STARTING AND OPERATING165
ACTIVE-LEVEL FOUR CORNER AIR
SUSPENSION SYSTEM — IF EQUIPPED
DESCRIPTION
The air suspension system provides full-time
load-leveling capability along with the benefit of
being able to adjust vehicle height by using the
toggle switch.
Air Suspension Switch
Off-Road 2 (OR2) (Raises the vehicle approxi-
mately 2 inches [51 mm]) – This position is
intended for off-road use only where maximum
ground clearance is required. To enter OR2,
push the height selector switch up twice from
the NRH position or once from the OR1 position
while vehicle speed is below 20 mph (32 km/h).
While in OR2, if the vehicle speed exceeds
25 mph (40 km/h) the vehicle height will be
automatically lowered to OR1. Off-Road 2 may not be available due to vehicle payload, an
instrument cluster message will be displayed
when this occurs Ú
page 114.
Off-Road 1 (OR1) (Raises the vehicle approxi -
mately 1 inch [26 mm]) – This position should
be the primary position for all off-road driving
until Off-Road 2 (OR2) is needed. A smoother
and more comfortable ride will result. To enter
OR1, push the height selector switch up once
from the NRH position while the vehicle speed is
below 35 mph (56 km/h). When in the OR1
position, if the vehicle speed remains between
40 mph (64 km/h) and 50 mph (80 km/h) for
greater than 20 seconds or if the vehicle speed
exceeds 50 mph (80 km/h), the vehicle will be
automatically lowered to NRH. Off-Road 1 may
not be available due to vehicle payload, an
instrument cluster message will be displayed
when this occurs Ú page 114.
Normal Ride Height (NRH) – This is the standard
position of the suspension and is meant for
normal driving.
1 — Off-Road 2 Indicator (Customer Selectable)
2 — Off-Road 1 Indicator (Customer Selectable)
3 — Normal Ride Height Indicator
(Customer Selectable)
4 — Aero Height Indicator (Customer Selectable)
5 — Entry/Exit Height Indicator
(Customer Selectable)
CAUTION!
If the vehicle is in Off-Road 1 or Off-Road 2
setting, be aware of your surroundings, you may
not have the clearance required for certain
areas and vehicle damage may occur.
4
22_DT_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 165
STARTING AND OPERATING169
ACTIVE-LEVEL FOUR CORNER AIR
SUSPENSION SYSTEM (OFF-ROAD GROUP) —
IF EQUIPPED
DESCRIPTION
The air suspension system provides full-time
load-leveling capability along with the benefit of
being able to adjust vehicle height by using the
toggle switch.
Rebel Air Suspension Controls
Off-Road (OR) (Raises the vehicle approximately
1 inch [26 mm]) – This position is intended for
off-roading use only where maximum ground
clearance is required. To enter OR, push the
height selector switch up once from the NRH
position while vehicle speed is below 20 mph
(32 km/h). While in OR, if the vehicle speed
exceeds 25 mph (40 km/h) the vehicle height will be automatically lowered to NRH. Off-Road
may not be available due to vehicle payload, an
instrument cluster display message will be
shown when this occurs Ú
page 114.
Normal Ride Height (NRH) – This is the standard
position of the suspension and is meant for
normal driving.
Aero Height (Lowers the vehicle approximately
0.6 inches [15 mm]) – This position provides
improved aerodynamics by lowering the vehicle.
The vehicle will automatically enter Automatic
Aero Mode when the vehicle speed remains
between 62 mph (100 km/h) and 66 mph
(106 km/h) for greater than 20 seconds or if the
vehicle speed exceeds 66 mph (106 km/h). The
vehicle will return to NRH from Aero Mode if the
vehicle speed remains between 30 mph
(48 km/h) and 35 mph (56 km/h) for greater
than 20 seconds or if the vehicle speed falls
below 30 mph (48 km/h).
1 — Off-Road Indicator (Customer Selectable)
2 — Normal Ride Height Indicator
(Customer Selectable)
3 — Aero Height Indicator (Customer Selectable)
4 — Entry/Exit Height Indicator
(Customer Selectable)
CAUTION!
If the vehicle is in Off-Road setting, be aware of
your surroundings, you may not have the
clearance required for certain areas and vehicle
damage may occur.
4
22_DT_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 169
226STARTING AND OPERATING
BEFORE PLOWING
Check the hydraulic system for leaks and proper
fluid level.
Check the mounting bolts and nuts for proper
tightness.
Check the runners and cutting edge for exces -
sive wear. The cutting edge should be ¼ to
½ inches (6 cm to 1.2 cm) above ground in
snow plowing position.
Check that snowplow lighting is connected and
functioning properly.
SNOWPLOW PREP PACKAGE MODEL
A
VAILABILITY
For Information about snowplow applications visit
www.ramtrucks.com or refer to the current Body
Builder’s Guide.
1. The maximum number of occupants in the
truck should not exceed two.
2. The total GVWR, Front GAWR or the Rear GAWR should never be exceeded.
3. Cargo capacity will be reduced by the addition of options or passengers, etc.
The loaded vehicle weight, including the snowplow
system, all aftermarket accessories, driver,
passengers, options, and cargo, must not exceed
either the Gross Vehicle Weight (GVWR) or Gross Axle Weight (GAWR) ratings. These weights
are specified on the Safety Compliance
Certification Label on the driver's side door
opening.
NOTE:Detach the snowplow when transporting
passengers.
Vehicle front end wheel alignment was set to
specifications at the factory without consideration
for the weight of the plow. Front end toe-in should
be checked and reset if necessary at the beginning
and end of the snowplow season. This will help
prevent uneven tire wear.
The blade should be lowered whenever the vehicle
is parked.
Maintain and operate your vehicle and snowplow
equipment following the recommendations
provided by the specific snowplow manufacturer.
OVER THE ROAD OPERATION WITH
S
NOWPLOW ATTACHED
The blade restricts air flow to the radiator and
causes the engine to operate at higher than
normal temperatures. Therefore, when
transporting the plow, angle the blade completely
and position it as low as road or surface conditions
permit. Do not exceed 40 mph (64 km/h). The
operator should always maintain a safe stopping
distance and allow adequate passing clearance.
OPERATING TIPS
Under ideal snow plowing conditions, 20 mph
(32 km/h) should be maximum operating speed.
The operator should be familiar with the area and
surface to be cleaned. Reduce speed and use
extreme caution when plowing unfamiliar areas or
under poor visibility.
GENERAL MAINTENANCE
Snowplows should be maintained in accordance
with the plow manufacturer's instructions.
Keep all snowplow electrical connections and
battery terminals clean and free of corrosion.
When plowing snow, to avoid transmission and
drivetrain damage, the following precautions
should be observed:
Operate with transfer case in 4WD LOW when
plowing small or congested areas where speeds
are not likely to exceed 15 mph (24 km/h).
At higher speeds operate in 4WD HIGH.
Vehicles with automatic transmissions should
use 4WD LOW when plowing deep or heavy
snow for extended periods of time to avoid
transmission overheating.
Do not shift the transmission unless the engine
has returned to idle and wheels have stopped.
Make a practice of stepping on the brake pedal
while shifting the transmission.
22_DT_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 226
IN CASE OF EMERGENCY379
(Continued)
4. Rotate the lug wrench handle counter-
clockwise until the spare tire is on the ground
with enough cable slack to allow you to pull it
out from under the vehicle.
Rotating The Lug Wrench Handle
5. Pull the spare tire out from under the vehicle to gain access to the spare tire retainer.
Pulling The Spare Tire Out
6. Lift the spare tire with one hand to give
clearance to tilt the retainer at the end of the
cable.
7. Pull the retainer through the center of the wheel.
Disengaging The Retainer
JACKING INSTRUCTIONS
WARNING!
Carefully follow these tire changing warnings to
help prevent personal injury or damage to your
vehicle:
Always park on a firm, level surface as far from
the edge of the roadway as possible before
raising the vehicle.
Turn on the Hazard Warning Flashers.
Apply the parking brake firmly and set the
transmission in PARK.
Block the wheel diagonally opposite the wheel
to be raised.
Never start or run the engine with the vehicle
on a jack.
Do not let anyone sit in the vehicle when it is
on a jack.
Do not get under the vehicle when it is on a
jack. If you need to get under a raised vehicle,
take it to a service center where it can be
raised on a lift.
Only use the jack in the positions indicated
and for lifting this vehicle during a tire change.
If working on or near a roadway, be extremely
careful of motor traffic.
To assure that spare tires, flat or inflated, are
securely stowed, spares must be stowed with
the valve stem facing the ground.
WARNING!
7
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382IN CASE OF EMERGENCY
7. Lower the vehicle to the ground and finish tightening the lug nuts. Push down on the
wrench handle for increased leverage. Tighten
the lug nuts in a star pattern until each lug nut
has been tightened twice Ú page 466. If in
doubt about the correct tightness, have them
checked with a torque wrench by an
authorized dealer or at a service station.
8. If your vehicle is equipped with a wheel center cap, install the cap and remove the wheel
blocks. Do not install chrome or aluminum
wheel center caps on the spare wheel. This
may result in cap damage.
9. Lower the jack to its fully closed position. Stow the replaced tire, and secure the jack and tools
in the proper location.
10. Adjust the tire pressure when possible.
TO STOW THE FLAT OR SPARE
1. Lift the spare tire with one hand to give clearance to tilt the retainer at the end of the
cable.
2. Position the wheel behind the rear fascia/ bumper facing outward. Push the end of the
winch’s cable, spring and steel sleeve through
the back of the road wheel. Making sure the
valve stem is facing the ground when the
wheel is stowed.
Reinstalling The Retainer
3. Remove the extension with the hook and
reattach the short extension 5. Attach the lug
wrench to the extension tubes with the curved
angle facing away from the vehicle
Úpage 376. Insert the extension tubes
through the access hole between the lower
tailgate and the top of the fascia/bumper and
into the winch mechanism tube.
Reinstalling The Flat Or Spare Tire
WARNING!
A loose tire or jack thrown forward in a collision
or hard stop, could endanger the occupants of
the vehicle. Always stow the jack parts and the
spare tire in the places provided.
CAUTION!
The winch mechanism is designed for use with
the jack extension tube only. Use of an air
wrench or other power tools is not
recommended and can damage the winch.
22_DT_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 382
SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE455
TIRE TYPES
All Season Tires — If Equipped
All Season tires provide traction for all seasons
(Spring, Summer, Autumn, and Winter). Traction
levels may vary between different all season tires.
All season tires can be identified by the M+S, M&S,
M/S or MS designation on the tire sidewall. Use all
season tires only in sets of four; failure to do so
may adversely affect the safety and handling of
your vehicle.
Summer Or Three Season Tires — If
Equipped
Summer tires provide traction in both wet and dry
conditions, and are not intended to be driven in
snow or on ice. If your vehicle is equipped with
Summer tires, be aware these tires are not
designed for Winter or cold driving conditions.
Install Winter tires on your vehicle when ambient
temperatures are less than 40°F (5°C) or if roads
are covered with ice or snow. For more
information, contact an authorized dealer. Summer tires do not contain the all season
designation or mountain/snowflake symbol on the
tire sidewall. Use Summer tires only in sets of four;
failure to do so may adversely affect the safety and
handling of your vehicle.
Snow Tires
Some areas of the country require the use of snow
tires during the Winter. Snow tires can be identified
by a “mountain/snowflake” symbol on the tire
sidewall.
If you need snow tires, select tires
equivalent in size and type to the
original equipment tires. Use snow tires
only in sets of four; failure to do so may
adversely affect the safety and handling of your
vehicle.
Snow tires generally have lower speed ratings than
what was originally equipped with your vehicle and
should not be operated at sustained speeds over
75 mph (120 km/h). For speeds above 75 mph
(120 km/h) refer to original equipment or an authorized tire dealer for recommended safe
operating speeds, loading and cold tire inflation
pressures.
While studded tires improve performance on ice,
skid and traction capability on wet or dry surfaces
may be poorer than that of non-studded tires.
Some states prohibit studded tires; therefore, local
laws should be checked before using these tire
types.
SPARE TIRES — IF EQUIPPED
NOTE:For vehicles equipped with Tire Service Kit instead
of a spare tire, please refer to “Tire Service Kit” in
“In Case Of Emergency” for further information.
For restrictions when towing with a spare tire
designated for temporary emergency use
Ú
page 220.
CAUTION!
Replacing original tires with tires of a different
size may result in false speedometer and
odometer readings.
WARNING!
Do not use Summer tires in snow/ice conditions.
You could lose vehicle control, resulting in
severe injury or death. Driving too fast for
conditions also creates the possibility of loss of
vehicle control.
CAUTION!
Because of the reduced ground clearance, do
not take your vehicle through an automatic car
wash with a compact or limited use temporary
spare installed. Damage to the vehicle may
result.
8
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