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
telescoping motion to dampen any unwanted
trailer swaying motions while traveling. If equipped, the electronic 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
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 and a weight
distributing (load equalizing) hitch are
WARNING!

If the gross trailer weight is 5,000 lbs (2,267 kg)
or more, it is recommended to use a weight-dis
-
tributing 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 vehi -
cle and have a collision.
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216STARTING AND OPERATING
recommended 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) With Weight-Distributing Hitch (Correct)
Improper Adjustment Of Weight-Distributing Hitch (Incorrect)
Recommended Distribution Hitch Adjustment
Towing With Air Suspension — If Equipped

1. Verify that the vehicle is at the normal ride
height.

NOTE:
The vehicle must remain in the engine run posi -
tion with all doors closed while attaching a
trailer for proper leveling of the air suspension
system.
2. Position the truck to be ready to connect to the trailer (do not connect the trailer).
3. Enable tire jack mode through the instrument cluster or touchscreen radio
settings. Tire jack mode will be canceled
and procedure must be restarted if the
vehicle is driven at speeds above 5mph
(8 km/h).
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.

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STARTING AND OPERATING217
4. Measure the height of the top of the front
wheel opening on the fender to ground; this
is height H1.

Measuring Height (H)

5. Attach the trailer to the vehicle without the weight distribution bars connected. 6. Measure the height of the top of the front
wheel opening on the fender to ground; this
is height H2.
7. Install and adjust the tension in the weight distributing bars per FCA recommendations
so that the height of the front fender is
approximately (H2-H1)/3+H1 (about 1/3
the difference between H2 and H1 above
normal ride height [H1]).
8. Use the instrument cluster or touchscreen radio settings and switch off tire jack mode.
Make sure the truck returns to normal ride
height. Perform a visual inspection of the
trailer and weight distributing hitch to
confirm FCA recommendations have been
met. 9. The truck can now be driven.
NOTE:
For all towing conditions, we recommend towing
with tow haul mode engaged.
Measurement
Example Example Height
(mm)
H1 925
H2 946
H2-H1 21
(H2-H1)/3 7
(H2-H1)/3 + H1 932
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218STARTING AND OPERATING
TRAILER HITCH TYPE AND MAXIMUM TRAILER WEIGHT
The following chart provides the maximum trailer weight a given factory equipped trailer hitch type can tow and should be used to assist you in selecting
the correct trailer hitch for your intended towing condition.
All trailer hitches should be professionally
installed on your vehicle.
Class III Bumper Hitch Access
Remove the cap with a trim stick or screw driver
to access the Class III hitch attachment.
NOTE:
Be careful not to scratch the bumper step pad.

Class III Bumper Hitch Access

TRAILER TOWING WEIGHTS (MAXIMUM
T
RAILER 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 Hitch Type and Maximum Trailer Weight
Hitch Type Max. Trailer Weight / Max. Tongue Weight
Class III Bumper Hitch - 1500 Model 6,000 lbs (2,721 kg) / 500 lbs (226 kg)
Class IV - 1500 Model 12,750 lbs (5,783 kg) / 1,275 lbs (578 kg)
Refer to the “Trailer Towing Weights (Maximum Trailer Weight Ratings)” for the Maximum Gross Trailer Weight (GTW) towable for your given drivetrain.

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TRAILER AND TONGUE WEIGHT

Weight Distribution

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.
TRAILER REVERSE STEERING CONTROL
Trailer Reverse Steering Control (TRSC) is a
feature that will allow the driver to back up a
trailer using a knob located on the center stack.
The feature works by the user first hooking up a
trailer and then performing the calibration
maneuvers.
Calibration:
First bring the vehicle and trailer to a complete
stop in a large open area, place the vehicle in
PARK and push the TRSC button located above
the knob in the center stack.
To calibrate a trailer, the driver must drive
forward 100 ft (30 m). Then perform a 90
degree turn and return to a straight position for
65 ft (20 m). Perform another 90 degree turn,
followed by another 65 ft (20 m) straight drive. Upon completion this the feature will be
available to activate.
NOTE:
The 90 degree turns could be in either the left
or right direction.

Trailer Reverse Steering Control Calibration

CAUTION!
Always observe the position of the trailer and
surroundings using the camera and mirrors to
avoid damage to the truck or trailer.
1 — Straight 100 ft (30 m)
2 — Intersection turn with radius 50-65 ft
(15-20 m) in either direction
3 — Straight 50 ft (15 m)
4 — Intersection turn with radius 50-65 ft
(15-20 m) in either direction
5 — Straight 50 ft (15 m)
6 — Straight 65 ft (20 m), making sure to align ve -
hicle/trailer to path center line
7 — Feature is active, turn knob left or right to
back the trailer up
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220STARTING AND OPERATING
Once calibrated the driver can shift to PARK,
push the button on top of the TRSC knob and
activate the feature. The knob is then turned
either to the left or right depending on what
direction the driver wants the trailer to go.

Trailer Reverse Steering Control Knob

NOTE:
When steering the trailer with the knob, remove
hands from the steering wheel.
There is also a holdover state where if during an
active trailer steering maneuver, the driver
shifts to NEURAL or DRIVE to straighten the
trailer, the driver may shift back to REVERSE
and not need to reactivate the feature. However
the feature will cancel after 10 seconds or when
the vehicle speed reaches 8 mph (12 km/h). Instrument Cluster Messages:
“Drive forward to calibrate trailer” will display
when a trailer is not calibrated and the
vehicle is at standstill while the button is
pushed.
“Calibrating trailer” will display when the
trailer is not calibrated and the vehicle is
moving while the button is pushed.
“To activate trailer steering shift to P” will
display when the trailer is calibrated success
-
fully and the vehicle is not in PARK.
“Trailer Steering ready, shift to reverse” will
display when the button is pushed, trailer is
calibrated and the vehicle is in PARK.
“Trailer steering active” will display after the
driver shifts to REVERSE and indicates the
feature is active.
“Trailer Steering Unavailable” will display if
there is a fault in the system preventing acti -
vation, the driver’s door is open, the driver’s
seat belt is unbuckled, or the tailgate is open. Other reasons the feature may cancel:
The driver overrides steering by placing
hands on the steering wheel.
Trailer tracking is lost.
If the trailer angle becomes excessive, the
brakes apply bringing the vehicle to a stop
and then applying the parking brake.
Trailer steering button is pushed while active.
Vehicle speed goes over 8 mph (12 km/h).
Driver door is open and seat belt is
unbuckled.
Transmission shifted to PARK.
Trailer Memory
The trailer steering system can remember up to
five trailers, so recalibration will not be
necessary.
To store a trailer to memory, calibrate the trailer
and then allow the vehicle to be off for a period
of time. The next time the vehicle is started,
place the vehicle in DRIVE and drive a short
distance. The trailer system can then be
activated.

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(Continued)
NOTE:
Trailers may look different during day and night
conditions. In such cases, the trailer may need
to recalibrate.
Some trailers (such as boat trailers) will need to
recalibrate while loaded and unloaded.
NOTE:
The system may not detect a trailer in low
light conditions. In sunny conditions, the
performance may be degraded as shadows
pass over the trailer.
The driver is always responsible for safe oper -
ation of truck and trailer.
The driver is always in control of the truck as
well as the trailer and is responsible for
controlling the throttle and brakes.
The system may not function when the
camera lens is blocked, blurred (covered with
water, snow, ice, dirt, etc) and will not work
unless the tailgate is upright and fully
latched.
TOWING REQUIREMENTS
To promote proper break-in of your new vehicle
drivetrain components, the following guidelines
are recommended.
Perform the maintenance listed in the
Scheduled Servicing section for the proper
maintenance intervals Ú page 395. 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 colli -
sion.
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.
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222STARTING AND OPERATING
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.
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.
Replacing tires with a higher load carrying
capacity will not increase the vehicle's GVWR
and GAWR limits.
For further information Ú page 443.
Towing Requirements — Trailer Brakes
Do not interconnect the hydraulic brake
system or vacuum system of your vehicle
with that of the trailer.
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).
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)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.
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