RAM 1500 Classic (2022 year). Manual in english — page 8

STARTING AND OPERATING

123

If the steering icon is displayed and the “POWER

STEERING SYSTEM OVER TEMP” message is

displayed on the instrument cluster screen, this

indicates an over temperature condition in the

power steering system. Once driving conditions are

safe, pull over and let the vehicle idle for a few

moments until the icon and message turn off

Ú

page 94.

If the steering icon is displayed and the “SERVICE

POWER STEERING – ASSIST OFF” message is

displayed the instrument cluster screen, this

indicates the vehicle needs to be taken to the

dealer for service

Ú

page 94.

NOTE:



Even if the power steering assistance is no

longer operational, it is still possible to steer the

vehicle. Under these conditions there will be a

substantial increase in steering effort, espe

-

cially at low speeds and during parking maneu

-

vers.



If the condition persists, see an authorized

dealer for service.

CRUISE CONTROL SYSTEM — IF EQUIPPED

Your vehicle is equipped with the Cruise Control

system for cruising at a constant preset speed.

C

RUISE

C

ONTROL

When engaged, Cruise Control takes over

accelerator operations at speeds greater than

20 mph (32 km/h) or 25 mph (40 km/h),

depending on the powertrain.
The Cruise Control buttons are located on the right

side of the steering wheel.

Cruise Control Buttons

To Activate

Push the on/off button to activate Cruise Control.

The Cruise Indicator Light in the instrument cluster

display will illuminate. To turn the system off, push

the on/off button a second time. The Cruise

Indicator Light will turn off. The system should be

turned off when not in use.

1 — On/Off
2 — CANCEL
3 — RES (+)
4 — SET (-)

WARNING!

Cruise Control can be dangerous where the

system cannot maintain a constant speed. Your

vehicle could go too fast for the conditions, and

you could lose control and have an accident. Do

not use Cruise Control in heavy traffic or on

roads that are winding, icy, snow-covered or

slippery.

WARNING!

Leaving the Cruise Control system on when not

in use is dangerous. You could accidentally set

the system or cause it to go faster than you

want. You could lose control and have an

accident. Always leave the system off when you

are not using it.

4

124

STARTING AND OPERATING

To Set A Desired Speed

Turn the Cruise Control on.

NOTE:

The vehicle should be traveling at a steady speed

and on level ground before pushing the SET (-)

button.
When the vehicle has reached the desired speed,

push the SET (-) button and release. Release the

accelerator and the vehicle will operate at the

selected speed.

To Vary The Speed Setting

To Increase Or Decrease The Set Speed
When the Cruise Control is set, you can increase

speed by pushing the RES (+) button, or decrease

speed by pushing the SET (-) button.
U.S. Speed (mph)



Pushing the RES (+) or SET (-) button once will

result in a 1 mph speed adjustment. Each

subsequent tap of the button results in an

adjustment of 1 mph.



If the button is continually pushed, the set

speed will continue to adjust until the button

is released, then the new set speed will be

established.

Metric Speed (km/h)



Pushing the RES (+) or SET (-) button once will

result in a 1 km/h speed adjustment. Each

subsequent tap of the button results in an

adjustment of 1 km/h.



If the button is continually pushed, the set

speed will continue to adjust until the button is

released, then the new set speed will be estab

-

lished.

To Accelerate For Passing

Press the accelerator as you would normally. When

the pedal is released, the vehicle will return to the

set speed.

USING CRUISE CONTROL ON HILLS

The transmission may downshift on hills to

maintain the vehicle set speed.
The Cruise Control system maintains speed up and

down hills. A slight speed change on moderate hills

is normal. On steep hills, a greater speed loss or

gain may occur so it may be preferable to drive

without Cruise Control.

To Resume Speed

To resume a previously set speed, push the RES (+)

button and release. Resume can be used at any

speed above 20 mph (32 km/h).

To Deactivate

A tap on the brake pedal, pushing the CANCEL

button, or normal brake pressure will deactivate

the Cruise Control system without erasing the set

speed from memory.

WARNING!

Cruise Control can be dangerous where the

system cannot maintain a constant speed. Your

vehicle could go too fast for the conditions, and

you could lose control and have an accident. Do

not use Cruise Control in heavy traffic or on

roads that are winding, icy, snow-covered or

slippery.

STARTING AND OPERATING

125

The following conditions will also deactivate the

Cruise Control without erasing the set speed from

memory:



Vehicle parking brake is applied



Stability event occurs



Gear selector is moved out of DRIVE



Engine overspeed occurs

Pushing the on/off button or placing the ignition in

the OFF position erases the set speed from

memory.

PARKSENSE REAR PARK ASSIST SYSTEM —

IF EQUIPPED

The ParkSense Rear Park Assist system provides

visual and audible indications of the distance

between the rear fascia and a detected obstacle

when backing up (e.g. during a parking maneuver).

For limitations of this system and

recommendations see

Ú

page 129.

ParkSense will retain the last system state

(enabled or disabled) from the last ignition cycle

when the ignition is cycled to ON/RUN.

ParkSense can be active only when the gear

selector is in REVERSE. If ParkSense is enabled at

this gear selector position, the system will remain

active until the vehicle speed is increased to

approximately 7 mph (11 km/h) or above. When in

REVERSE and above the system's operating speed,

a warning will appear within the instrument cluster

display indicating the vehicle speed is too fast.

The system will become active again if the vehicle

speed is decreased to speeds less than

approximately 6 mph (9 km/h).

P

ARK

S

ENSE

S

ENSORS

The four ParkSense sensors, located in the rear

fascia/bumper, monitor the area behind the

vehicle that is within the sensors’ field of view. The

sensors can detect obstacles from approximately

12 inches (30 cm) up to 79 inches (200 cm) from

the rear fascia/bumper in the horizontal direction,

depending on the location, type and orientation of

the obstacle.

P

ARK

S

ENSE

D

ISPLAY

When the vehicle is in REVERSE, the instrument

cluster display will show the park assist system

status.

The system will indicate a detected obstacle by

showing a single arc in one or more regions based

on the obstacle’s distance and location relative to

the vehicle.
If an obstacle is detected in the center rear region,

the display will show a single solid arc in the center

rear region. As the vehicle moves closer to the

obstacle, the display will show the single arc

moving closer to the vehicle and the audible chime

increases as the objects get close to the vehicle.
If an obstacle is detected in the left and/or right

rear region, the display will show a single arc in the

left and/or right rear region and the system will

produce a tone. As the vehicle moves closer to the

obstacle, the display will show the single arc

moving closer to the vehicle and the tone will

change from a single 1/2 second tone to slow, to

fast, to continuous.

4

126

STARTING AND OPERATING

Rear ParkSense Arcs

1 — Continuous Tone/Flashing Arc

4 — Slow Tone/Solid Arc

2 — Fast Tone/Flashing Arc

5 — Slow Tone/Solid Arc

3 — Fast Tone/Flashing Arc

6 — Single 1/2 Second Tone/Solid Arc

STARTING AND OPERATING

127

The vehicle is close to the obstacle when the warning display shows one flashing arc and sounds a continuous tone. The following chart shows the warning alert

operation when the system is detecting an obstacle:

NOTE:

ParkSense will reduce the volume of the radio, if on, when the system is sounding an audio tone.
Adjustable Chime Volume Settings
Rear chime volume settings can be selected from the Customer Programmable Features section of the Uconnect System

Ú

page 150.

The chime volume settings include low, medium, and high.
ParkSense will retain its last known configuration state through ignition cycles.

WARNING ALERTS

Rear Distance

(inches/cm)

Greater than

79 inches

(200 cm)

79-59 inches

(200-150 cm)

59-47 inches

(150-120 cm)

47-39 inches

(120-100 cm)

39-25 inches

(100-65 cm)

25-12 inches

(65-30 cm)

Less than

12 inches

(30 cm)

Audible Alert

Chime

None

Single 1/2

Second Tone

Slow

Slow

Fast

Fast

Continuous

Arcs-Left

None

None

None

None

None

2nd Flashing

1st Flashing

Arcs-Center

None

6th Solid

5th Solid

4th Solid

3rd Flashing

2nd Flashing

1st Flashing

Arcs-Right

None

None

None

None

None

2nd Flashing

1st Flashing

Radio Volume

Reduced

No

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

4

128

STARTING AND OPERATING

P

ARK

S

ENSE

W

ARNING

D

ISPLAY

The ParkSense Warning screen will only be

displayed if Sound and Display is selected from the

Customer Programmable Features section of the

Uconnect System

Ú

page 150.

The ParkSense Warning screen is located within

the instrument cluster display

Ú

page 94. It

provides visual warnings to indicate the distance

between the rear fascia/bumper and the detected

obstacle.

E

NABLING

A

ND

D

ISABLING

P

ARK

S

ENSE

ParkSense can be enabled and disabled

with the ParkSense switch located below

the Uconnect display.

When the ParkSense switch is pushed to disable the

system, the instrument cluster will display the

“PARKSENSE OFF” message for approximately

five seconds. When the gear selector is moved to

REVERSE and the system is disabled, the instrument

cluster display will display the “PARKSENSE OFF”

message for as long as the vehicle is in REVERSE.
The ParkSense switch LED will be on when

ParkSense is disabled or requires service. The

ParkSense switch LED will be off when the system

is enabled. If the ParkSense switch is pushed, and

the system requires service, the ParkSense switch

LED will blink momentarily, and then the LED will

be on.

O

PERATION

W

ITH

A T

RAILER

For vehicles equipped with an Integrated Trailer

Brake Module (ITBM), the operation of the rear

sensors is automatically deactivated when the

trailer's electric plug is inserted in the vehicle's

tow hook socket. The instrument cluster will

display the message “ParkSense Off”.
The rear sensors are automatically reactivated

when the trailer's cable plug is removed, and the

instrument cluster will display the message

“ParkSense On”.

NOTE:

For more information on the Integrated Trailer

Brake Module, see

Ú

page 138.

S

ERVICE

T

HE

P

ARK

S

ENSE

R

EAR

P

ARK

A

SSIST

S

YSTEM

During vehicle start up, when the ParkSense Rear

Park Assist System has detected a faulted

condition, the instrument cluster will actuate a

single chime, once per ignition cycle, and it will

display the “PARKSENSE UNAVAILABLE WIPE

REAR SENSORS” or the “PARKSENSE

UNAVAILABLE SERVICE REQUIRED” message.

Refer to “Instrument Cluster Display”. When the

gear selector is moved to REVERSE and the system

has detected a faulted condition, the instrument

cluster display will display the "PARKSENSE

UNAVAILABLE WIPE REAR SENSORS" or

"PARKSENSE UNAVAILABLE SERVICE REQUIRED"

message for as long as the vehicle is in REVERSE.

Under this condition, ParkSense will not operate.
If “PARKSENSE UNAVAILABLE WIPE REAR

SENSORS” appears in the instrument cluster

display make sure the outer surface and the

underside of the rear fascia/bumper is clean and

clear of snow, ice, mud, dirt or other obstruction

and then cycle the ignition. If the message

continues to appear, see an authorized dealer.
If “PARKSENSE UNAVAILABLE SERVICE

REQUIRED” appears in the instrument cluster

display, see an authorized dealer.

C

LEANING

T

HE

P

ARK

S

ENSE

S

YSTEM

Clean the ParkSense sensors with water, car wash

soap and a soft cloth. Do not use rough or hard

cloths. Do not scratch or poke the sensors.

Otherwise, you could damage the sensors.

STARTING AND OPERATING

129

(Continued)

P

ARK

S

ENSE

S

YSTEM

U

SAGE

P

RECAUTIONS

NOTE:



Ensure that the rear bumper is free of snow, ice,

mud, dirt and debris to keep the ParkSense

system operating properly.



Jackhammers, large trucks, and other

vibrations could affect the performance of

ParkSense.



When you turn ParkSense off, the instrument

cluster will display “PARKSENSE OFF.” Further

-

more, once you turn ParkSense off, it remains

off until you turn it on again, even if you cycle the

ignition.



When you move the gear selector to the

REVERSE position and ParkSense is turned off,

the instrument cluster display will display

“PARKSENSE OFF” message for as long as the

vehicle is in REVERSE.



ParkSense, when on, will reduce the volume of

the radio when it is sounding a tone.



Clean the ParkSense sensors regularly, taking

care not to scratch or damage them. The

sensors must not be covered with ice, snow,

slush, mud, dirt or debris. Failure to do so can

result in the system not working properly. The

ParkSense system might not detect an obstacle

behind the fascia/bumper, or it could provide a

false indication that an obstacle is behind the

fascia/bumper.



Use the ParkSense switch to turn the ParkSense

system off if objects such as bicycle carriers,

trailer hitches, etc. are placed within 12 inches

(30 cm) of the rear fascia/bumper. Failure to do

so can result in the system misinterpreting a

close object as a sensor problem, causing the

“PARKSENSE UNAVAILABLE SERVICE

REQUIRED” message to be displayed in the

instrument cluster display.

WARNING!



Drivers must be careful when backing up even

when using ParkSense. Always check carefully

behind your vehicle, look behind you, and be

sure to check for pedestrians, animals, other

vehicles, obstructions, and blind spots before

backing up. You are responsible for safety and

must continue to pay attention to your

surroundings. Failure to do so can result in

serious injury or death.



Before using ParkSense, it is strongly recom

-

mended that the ball mount and hitch ball

assembly be disconnected from the vehicle

when the vehicle is not used for towing.

Failure to do so can result in injury or damage

to vehicles or obstacles because the hitch ball

will be much closer to the obstacle than the

rear fascia when the vehicle sounds the

continuous tone. Also, the sensors could

detect the ball mount and hitch ball assembly,

depending on its size and shape, giving a false

indication that an obstacle is behind the

vehicle.

CAUTION!



ParkSense is only a parking aid and it is

unable to recognize every obstacle, including

small obstacles. Parking curbs might be

temporarily detected or not detected at all.

Obstacles located above or below the sensors

will not be detected when they are in close

proximity.



The vehicle must be driven slowly when using

ParkSense in order to be able to stop in time

when an obstacle is detected. It is recom

-

mended that the driver looks over his/her

shoulder when using ParkSense.

WARNING!

4

130

STARTING AND OPERATING

PARKVIEW REAR BACK UP CAMERA

The ParkView Rear Back Up Camera allows you to

see an on-screen image of the rear surroundings of

your vehicle whenever the gear selector is put into

REVERSE. The image will be displayed on the radio

screen along with a caution note to “Check Entire

Surroundings” across the top of the screen. After

five seconds this note will disappear. The ParkView

Camera is located in the center of the tailgate

handle.

NOTE:

Removing the tailgate will disable the rearview

camera function.

Manual Activation Of The Rear View

Camera:

1. Press the Apps or Controls (if equipped)

button located on the bottom of the Uconnect

display.

2. Press the Back Up Camera icon to turn the

Rear View Camera system on.

NOTE:

The ParkView Rear Back Up Camera has program

-

mable modes of operation that may be selected

through the Uconnect system

Ú

page 150.

When the vehicle is shifted out of REVERSE with

Camera delay turned off, the rear Camera mode is

exited and the navigation or audio screen appears

again.
When the vehicle is shifted out of REVERSE with

Camera delay turned on, the rear Camera image

will be displayed for up to 10 seconds unless the

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

the transmission is shifted into PARK, or the

ignition is placed in the OFF position.
Whenever the Rear View Camera image is

activated through the Back Up Camera button in

the Controls menu, a display timer for the image is

initiated. The image will continue to be displayed

until the display timer exceeds 10 seconds and the

vehicle speed is above 8 mph (13 km/h) or the

touchscreen button X to disable the display of the

Rear View Camera image is pressed.
A touchscreen button X to disable display of the

camera image is made available when the vehicle

is not in REVERSE gear.
When enabled, active guidelines are overlaid on

the image to illustrate the width of the vehicle and

its projected backup path based on the steering

wheel position. The active guidelines will show

separate zones that will help indicate the distance

to the rear of the vehicle.

The following table shows the approximate

distances for each zone:

Zones

Distance To The Rear

Of The Vehicle

Red

0 - 1 ft (0 - 30 cm)

Yellow

1 ft - 6.5 ft

(30 cm - 2m)

Green

6.5 ft or greater

(2 m or greater)

WARNING!

Drivers must be careful when backing up even

when using the ParkView Rear Back Up 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.

STARTING AND OPERATING

131

NOTE:

If snow, ice, mud, or any foreign substance builds

up on the camera lens, clean the lens, rinse with

water, and dry with a soft cloth. Do not cover the

lens.

REFUELING THE VEHICLE

The fuel filler cap (gas cap) is located behind the

fuel filler door, on the left side of the vehicle. If the

gas cap is lost or damaged, be sure to use the

correct replacement cap for this vehicle.
1. Open the fuel filler door.
2. Remove the fuel cap by rotating it counter

-

clockwise.

Fuel Filler Cap

3. Fully insert the fuel nozzle into the filler pipe.
4. Fill the vehicle with fuel.

NOTE:



When the fuel nozzle “clicks” or shuts off,

the fuel tank is full.



Wait five seconds before removing the fuel

nozzle to allow excess fuel to drain from the

nozzle.

5. Remove the fuel nozzle, reinstall the fuel cap

and close fuel filler door.

NOTE:

When removing the fuel filler cap, lay the cap

tether in the hook, located on the fuel filler door.

CAUTION!



To avoid vehicle damage, ParkView should

only be used as a parking aid. The ParkView

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 ParkView 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 ParkView.

WARNING!



Never have any smoking materials lit in or

near the vehicle when the gas cap is removed

or the tank is being filled.



Never add fuel to the vehicle when the engine

is running.



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.

CAUTION!



Damage to the fuel system or emissions

control system could result from using an

improper fuel tank filler tube cap.



A poorly fitting fuel filler cap could let impuri

-

ties into the fuel system.



A poorly fitting fuel filler cap may cause the

Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL) to turn on.



To avoid fuel spillage and overfilling, do not

“top off” the fuel tank after filling. When the

fuel nozzle “clicks” or shuts off, the fuel tank

is full.

4

132

STARTING AND OPERATING

NOTE:



When the fuel nozzle “clicks” or shuts off, the

fuel tank is full.



Tighten the gas cap until you hear a “clicking”

sound. This is an indication that the gas cap is

tightened properly. The MIL in the instrument

cluster may turn on if the gas cap is not secured

properly. Make sure that the gas cap is tight

-

ened each time the vehicle is refueled.

L

OOSE

F

UEL

F

ILLER

C

AP

M

ESSAGE

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

Ú

page 94. Tighten the fuel filler cap properly and

push the Right arrow button on the steering wheel

to turn off the message. If the problem continues,

the message will appear the next time the vehicle

is started.

VEHICLE LOADING

G

ROSS

V

EHICLE

W

EIGHT

R

ATING

(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 Gross Axle

Weight Rating (GAWR). Total load must be limited

so GVWR and front and rear GAWR are not

exceeded.

P

AYLOAD

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.

G

ROSS

A

XLE

W

EIGHT

R

ATING

(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.

T

IRE

S

IZE

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.

R

IM

S

IZE

This is the rim size that is appropriate for the tire

size listed.

I

NFLATION

P

RESSURE

This is the cold tire inflation pressure for your

vehicle for all loading conditions up to full GAWR.

WARNING!



Always place container on the ground before

filling.



Keep the pump nozzle in contact with the

container when you are filling it.



Use only approved containers for flammable

liquid.



Do not leave container unattended while

filling.



A static electric charge could cause a spark

and fire hazard.

STARTING AND OPERATING

133

C

URB

W

EIGHT

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.

L

OADING

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 ensure 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 rear to front as appropriate until the

specified weight limitations 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 information 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 manual concerning

vehicles used for trailer towing.

C

OMMON

T

OWING

D

EFINITIONS

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 132.

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.

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.

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.

4

134

STARTING AND OPERATING

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

Ú

page 132.

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.

If equipped, the electronic TSC 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.

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 addition 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

recommended 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!

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.

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.

STARTING AND OPERATING

135

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 from the top of the front

wheel opening on the fender to the ground,

this is height H1.

Measuring Height (H)

3. Attach the trailer to the vehicle without the

weight distribution bars connected.

4. Measure the height from the top of the front

wheel opening on the fender to the 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. Perform a visual inspection of the trailer and

weight distributing hitch to confirm manufac

-

turers’ recommendations have been met.

NOTE:

For all towing conditions, we recommend towing

with TOW/HAUL mode engaged.

Measurement

Example

Example Height (mm)

H1

1030

H2

1058

H2-H1

28

(H2-H1)/2

14

(H2-H1)/2 + H1

1044

4

136

STARTING AND OPERATING

T

RAILER

H

ITCH

T

YPE

AND

M

AXIMUM

T

RAILER

W

EIGHT

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.

T

RAILER

T

OWING

W

EIGHTS

(M

AXIMUM

T

RAILER

W

EIGHT

R

ATINGS

)

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

T

RAILER

A

ND

T

ONGUE

W

EIGHT

Never exceed the maximum tongue weight

stamped on your bumper or trailer hitch.

Weight Distribution

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 equip

-

ment 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 Infor

-

mation” placard for the maximum combined

weight of occupants and cargo for your vehicle.

Trailer Hitch Type and Maximum Trailer Weight

Hitch Type

Max. Trailer Weight / Max. Tongue Weight

Class III Bumper Hitch

5,000 lb (2,268 kg) / 500 lb (226 kg)

Class IV

10,660 lb (4,835 kg) / 1,066 lb (483 kg)

Refer to the “Trailer Towing Weights (Maximum Trailer Weight Ratings)” for the Maximum Gross Trailer Weight (GTW) towable for your given drivetrain.

STARTING AND OPERATING

137

(Continued)

T

OWING

R

EQUIREMENTS

To promote proper break-in of your new vehicle

drivetrain components, the following guidelines

are recommended.

Perform the maintenance listed in Scheduled

Servicing, for the proper maintenance intervals

Ú

page 285. When towing a trailer, never exceed

the GAWR or GCWR ratings.

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!

Improper towing can lead to a collision. Follow

these guidelines to make your trailer towing as

safe as possible:



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, transmis

-

sion, 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!

4

138

STARTING AND OPERATING

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

Ú

page 320.

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 actuated 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 —

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 EOH systems. Some

previous EOH systems may not be compatible with

ITBM.

Integrated Trailer Brake Module (ITBM)

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

additional 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