2022 RAM 1500 height

STARTING AND OPERATING213
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 Ú page 211.
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 Úpage 211.
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.
The electronic TSC (If equipped) 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.
WARNING!
If the gross trailer weight is 5,000 lb (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 OPERATING215
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 position
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 the procedure must
be restarted if the vehicle is driven at speeds
above 5 mph (8 km/h).
4. Measure the height from 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-distributing bars connected.
6. Measure the height from the top of the front wheel opening on the fender to the ground;
this is height H2.
7. Install and adjust the tension in the weight-distributing bars per the
manufacturer’s 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
the manufacturer’s 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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STARTING AND OPERATING225
TOWING TIPS
Before towing, practice turning, stopping, and
backing up the trailer in an area located away from
heavy traffic.
Automatic Transmission
The DRIVE range can be selected when towing. The
transmission controls include a drive strategy to
avoid frequent shifting when towing. However, if
frequent shifting does occur while in DRIVE, select
TOW/HAUL mode or select a lower gear range
(using the Electronic Range Select (ERS) shift
control).
NOTE:Using TOW/HAUL mode or selecting a lower gear
range (using the ERS shift control) while operating
the vehicle under heavy loading conditions will
improve performance and extend transmission life
by reducing excessive shifting and heat build up.
This action will also provide better engine braking.
Tow/Haul Mode
To reduce potential for automatic transmission
overheating, activate TOW/HAUL mode when
driving in hilly areas, or select a lower gear range
(using the (ERS) shift control) on more severe
grades.
Cruise Control — If Equipped
Do not use on hilly terrain or with heavy loads.
When using the Cruise Control, if you experience
speed drops greater than 10 mph (16 km/h),
disengage until you can get back to cruising
speed.
Use Cruise Control in flat terrain and with light
loads to maximize fuel efficiency.
Air Suspension System
To aid in attaching/detaching the trailer from the
vehicle, the air suspension system can be used
Úpage 165. Selecting Tow/Haul or connecting a
trailer with an Integrated Trailer Brake Module
(ITBM) will disable Automatic Aero mode to avoid
height changes while towing and shifting loads or
tongue weights.
NOTE:The vehicle must remain in the engine running
position while attaching a trailer for proper leveling
of the air suspension system.
SNOWPLOW
Snowplow Prep Packages are available as a factory
installed option. These packages include
components necessary to equip your vehicle with a
snowplow.
NOTE:Before installation of a snowplow it is highly recom -
mended that the owner/installer obtain and follow
the recommendations contained within the current
Body Builder’s Guide. See an authorized dealer,
installer or snowplow manufacturer for this infor -
mation. There are unique electrical systems that
must be connected to properly ensure operator
safety and prevent overloading vehicle systems.
WARNING!
Attaching a snowplow to this vehicle could
adversely affect performance of the airbag
system in a collision. Do not expect that the
airbag will perform as described earlier in this
manual.
CAUTION!
The “Lamp Out” indicator could illuminate if
exterior lamps are not properly installed.
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228STARTING AND OPERATING
(Continued)
RECREATIONAL TOWING — TWO-WHEEL
D
RIVE MODELS
DO NOT flat tow this vehicle. Damage to the
drivetrain will result.
Recreational towing (for two-wheel drive models) is
allowed ONLY if the rear wheels are OFF the
ground. This may be accomplished using a tow
dolly or vehicle trailer. If using a tow dolly, follow
this procedure:
NOTE:If vehicle is equipped with air suspension, ensure
the vehicle is set to Normal Ride Height.

1. Properly secure the dolly to the tow vehicle, following the dolly manufacturer's
instructions.

2. Drive the rear wheels onto the tow dolly.
3. Apply the parking brake. Place the transmission in PARK.
4. Properly secure the rear wheels to the dolly, following the dolly manufacturer's instructions.
5. Turn the ignition OFF.
6. Install a suitable clamping device, designed for towing, to secure the front wheels in the
straight position.
RECREATIONAL TOWING —
F
OUR-WHEEL DRIVE MODELS
NOTE:The transfer case must be shifted into N (Neutral)
for recreational towing. The transmission must be
shifted into PARK for recreational towing. Refer to
the following for the proper transfer case N
(Neutral) shifting procedure for your vehicle.
CAUTION!
Towing with the rear wheels on the ground will
cause severe transmission damage. Damage
from improper towing is not covered under the
New Vehicle Limited Warranty.
CAUTION!
DO NOT dolly tow any 4WD vehicle. Towing
with only one set of wheels on the ground
(front or rear) will cause severe transmission
and/or transfer case damage. Tow with all
four wheels either ON the ground, or OFF the
ground (using a vehicle trailer).
Tow only in the forward direction. Towing this
vehicle backwards can cause severe damage
to the transfer case.
Before recreational towing, the transfer case
must be in N (Neutral). To be certain the
transfer case is fully in N (Neutral), perform
the procedure outlined under “Shifting Into
N (Neutral)”. Internal transmission damage
will result, if the transfer case is not in N
(Neutral) during towing.
The transmission must be in PARK for recre -
ational towing.
Ensure that the Electric Park Brake is
released, and remains released, while being
towed.
Towing this vehicle in violation of the above
requirements can cause severe transmission
and/or transfer case damage. Damage from
improper towing is not covered under the New
Vehicle Limited Warranty.
Do not disconnect the rear driveshaft because
fluid will leak from the transfer case, causing
damage to internal parts.
Do not use a fascia/bumper-mounted
clamp-on tow bar on your vehicle. The fascia/
bumper face bar will be damaged.
CAUTION!

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STARTING AND OPERATING229
Shifting Into N (Neutral)
Use the following procedure to prepare your
vehicle for recreational towing.

1. Bring the vehicle to a complete stop on level
ground, with the engine running. Apply the
parking brake.

2. Press and hold the brake pedal. 3. Shift the transmission to NEUTRAL. The
driver's door must be closed (or the driver's
seat belt buckled) so that the transmission will
remain in NEUTRAL when the brake pedal is
released.
NOTE:If vehicle is equipped with air suspension, ensure
the vehicle is set to Normal Ride Height.
4. Using a ballpoint pen or similar object, push and hold the recessed transfer case N
(Neutral) button (at the center of the transfer
case switches). The N (Neutral) indicator light
will illuminate, and remain lit, when the shift to
N (Neutral) is complete. After the shift is
completed and the N (Neutral) light stays on,
release the N (Neutral) button.
5. Release the parking brake.
6. Shift the transmission into REVERSE.
7. Release the brake pedal for five seconds and ensure that there is no vehicle movement.
8. Repeat steps 6 and 7 with the transmission in DRIVE.
9. Shift the transmission to NEUTRAL. Apply the parking brake. Turn off the engine. For vehicles
with Keyless Enter ‘n Go™, push and hold the
ENGINE START/STOP button until the engine
shuts off. The transmission will automatically
select PARK when the engine is turned off. 10. Turn the ignition off.
11. Attach the vehicle to the tow vehicle using a
suitable tow bar.
12. Turn the ignition to the ON/RUN mode, but do not start the engine.
13. Release the parking brake.
14. Turn the ignition OFF.
NOTE:
Steps 2 and 3 are requirements that must be
met before pushing the N (Neutral) button, and
must continue to be met until the shift has been
completed. If any of these requirements are not
met before pushing the N (Neutral) button or are
no longer met during the shift, the N (Neutral)
indicator light will flash continuously until all
requirements are met or until the N (Neutral)
button is released.
The ignition must be in the ON/RUN mode for a
shift to take place and for the position indicator
lights to be operable. If the ignition is not in the
ON/RUN mode, the shift will not take place and
no position indicator lights will be on or flashing.
A flashing N (Neutral) position indicator light
indicates that shift requirements have not been
met.
WARNING!
You or others could be injured or killed if you
leave the vehicle unattended with the transfer
case in the N (Neutral) position without first fully
engaging the parking brake. The transfer case N
(Neutral) position disengages both the front and
rear driveshafts from the powertrain and will
allow the vehicle to roll, even if the transmission
is in PARK. The parking brake should always be
applied when the driver is not in the vehicle.
CAUTION!
It is necessary to follow these steps to be certain
that the transfer case is fully in N (Neutral)
before recreational towing to prevent damage to
internal parts.
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230STARTING AND OPERATING
If the vehicle is equipped with air suspension,
the engine should be started and left running for
a minimum of 60 seconds (with all the doors
closed) at least once every 24 hours. This
process allows the air suspension to adjust the
vehicle’s ride height to compensate for
temperature effects.
Shifting Out Of N (Neutral)
Use the following procedure to prepare your
vehicle for normal usage:

1. Bring the vehicle to a complete stop, leaving
it connected to the tow vehicle.

2. Press and hold the brake pedal.
3. Start the engine. Apply the parking brake. Shift the transmission into NEUTRAL.
4. Using a ballpoint pen or similar object, push and hold the recessed transfer case N
(Neutral) button (at the center of the transfer
case switches).
5. When the N (Neutral) indicator light turns off, release the N (Neutral) button.
6. Turn the engine off. The transmission will automatically select PARK when the engine is
turned off.
7. Release the brake pedal. 8. Disconnect vehicle from the tow vehicle.
9. Press and hold the brake pedal.
10. Start the engine.
11. Release the parking brake.
12. Shift the transmission into DRIVE, release the
brake pedal, and check that the vehicle
operates normally.NOTE:
Steps 3 and 4 are requirements that must be
met before pushing the button to shift out of
N (Neutral), and must continue to be met until
the shift has been completed. If any of these
requirements are not met before pushing the
button or are no longer met during the shift, the
N (Neutral) indicator light will flash continuously
until all requirements are met or until the button
is released.
The ignition must be in the ON/RUN mode for a
shift to take place and for the position indicator
lights to be operable. If the ignition is not in the
ON/RUN mode, the shift will not take place and
no position indicator lights will be on or flashing.
A flashing N (Neutral) position indicator light
indicates that shift requirements have not been
met.
DRIVING TIPS
DRIVING ON SLIPPERY SURFACES
Acceleration
Rapid acceleration on snow covered, wet, or other
slippery surfaces may cause the driving wheels to
pull erratically to the right or left. This phenomenon
occurs when there is a difference in the surface
traction under the rear (driving) wheels.
WARNING!
Rapid acceleration on slippery surfaces is
dangerous. Unequal traction can cause sudden
pulling of the rear wheels. You could lose control
of the vehicle and possibly have a collision.
Accelerate slowly and carefully whenever there
is likely to be poor traction (ice, snow, wet, mud,
loose sand, etc.).

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MULTIMEDIA239
Display
HUD Brightness This setting will adjust the brightness of the Head Up Display.
HUD Height This setting will adjust the Head Up Display height.
HUD Content This setting will adjust the amount of content displayed on the Head Up
Display. The available options are “Simple”, “Standard”, and “Advanced”.
Audio Repetition This setting will turn the system audio repetition on or off.
More Profile Options This setting will give access to more profile options.
Setting NameDescription
When the Display button is pressed on the touchscreen, the system will display the options related to the theme (if equipped), brightness, and color of the
touchscreen. The available settings are:
NOTE:Depending on the vehicle’s options, feature settings may vary.
Setting NameDescription
Language This setting will change the language of the Uconnect system and Instrument
Cluster Display. The available languages are English, Français, and Español.
Display Mode This setting will allow you to set the brightness manually or have the system
set it automatically. The “Auto” setting has the system automatically adjust
the display brightness. The “Manual” setting will allow the user to adjust the
brightness of the display.
Display Brightness With Headlights ON/Brightness This setting will allow you to set the brightness when the headlights are on. To
access this setting, Display Mode must be set to Manual. The “+” setting will
increase the brightness; the “-” will decrease the brightness.
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MULTIMEDIA253
Suspension/Air Suspension
When the Suspension/Air Suspension button is pressed on the touchscreen, the system will display settings related to the vehicle’s air suspension.
NOTE:Depending on the vehicle’s options, feature settings may vary.
Setting Name Description
Sound Horn With Lower This setting will sound the horn when the Lower button is pressed on the key
fob.
Flash Lights With Lower This setting will flash the lights when the Lower button is pressed on the key
fob.
Display Suspension Messages This setting will display suspension messages in the Instrument Cluster
Display. The “All” setting will display all available messages. The “Warnings
Only” setting will only display warning messages.
Aero Mode This setting will automatically adjust the vehicle ride height depending on the
vehicle speed.
Tire Jack Mode This setting will disable the air suspension system to assist in changing a
spare tire.
Transport Mode This setting will lower the vehicle to Entry/Exit height and then disable the air
suspension system for flat towing.
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