RAM 3500 Chassis Cab (2019 year). Manual — part 22

348 STARTING AND OPERATING

• Proper tire inflation pressures are essential to the safe and

satisfactory operation of your vehicle. Refer to “Tires” in

“Servicing And Maintenance” for proper tire inflation

procedures.

• 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. Refer to “Tires” in “Servicing And Main-

tenance” for the proper inspection procedure.

• When replacing tires, refer to “Tires” in “Servicing And

Maintenance” for the proper tire replacement procedures.

Replacing tires with a higher load carrying capacity will

not increase the vehicle's GVWR and GAWR limits.

Towing Requirements — Trailer Brakes
• Do not interconnect the hydraulic brake system or vacuum

system of your vehicle with that of the trailer. This could

cause inadequate braking and possible personal injury.

• 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 lbs

(453 kg) and required for trailers in excess of 2,000 lbs (907 kg).

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 accident.

• 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 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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349

Integrated Trailer Brake Module — If Equipped

Your vehicle may have an Integrated Trailer Brake Module

(ITBM) for Electric and Electric Over Hydraulic (EOH) trailer

brakes.
NOTE:

This module has been designed and verified with electric

trailer brakes and new electric over hydraulic systems. Some

previous EOH systems may not be compatible with ITBM.

Integrated Trailer Brake Module (ITBM)

The user interface consists of the following:
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 acti-

vated 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.
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 Indi-

cator Light” will flash.

1 — GAIN Adjustment Button

2 — GAIN Adjustment Button

3 — Manual Brake Control Lever

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350 STARTING AND OPERATING

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.
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 condi-

tion, 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 with electric/EOH brakes is plugged in,

the trailer connected message should appear in the

instrument cluster display (if the connection is not recog-

nized by the ITBM, braking functions will not be avail-

able), 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.

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351

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 depends and may change

depending on the customer preferences for braking perfor-

mance. Condition of the trailer brakes, driving and road state

may also affect the selection.
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. Refer to

“Instrument Cluster Display” in “Getting To Know Your

Instrument Panel” for further information.

Light Electric

Heavy Electric

Light EOH

Heavy EOH

Type of Trailer Brakes Electric Trailer Brakes Electric Trailer Brakes Electric over Hydraulic

Trailer Brakes

Electric over Hydraulic

Trailer Brakes

Load

*Under 10,000 lbs

*Above 10,000 lbs

*Under 10,000 lbs

*Above 10,000 lbs

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.

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352 STARTING AND OPERATING

NOTE:
• An aftermarket controller may be available for use with

trailers with air or electric-over-hydraulic trailer brake

systems. To determine the type of brakes on your trailer

and the availability 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 your 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,

stoplights and turn signals on the trailer are required for

motoring safety.
The Trailer Tow Package may include a four- 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 mate the harness to a trailer connector. Refer to the

following illustrations.

NOTE:
• Disconnect trailer wiring connector from the vehicle

before launching a boat (or any other device plugged into

vehicle’s electrical connect) into water.

• Be sure to reconnect once clear from water area.

Four-Pin Connector

1 — Female Pins

4 — Park

2 — Male Pin

5 — Left Stop/Turn

3 — Ground

6 — Right Stop/Turn

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353

Seven-Pin Connector

Towing Tips

Before setting out on a trip, 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 trans-

mission 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.
Six-Speed Automatic Transmission Only
When towing a loaded trailer up steep grades at low speeds

(20 mph [32 km/h] or below), holding your vehicle in first

gear (using the ERS shift control) can help to avoid transmis-

sion overheating.

1 — Battery

5 — Ground

2 — Backup Lamps

6 — Left Stop/Turn

3 — Right Stop/Turn

7 — Running Lamps

4 — Electric Brakes

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354 STARTING AND OPERATING

If you regularly tow a trailer for more than 45 minutes of

continuous operation, then change the automatic transmis-

sion fluid and filter(s) as specified for "police, taxi, fleet, or

frequent trailer towing." Refer to the “Maintenance Plan” for

the proper maintenance intervals.
NOTE:

Check the automatic transmission fluid level before towing

(Six-speed automatic only).
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 Electronic Range Select

(ERS) shift control) on more severe grades.
Speed Control — If Equipped
• Do not use on hilly terrain or with heavy loads.
• When using the speed control, if you experience speed

drops greater than 10 mph (16 km/h), disengage until you

can get back to cruising speed.

• Use speed control in flat terrain and with light loads to

maximize fuel efficiency.

Cooling System

To reduce potential for engine and transmission over-

heating, take the following actions:
City Driving
• In city traffic — while stopped, place the transmission in

NEUTRAL, but do not increase engine idle speed.

Highway Driving
• Reduce speed.
• Temporarily turn off air conditioning.
Air Suspension System

To aid in attaching/detaching the trailer from the vehicle,

the air suspension system can be used. Refer to “Air Suspen-

sion System” in “Starting And Operating” for further infor-

mation.
NOTE:

The vehicle must remain in the engine running position

while attaching a trailer for proper leveling of the air suspen-

sion system.

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355

SNOWPLOW

2500/3500 Models Only

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 recommended

that the owner/installer obtain and follow the recommenda-

tions contained within the current Body Builders Guide. See

your authorized dealer, installer or snowplow manufacturer

for this information. There are unique electrical systems that

must be connected to properly assure operator safety and

prevent overloading vehicle systems.

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 excessive wear.

The cutting edge should be ¼ to ½ in (6 cm to 1.2 cm) above

ground in snow plowing position.

• Check that snowplow lighting is connected and func-

tioning properly.

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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356 STARTING AND OPERATING

Snowplow Prep Package Model Availability

For Information about snowplow applications visit

www.ramtrucks.com or refer to the current Body Builders

Guide.
1. The maximum number of occupants in the truck should

not exceed two.

2. The total GVWR or the 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 neces-

sary 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 equip-

ment following the recommendations provided by the

specific snowplow manufacturer.

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357

Over The Road Operation With Snowplow 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 condi-

tions 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 termi-

nals 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 4LO when plowing small or

congested areas where speeds are not likely to exceed

15 mph (24 km/h). At higher speeds operate in 4HI.

• Vehicles with automatic transmissions should use 4LO

range 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 transmis-

sion.

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358 STARTING AND OPERATING

RECREATIONAL TOWING (BEHIND MOTORHOME, ETC.)

Towing This Vehicle Behind Another Vehicle

NOTE:
• When towing your vehicle, always follow applicable state

and provincial laws. Contact state and provincial

Highway Safety offices for additional details.

Towing Condition

Wheels OFF The

Ground

Two-Wheel

Drive Models

Four-Wheel Drive Models

Flat Tow

NONE

NOT ALLOWED

See Instructions

• Automatic transmission in PARK
• Transfer case in NEUTRAL (N)
• Tow in forward direction

Dolly Tow

Front

NOT ALLOWED

NOT ALLOWED

Rear

OK

NOT ALLOWED

On Trailer

ALL

OK

OK

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359

(Continued)

Recreational Towing — Two-Wheel Drive 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:
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. Firmly apply the parking brake. Place automatic trans-

mission in PARK.

4. Properly secure the rear wheels to the dolly, following the

dolly manufacturer's instructions.

5. Turn the ignition OFF and remove the key fob.
6. Install a suitable clamping device, designed for towing, to

secure the front wheels in the straight position.

Recreational Towing — Four-Wheel Drive Models

NOTE:

Both the manual shift and electronic shift transfer cases must

be shifted into NEUTRAL (N) for recreational towing. Auto-

matic transmissions must be shifted into PARK for recre-

ational towing. Refer to the following for the proper transfer

case NEUTRAL (N) 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.

• Do not disconnect the driveshaft because fluid may

leak from the transmission, causing damage to internal

parts.

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).

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360 STARTING AND OPERATING

Shifting Into NEUTRAL (N)

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. Firmly apply the parking brake.

2. Shift the transmission to NEUTRAL.

• 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

NEUTRAL. To be certain the transfer case is fully in

NEUTRAL, perform the procedure outlined under

“Shifting Into NEUTRAL”. Internal transmission

damage will result, if the transfer case is not in

NEUTRAL during towing.

• The transmission must be placed in PARK for recre-

ational towing.

• Towing this vehicle in violation of the above require-

ments 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 bumper-mounted clamp-on tow bar on

your vehicle. The bumper face bar will be damaged.

CAUTION! (Continued)

WARNING!

You or others could be injured or killed if you leave the

vehicle unattended with the transfer case in the

NEUTRAL (N) position without first fully engaging the

parking brake. The transfer case NEUTRAL (N) position

disengages both the front and rear driveshafts from the

powertrain, and will allow the vehicle to roll, even if the

automatic transmission is in PARK (or manual

transmission is in gear). 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 NEUTRAL (N) before

recreational towing to prevent damage to internal parts.

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361

3. Press and hold the brake pedal.
4. Shift the transfer case into NEUTRAL:

• With manual shift transfer case, shift the transfer case

lever into NEUTRAL (N).

• With electronic shift transfer case, push and hold the

transfer case NEUTRAL (N) button. Some models have

a small, recessed "N" button (at the center of the

transfer case switches) that must be pressed using a

ballpoint pen or similar object. Other models have a

rectangular NEUTRAL switch, below the rotary

transfer case control knob. The NEUTRAL (N) indi-

cator light will blink while the shift is in progress. The

light will stop blinking (stay on solid) when the shift to

NEUTRAL (N) is complete. After the shift is completed

and the NEUTRAL (N) light stays on, release the

NEUTRAL (N) 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 six and seven with automatic transmission

in DRIVE.

9. Shift the transmission to NEUTRAL. Firmly 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.

10. Shift the transmission into PARK.
11. Place the ignition in the OFF mode, and remove the key

fob.

12. Attach the vehicle to the tow vehicle using a suitable tow

bar.

13. Release the parking brake.
NOTE:

With electronic shift transfer case:
• Steps 2 through 3 are requirements that must be met before

pushing the NEUTRAL (N) button, and must continue to

be met until the shift has been completed. If any of these

requirements are not met before pushing the NEUTRAL

(N) button or are no longer met during the shift, the

NEUTRAL (N) indicator light will flash continuously until

all requirements are met or until the NEUTRAL (N) button

is released.

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362 STARTING AND OPERATING

• The ignition must be in the ON/RUN mode for a shift to

take place and for the position indicator lights to be oper-

able. 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 NEUTRAL (N) position indicator light indi-

cates that shift requirements have not been met.

Shifting Out Of NEUTRAL (N)

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. Firmly apply the parking brake.
3. Press and hold the brake pedal.
4. Start the engine, and shift the transmission into

NEUTRAL.
• With manual shift transfer case, shift the transfer case

lever to the desired position.

• With electronic shift transfer case with rotary selector

switch, push and hold the transfer case NEUTRAL (N)

button until the NEUTRAL (N) indicator light turns off.

After the NEUTRAL (N) indicator light turns off,

release the NEUTRAL (N) button. After the NEUTRAL

(N) button has been released, the transfer case will shift

to the position indicated by the selector switch.

• With electronic shift transfer case with push-button

selector switch, push and hold the switch for the

desired transfer case position, until the NEUTRAL (N)

indicator light turns off and the desired position indi-

cator light turns on.

NOTE:

When shifting out of transfer case NEUTRAL (N), turning

the engine OFF is not required, but may be helpful to avoid

gear clash. With 8-speed automatic transmission, the engine

must remain running, since turning the engine OFF will shift

the transmission to PARK (and the transmission must be in

NEUTRAL for the transfer case to shift out of NEUTRAL).
5. Turn the engine OFF. Shift automatic transmission into

PARK. On 8-speed transmissions the shifter will auto-

matically select PARK when the engine is turned off.

6. Release the brake pedal.
7. Disconnect vehicle from the tow vehicle.
8. Start the engine.

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363

9. Press and hold the brake pedal.
10. Release the parking brake.
11. Shift the transmission into gear, release the brake pedal,

and check that the vehicle operates normally.

NOTE:

With electronic shift transfer case:
• Steps 3 and 4 are requirements that must be met before

pushing the button to shift out of NEUTRAL (N), 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

NEUTRAL (N) 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 oper-

able. 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 NEUTRAL (N) position indicator light indi-

cates 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.).

5