RAM 3500 Chassis Cab (2019 year). Instruction — part 21

332 STARTING AND OPERATING

NOTE:
• Front tires will be in image when the tires are turned.
• Due to wide angle cameras in mirror, the image will

appear distorted.

• Top view will show which doors are open.
• Open front doors will remove outside image.
Rear View

This is the Default view of the system in REVERSE

and is always paired with the Top view of the

vehicle with optional active guide lines for the

projected path when enabled.
Rear Cross Path View

Pressing the Rear Cross Path soft key will give the

driver a wider angle view of the rear camera system.

The Top view will be disabled when this is selected.

Front View

The Front view will show you what is immedi-

ately in front of the vehicle and is always paired

with the Top view of the vehicle.

Front Cross Path View

Pressing the Front Cross Path soft key will give the

driver a wider angle view of the front camera system.

The Top view will be disabled when this is selected.

Rear View Camera

Pressing the Backup Camera soft key will provide

a full screen rear view with Zoom View.

NOTE:

If the Backup Camera view was selected through the

Surround View Screen, exiting out of the Rear View Camera

screen will return to the Surround View Screen. If the Backup

Camera was instructionly activated through the Controls menu

of the Uconnect display, exiting out of the display screen will

return to the Controls menu.

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333

Cargo Camera

Pressing the Cargo Camera soft key will provide

a full screen view of the cargo area.

NOTE:

If the Cargo Camera view was selected through the Rear

View Camera screen, exiting out of the Cargo Camera screen

will return to the Rear View Camera screen. If the Cargo

Camera was instructionly activated through the Controls menu

of the Uconnect display, exiting out of the display screen will

return to the Controls menu.
Trailer Reverse Guidance

Pressing the Trailer Reverse Guidance soft key

will provide a full screen view of the cargo area

and trailer.

NOTE:

If the Trailer Reverse Guidance was selected through the

Rear View Camera screen, exiting out of the Trailer Reverse

Guidance screen will return to the Rear View Camera screen.

If the Trailer Reverse Guidance was instructionly activated

through the Controls menu of the Uconnect display, exiting

out of the display screen will return to the Controls menu.
Zoom View
When the Rear View Camera image is being displayed, and

the vehicle speed is below 8 mph (13 km/h) while in any

gear selector position, Zoom View is available. By pressing

the “magnifying glass” icon in the upper left of the display

screen, the image will zoom in to four times the standard

view. Pressing the icon a second time will return the view to

the standard Backup Camera display.
When Zoom View is selected while the vehicle is in

REVERSE, then shifted to DRIVE, the camera delay view will

display the standard Backup Camera view. If the vehicle is

then returned to REVERSE gear from DRIVE, the Zoom

View selection will automatically resume.
Shifting to NEUTRAL from any gear will maintain the

selected view (Zoom or Standard) as long as the vehicle is

below 8 mph (13 km/h).

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334 STARTING AND OPERATING

If the vehicle is in PARK, Zoom View is available until the

gear selector is placed in DRIVE or REVERSE and speeds are

at or above 8 mph (13 km/h).
NOTE:
• If the vehicle in is DRIVE, NEUTRAL, or REVERSE, and

speed is greater than or equal to 8 mph (13 km/h), Zoom

View is unavailable and the icon will appear grey.

• While in Zoom View, the guidelines will not be visible.
Deactivation
The system is deactivated in the following conditions if it

was activated automatically:
• When the vehicle is shifted out of REVERSE (with camera

delay turned on), the camera image will continue to be

displayed for up to 10 seconds after shifting out of REVERSE

unless the vehicle speed exceeds 8 mph (13 km/h), the

vehicle is shifted into PARK or the ignition is switched to the

OFF position. There is a touch screen button (X) to disable

the display of the camera image.

• When the vehicle is shifted out of REVERSE (with camera

delay turned off), the surround view camera mode is

exited and the last known screen appears again.

The system is deactivated in the following conditions if it

was activated instructionly from the Uconnect controls menu

via Surround View button or Backup Camera button:
• The "X" button on the display is pressed
• Vehicle is shifted into PARK
• Ignition is cycled to OFF
• Vehicle speed is over 8 mph (13 km/h) for 10 seconds
NOTE:

If the Surround View Camera is activated instructionly, and the

vehicle is shifted into REVERSE, deactivation methods for

automatic activation are assumed.
The camera delay system is turned off instructionly through the

Uconnect settings menu. Refer to “Uconnect Settings” in

“Multimedia” for further information.
NOTE:
• If snow, ice, mud, or any foreign substance builds up on

the camera lenses, clean the lenses, rinse with water, and

dry with a soft cloth. Do not cover the lenses.

• If a malfunction with the system has occurred, see your

nearest authorized dealer.

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335

Forward Facing Camera With Tire Lines — If Equipped
The Forward Facing Camera displays a front view image of

the road ahead, along with tire lines to guide the driver when

driving on narrow roads.
Activation
The Forward Facing Camera can be activated by pressing the

Forward Camera soft button on the touchscreen.
Once activated, the camera image will remain on as long as

the vehicle speed is below 8 mph (13 km/h).
Deactivation
The Forward Facing Camera is deactivated in the following

conditions:
• The vehicle speed exceeds 8 mph (13 km/h) for 10

seconds.

• The “X” button on the display is pressed.
• Vehicle is shifted into PARK.
• Ignition is cycled to OFF.
NOTE:

The Forward Facing Camera cannot be deactivated when the

vehicle is in 4LO.

Trailer Reverse Guidance — If Equipped
The Trailer Reverse Guidance feature assists the driver in

backing up a trailer by providing adjustable camera views of

the trailer and surrounding area. The cameras are mounted

on the side mirrors and the images will be displayed

side-by-side on the touchscreen. Left and right camera

images are swapped and mirrored on the touchscreen to

show the equivalent area behind the vehicle as though the

driver is using the side mirrors.
Activation
The Trailer Reverse Guidance feature can be activated by

pressing the Trailer Reverse Guidance button on the touch-

screen.

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336 STARTING AND OPERATING

(Continued)

Deactivation
Once activated, the image will continue to be displayed in

any gear until the vehicle speed exceeds 8 mph (13 km/h).

REFUELING THE VEHICLE — GAS

NOTE:

When the fuel nozzle “clicks” or shuts off the fuel tank is full.

WARNING!

Drivers must be careful when backing up even when

using the Surround View Camera. Always check

carefully behind your vehicle, and be sure to check for

pedestrians, animals, other vehicles, obstructions, or

blind spots before backing up. You are responsible for

the safety of your surroundings and must continue to

pay attention while backing up. Failure to do so can

result in serious injury or death.

CAUTION!

• To avoid vehicle damage, Surround View should only

be used as a parking aid. The Surround View camera is

unable to view every obstacle or object in your drive

path.

• To avoid vehicle damage, the vehicle must be driven

slowly when using Surround View to be able to stop in

time when an obstacle is seen. It is recommended that

the driver look frequently over his/her shoulder when

using Surround View.

CAUTION!

• Damage to the fuel system or emissions control system

could result from using an improper fuel tank filler

tube cap (fuel filler cap). A poorly fitting cap could let

impurities into the fuel system. Also, a poorly-fitted

aftermarket cap can cause the MIL (Malfunction Indi-

cator Light) to illuminate due to fuel vapors escaping

from the system.

• A poorly fitting fuel filler cap may cause the MIL to

turn on.

• To avoid fuel spillage and overfilling, do not “top off”

the fuel tank after filling.

WARNING!

• Never have any smoking materials lit in or near the

vehicle when the gas cap is removed or the tank is

being filled.

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337

NOTE:

Tighten the gas cap ¼ turn until you hear one click. This is an

indication that the cap is properly tightened.
If the gas cap is not tightened properly, the Malfunction Indi-

cator Light will come on. Be sure the gas cap is tightened

every time the vehicle is refueled.

Loose Fuel Filler Cap Message

If the vehicle diagnostic system determines that the

fuel filler cap is loose, improperly installed, or

damaged, a loose gascap indicator will display in the

instrument cluster telltale display area. Refer to “Instrument

Cluster Display” in “Getting To Know Your Instrument

Panel” for further information. Tighten the fuel filler cap

properly and push the RIGHT button to turn off the message.

If the problem continues, the message will appear the next

time the vehicle is started.

VEHICLE LOADING

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR)

The GVWR is the total permissible weight of your vehicle

including driver, passengers, vehicle, options and cargo. The

label also specifies maximum capacities of front and rear axle

systems (GAWR). Total load must be limited so GVWR and

front and rear GAWR are not exceeded.

• Never add fuel to the vehicle when the engine is

running. This is in violation of most state and federal

fire regulations and may cause the MIL to turn on.

WARNING!

A fire may result if gasoline is pumped into a portable

container that is inside of a vehicle. You could be

burned. Always place gas containers on the ground

while filling.

WARNING! (Continued)

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338 STARTING AND OPERATING

Payload

The payload of a vehicle is defined as the allowable load

weight a truck can carry, including the weight of the driver,

all passengers, options and cargo.

Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR)

The GAWR is the maximum permissible load on the front

and rear axles. The load must be distributed in the cargo area

so that the GAWR of each axle is not exceeded.
Each axle GAWR is determined by the components in the

system with the lowest load carrying capacity (axle, springs,

tires or wheels). Heavier axles or suspension components

sometimes specified by purchasers for increased durability

does not necessarily increase the vehicle's GVWR.

Tire Size

The tire size on the Vehicle Certification Label represents the

actual tire size on your vehicle. Replacement tires must be

equal to the load capacity of this tire size.

Rim Size

This is the rim size that is appropriate for the tire size listed.

Inflation Pressure

This is the cold tire inflation pressure for your vehicle for all

loading conditions up to full GAWR.

Curb Weight

The curb weight of a vehicle is defined as the total weight of

the vehicle with all fluids, including vehicle fuel, at full

capacity conditions, and with no occupants or cargo loaded

into the vehicle. The front and rear curb weight values are

determined by weighing your vehicle on a commercial scale

before any occupants or cargo are added.

Loading

The actual total weight and the weight of the front and rear

of your vehicle at the ground can best be determined by

weighing it when it is loaded and ready for operation.
The entire vehicle should first be weighed on a commercial

scale to insure that the GVWR has not been exceeded. The

weight on the front and rear of the vehicle should then be

determined separately to be sure that the load is properly

distributed over the front and rear axle. Weighing the vehicle

may show that the GAWR of either the front or rear axles has

been exceeded but the total load is within the specified

GVWR. If so, weight must be shifted from front to rear or

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339

rear to front as appropriate until the specified weight limita-

tions are met. Store the heavier items down low and be sure

that the weight is distributed equally. Stow all loose items

securely before driving.
Improper weight distributions can have an adverse effect on

the way your vehicle steers and handles and the way the

brakes operate.

TRAILER TOWING

In this section you will find safety tips and information on

limits to the type of towing you can reasonably do with your

vehicle. Before towing a trailer, carefully review this infor-

mation to tow your load as efficiently and safely as possible.
To maintain the New Vehicle Limited Warranty coverage,

follow the requirements and recommendations in this

instruction 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 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 Trailer Weight (GTW)

The GTW is the weight of the trailer plus the weight of all

cargo, consumables and equipment (permanent or tempo-

rary) 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.

CAUTION!

Do not load your vehicle any heavier than the GVWR or

the maximum front and rear GAWR. If you do, parts on

your vehicle can break, or it can change the way your

vehicle handles. This could cause you to lose control.

Also overloading can shorten the life of your vehicle.

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340 STARTING AND OPERATING

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.

Refer to “Vehicle Loading/Vehicle Certification Label” in

“Starting And Operating” for further information.

Tongue Weight (TW)

The tongue weight 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

The trailer sway control can be a mechanical telescoping link

that can be installed between the hitch receiver and the

trailer tongue that typically provides adjustable friction asso-

ciated with the telescoping motion to dampen any unwanted

trailer swaying motions while traveling.
If equipped, the electronic Trailer Sway Control (TSC) recog-

nizes a swaying trailer and automatically applies individual

wheel brakes and/or reduces engine power to attempt to

eliminate the trailer sway.

WARNING!

If the gross trailer weight is 5,000 lbs (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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341

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 the

most popular on the market today and they 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 addi-

tion 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 recom-

mended 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)

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 manufacturer or a reputable Recreational

Vehicle dealer for additional information.

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342 STARTING AND OPERATING

With Weight-Distributing Hitch (Correct)

Improper Adjustment Of Weight-Distributing Hitch

(Incorrect)

Recommended Distribution Hitch Adjustment
1. Position the truck to be ready to connect to the trailer (do

not connect the trailer).

2. Measure the height of the top of the front wheel opening

on the fender to ground, this is height H1.

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Measuring Height (H)

3. Attach the trailer to the vehicle without the weight distri-

bution bars connected.

4. Measure the height of the top of the front wheel opening

on the fender to ground, this is height H2.

5. Install and adjust the tension in the weight distributing

bars per the manufacturers’ recommendations so that the

height of the front fender is approximately (H2-H1)/

2+H1 (about 1/2 the difference between H2 and H1 above

normal ride height [H1]).

6. Preform a visual inspection of the trailer and weight

distributing hitch to confirm manufacturers’ recommen-

dations have been met.

NOTE:

For all towing conditions, we recommend towing with tow

haul mode engaged.
Fifth-Wheel Hitch

The fifth-wheel hitch is a special high platform with a

coupling that mounts over the rear axle of the tow vehicle in

the truck bed. It connects a vehicle and fifth-wheel trailer

with a coupling king pin.
Your truck may be equipped with a 5th wheel hitch option.

Refer to the separately provided 5th wheel hitch safety, care,

assembly, and operating instructions.

Measurement Example

Example 2500/3500 Height

(mm)

H1

1030

H2

1058

H2-H1

28

(H2-H1)/2

14

(H2-H1)/2 + H1

1044

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Gooseneck Hitch

The gooseneck hitch employs a pivoted coupling arm which

attaches to a ball mounted in the bed of a pickup truck. The

coupling arm connects to the hitch mounted over the rear

axle in the truck bed.

Trailer Hitch Type and Maximum Trailer Weight

The following chart provides the industry standard for the

maximum trailer weight a given trailer hitch class can tow

and should be used to assist you in selecting the correct

trailer hitch for your intended towing condition.

Trailer Hitch Classification Definitions

Class

Max. Trailer Hitch Industry Standards

Class I - Light Duty

2,000 lbs (907 kg)

Class II - Medium Duty

3,500 lbs (1,587 kg)

Class III - Heavy Duty

5,000 lbs (2,267 kg)

Class IV - Extra Heavy Duty

10,000 lbs (4,535 kg)

Fifth Wheel/Gooseneck

Greater than 10,000 lbs (4,535 kg)

Refer to the “Trailer Towing Weights (Maximum Trailer Weight Ratings)” for the Maximum Gross Trailer Weight (GTW)

towable for your given drivetrain.
All trailer hitches should be professionally installed on your vehicle.

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Trailer Towing Weights (Maximum Trailer 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 And Tongue Weight

Never exceed the maximum tongue weight stamped on your

bumper or trailer hitch.

Weight Distribution

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346 STARTING AND OPERATING

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.

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”. Refer to “Scheduled Servicing” in “Servicing

And Maintenance” for the proper maintenance intervals.

When towing a trailer, never exceed the GAWR or GCWR

ratings.

CAUTION!

Always load a trailer with 60% of the weight in the front

of the trailer. This places 10% of the GTW on the tow

hitch of your vehicle. Loads balanced over the wheels or

heavier in the rear can cause the trailer to sway severely

side to side which will cause loss of control of the vehicle

and trailer. Failure to load trailers heavier in front is the

cause of many trailer collisions.

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.

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(Continued)

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.

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 overload

your vehicle or trailer. Overloading 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.

• 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)

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