2023 RAM 1500 Owners Manual

STARTING AND OPERATING175
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
4

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176STARTING 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 screwdriver 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
(M
AXIMUM TRAILER WEIGHT RATINGS)
NOTE:For trailer towing information (maximum trailer weight
ratings) refer to the following website addresses:
 ramtrucks.com/towing/towing-guide
 ramtruck.ca (Canada)
 rambodybuilder.com
TRAILER AND TONGUE WEIGHT

Weight Distribution

Trailer Hitch Type and Maximum Trailer Weight
Hitch Type Max. Trailer Weight / Max. Tongue Weight
Class III Bumper Hitch - 1500 Model 5,000 lb (2,267 kg) / 500 lb (226 kg)
Class IV - 1500 Model 12,750 lb (5,783 kg) / 1,275 lb (578 kg)
Refer to the “Trailer Towing Weights (Maximum Trailer Weight Ratings)” for the Maximum Gross Trailer Weight (GTW) towable for your given drivetrain.

23_DT_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 176

STARTING AND OPERATING177
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
C
ONTROL — IF EQUIPPED
Feature Overview
Trailer Reverse Steering Control (TRSC) is a feature that
will assist the driver when backing up a trailer. By turning
the knob located on the center stack, you can more
accurately control the direction the trailer will go. The driver controls the accelerator and the brake while
steering with the use of the Trailer Reverse Steering
Control knob. The trailer is steered according to the
direction the knob is turned.
This feature will also allow the driver to back up a vehicle
and trailer in a straight line when the knob is rested in its
center position.
Minimal setup is required to use this feature.
Set Up:
To use the system, hitch your trailer to the truck and
ensure all electrical wiring is connected
Úpage 182.
The system will automatically calibrate an attached trailer
during normal forward driving with no additional action
needed from the driver. If the vehicle has not had enough
time to automatically calibrate after connecting a trailer,
you will see a “Calibrate Trailer” message in the
instrument cluster when pressing the TRSC button to
activate the system. If this is the case, perform the
following maneuver to calibrate the trailer:
Drive forward at least 100 ft (30 m), perform a 90 degree
turn and return to a straight position for at least another
100 ft (30 m). Perform another 90 degree turn, followed
by another straight drive of at least 100 ft (30 m). Check
that the system has calibrated by pushing the TRSC
button.
NOTE:The 90 degree turns could be in either the left or right
direction.

Trailer Reverse Steering Control Calibration

1 — Straight 100 ft (30 m) 2 — Intersection turn with radius 50-65 ft (15-20 m) in
either direction
3 — Straight 100 ft (30 m)4 — Intersection turn with radius 50-65 ft (15-20 m) in
either direction
5 — Straight 100 ft (30 m)6 — Straight 100 ft (30 m), making sure to align vehicle/trailer to path center line
7 — Feature is active, turn knob left or right to back the
trailer up
4

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178STARTING AND OPERATING
Using TRSC

Trailer Reverse Steering Control Knob

To use the system, place the gear selector in PARK and put
your foot on the brake. Push the activation button located
above the TRSC knob in the center stack. The LED on the
button will glow solid and the instrument cluster display
will direct you to shift to REVERSE. Once in REVERSE the
system is active. Remove hands from the steering wheel
and slowly back up while turning the TRSC knob in the
direction you want the trailer to go. Turning the knob
clockwise will cause the trailer to turn right. Turning the
knob counterclockwise will cause the trailer to turn left.
If you release the knob, it will return to its center position,
and the trailer will back up in a straight line. Continue to control the accelerator and brake while
backing the trailer up.
NOTE:While active, TRSC will automatically disable the Rear Park
Assist system if it was previously enabled.
The system will limit the top speed your vehicle can travel
in REVERSE while using the feature. If needed, you can
shift to DRIVE or NEUTRAL to pull forward to get more
room or straighten out the trailer, and shift back to
REVERSE without the need to reactivate the feature.
The feature will cancel after 30 seconds in DRIVE or when
the vehicle speed reaches 8 mph (12 km/h).
To cancel out of the feature, come to a stop and shift to
PARK, or push the TRSC activation button.
Instrument Cluster Messages:

“Calibrate Trailer ” will display when a trailer is not
calibrated and the vehicle is at a 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 successfully, the TRSC
activation button is pushed 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 activation, 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 will automatically retain the
calibration of the previous five trailers connected, so
recalibration will not be necessary when hooking up.
The next time the vehicle is started, place the vehicle in
DRIVE and drive a short distance. The TRSC system can
then be activated.
NOTE:Trailers may look different during day and night condi -
tions. In such cases, the trailer may need to recalibrate.
CAUTION!
Always observe the position of the trailer and
surroundings using the camera and mirrors to avoid
damage to the truck or trailer.

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STARTING AND OPERATING179
(Continued)
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 condi -
tions. In sunny conditions, the performance may be
degraded as shadows pass over the trailer.
 The driver is always responsible for safe operation 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
Úpage 333. When towing a trailer, never exceed the
GAWR or GCWR ratings.
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
Úpage 370.
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 over -
load your vehicle or trailer. Overloading can cause a
loss of control, poor performance or damage to
brakes, axle, engine, transmission, steering, suspen -
sion, 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.
 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!
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180STARTING AND OPERATING
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 actu -
ated 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 lb (453 kg) and required for trailers in excess of
2,000 lb (907 kg).
Integrated Trailer Brake Module (ITBM) —
If Equipped
Your vehicle may have an ITBM for electric and Electric
Over Hydraulic (EOH) trailer brakes.
NOTE:This module has been designed and verified with electric
trailer brakes and new EOH systems. Some previous EOH
systems may not be compatible with ITBM.

Integrated Trailer Brake Module (ITBM)

The user interface consists of the following:
GAIN Adjustment Buttons (+/-)
Pushing these buttons will adjust the brake control power
output to the trailer brakes in 0.5 increments. The GAIN
setting can be increased to a maximum of 10 or
decreased to a minimum of 0 (no trailer braking).
GAIN
The GAIN setting is used to set the trailer brake control for
the specific towing condition and should be changed as
towing conditions change. Changes to towing conditions
include trailer load, vehicle load, road conditions and
weather.
Manual Brake Control Lever
Slide the manual brake control lever to the left to activate
power to the trailer's electric brakes independent of the
tow vehicle's brakes. If the manual brake control lever is
activated while the brake is also applied, the greater of the
two inputs determines the power sent to the trailer brakes.
The trailer and the vehicle’s stop lamps will come on when
braking normally with the vehicle brake pedal. Only the
trailer stop lamps will come on when the manual brake
control lever is applied.
WARNING!
Do not connect trailer brakes to your vehicle's
hydraulic brake lines. It can overload your brake
system and cause it to fail. You might not have
brakes when you need them and could have an acci -
dent.
 Towing any trailer will increase your stopping
distance. When towing, you should allow for addi -
tional 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 lb (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.
1 — GAIN (-) Adjustment Button
2 — GAIN (+) Adjustment Button
3 — Manual Brake Control Lever

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STARTING AND OPERATING181
Trailer Brake Status Indicator Light
This light indicates the trailer electrical connection status.
If no electrical connection is detected after the ignition is
turned on, pushing the GAIN adjustment button or sliding
the manual brake control lever will display the GAIN
setting for 10 seconds and the Trailer Brake Status
Indicator Light will not be displayed.
If a fault is detected in the trailer wiring or the Integrated
Trailer Brake Module (ITBM), the Trailer Brake Status
Indicator Light will flash.
Adjusting GAIN
NOTE:This should only be performed in a traffic free environment
at speeds of approximately 20–25 mph (30–40 km/h).
1. Make sure the trailer brakes are in good working
condition, functioning normally and properly
adjusted. See your trailer dealer if necessary.

2. Hook up the trailer and make the electrical connections according to the trailer manufacturer's
instructions.
3. When a trailer is plugged in with electric or EOH brakes, the trailer connected message should appear
in the instrument cluster display (if the connection is
not recognized by the ITBM, braking functions will not
be available), the GAIN setting will illuminate and the
correct type of trailer must be selected from the
instrument cluster display options.
4. Push the UP or DOWN button on the steering wheel until “TRAILER TOW” appears on the screen.
5. Push the RIGHT arrow on the steering wheel to enter “TRAILER TOW”. 6. Push the UP or DOWN buttons until the Trailer Brake
Type appears on the screen.
7. Push the RIGHT arrow and then push the UP or DOWN buttons until the proper Trailer Brake Type appears
on the screen.
8. In a traffic-free environment, tow the trailer on a dry, level surface at a speed of 20–25 mph
(30–40 km/h) and squeeze the manual brake
control lever completely.
9. If the trailer wheels lockup (indicated by squealing tires), reduce the GAIN setting; if the trailer wheels
turn freely, increase the GAIN setting.
Repeat steps 8 and 9 until the GAIN setting is at a point
just below trailer wheel lockup. If towing a heavier trailer,
trailer wheel lockup may not be attainable even with the
maximum GAIN setting of 10.
*The suggested selection may change depending on the
customer preferences for braking performance. Condition
of the trailer brakes, driving and road state may also affect
the selection.
Light Electric Heavy Electric Light EOHHeavy EOH
Type of Trailer Brakes Electric Trailer BrakesElectric Trailer BrakesElectric Over Hydraulic Trailer
BrakesElectric Over Hydraulic Trailer
Brakes
Load *Under 10,000 lb*Above 10,000 lb*Under 10,000 lb*Above 10,000 lb
4

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182STARTING AND OPERATING
Display Messages
The trailer brake control interacts with the instrument
cluster display. Display messages, along with a single
chime, will be displayed when a malfunction is determined
in the trailer connection, trailer brake control, or on the
trailer
Úpage 98.
NOTE:
An aftermarket controller may be available for use with
trailers with air or EOH trailer brake systems. To deter -
mine the type of brakes on your trailer and the avail -
ability of controllers, check with your trailer
manufacturer or dealer.
 Removal of the ITBM will cause errors and it may cause
damage to the electrical system and electronic
modules of the vehicle. See an authorized dealer if an
aftermarket module is to be installed.
Towing Requirements — Trailer Lights
And Wiring
Whenever you pull a trailer, regardless of the trailer size,
stop lights and turn signals on the trailer are required for
motoring safety.
The Trailer Tow Package may include a four-pin and
seven-pin wiring harness. Use a factory approved trailer
harness and connector.
NOTE:Do not cut or splice wiring into the vehicle’s wiring
harness. The electrical connections are all complete to the vehicle
but you must connect the harness to a trailer connector.
Refer to the following illustrations.
NOTE:

Disconnect the trailer wiring connector from the vehicle
(or any other device plugged into vehicle’s electrical
connectors) before launching a boat into water.
 Be sure to reconnect once clear from water area.

Four-Pin Connector

WARNING!
Connecting a trailer that is not compatible with the
ITBM system may result in reduced or complete loss of
trailer braking. There may be a increase in stopping
distance or trailer instability which could result in
personal injury.
CAUTION!
Connecting a trailer that is not compatible with the
ITBM system may result in reduced or complete loss of
trailer braking. There may be a increase in stopping
distance or trailer instability which could result in
damage to your vehicle, trailer, or other property.
1 — Ground
2 — Park
3 — Left Stop/Turn
4 — Right Stop/Turn

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