weight RAM CHASSIS CAB 2017 Owner's Manual
Page 410 of 536
Trailer Hitch Classification
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. Trailer Towing Weights (Maximum Trailer Weight
Ratings)
NOTE: For additional trailer towing information (maxi-
mum 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 trailer hitch or the weights specified in the informa-
tion that can be found under “Trailer Towing Weights
(Maximum Trailer Weight Ratings)”.
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 passengers408 STARTING AND OPERATING
Page 412 of 536
WARNING! (Continued)PARK. For four-wheel drive vehicles, make sure the
transfer case is not in NEUTRAL (N). 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:
1. GVWR
2. GTW
3. GAWR
4. Tongue weight rating for the trailer hitch utilized.
Towing Requirements — Tires
• Do not attempt to tow a trailer while using a compact
spare tire.
• Proper tire inflation pressures are essential to the safe
and satisfactory operation of your vehicle. Refer to
“Tires – General Information” in “Starting And Operat-
ing” 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 – General Information”
in “Starting And Operating” for the proper inspection
procedure.
• When replacing tires, refer to “Tires – General Informa-
tion” in “Starting And Operating” for proper tire re-
placement procedures. Replacing tires with a higher
load carrying capacity will not increase the vehicle’s
GVWR and GAWR limits.
Towing Requirements — Trailer Brakes
WARNING!• Do not connect trailer brakes to your vehicle’s hy-
draulic brake lines. It can overload your brake sys-
tem 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 dis-
tance. 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.410 STARTING AND OPERATING
Page 419 of 536
Snowplow Prep Package Model Availability
For Information about snowplow applications visit
www.ramtrucks.com or refer to the current Ram 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 sys-
tem, all aftermarket accessories, driver, passengers, op-
tions, 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 passen-
gers. Vehicle front end wheel alignment was set to specifications
at the factory without consideration for the weight of the
plow. Front end toe-in should be checked and reset if
necessary at the beginning and end of the snowplow
season. This will help prevent uneven tire wear.
The blade should be lowered whenever the vehicle is
parked.
Maintain and operate your vehicle and snowplow equip-
ment following the recommendations provided by the
specific snowplow manufacturer.
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
conditions permit. Do not exceed 40 mph (64 km/h). The
operator should always maintain a safe stopping distance
and allow adequate passing clearance. 5STARTING AND OPERATING 417
Page 525 of 536
Gear Ranges ............................. .327
Gear Select Lever Override ................... .441
Glass Cleaning ........................... .485
Grocery Bag Retainer ....................... .182
Gross Axle Weight Rating .................... .404
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating .................. .404
Guide, Body Builders .........................6
GVWR ................................. .402
Hazard
Driving Through Flowing, Rising, Or Shallow
Standing Water ......................... .348
Hazard Warning Flasher ..................... .426
Headlights .............................. .495
Automatic ............................ .125
Cleaning .............................. .484
High Beam ............................ .133
High Beam/Low Beam Select Switch .......... .133
Passing ............................... .132
Switch ............................... .125
Head Restraints ............................116
Heated Mirrors ........................ .107, 182
Heater ................................. .277
High Beam/Low Beam Select (Dimmer) Switch .... .133
Hill Descent Control ....................... .363 Hill Descent Control Indicator ................ .363
Hill Start Assist ........................... .355
Hitches
Trailer Towing .......................... .408
Hoisting ................................ .435
HomeLink (Garage Door Opener) .............. .161
Hood Release ............................ .123
Hub Caps ............................... .434
Ignition ..................................15
Key.................................11,15
Ignition Key Removal ........................15
Illuminated Entry ...........................22
Immobilizer (Sentry Key) ......................18
Inside Rearview Mirror ................... .99, 104
Instrument Cluster .................. .200, 202, 216
Instr ument Cluster Display
Instrument Cluster Display ................. .218
Instrument Panel And Controls ................ .191
Instrument Panel Lens Cleaning ............... .485
Integrated Trailer Brake Controls ................411
Interior Appearance Care .................... .484
Interior Lights ............................ .129
Intermittent Wipers (Delay Wipers) ............. .134
Introduction ................................4 10 INDEX 523
Page 532 of 536
Aging (Life Of Tires) ..................... .383
Air Pressure ........................ .371, 376
Chains ............................... .385
Compact Spare ......................... .381
Dual .......................... .388, 427, 434
General Information .................. .376, 380
High Speed ............................ .378
Inflation Pressures ....................... .377
Life Of Tires ........................... .383
Load Capacity ...................... .371, 373
Pressure Monitor System (TPMS) ............ .390
Pressure Warning Light ................... .208
Quality Grading ........................ .389
Radial ............................... .378
Replacement ........................... .384
Rotation .............................. .387
Safety ............................ .365, 376
Sizes ................................ .367
Snow Tires ............................ .379
Spare Tire ...................... .380, 381, 382
Spinning .............................. .382
Tread Wear Indicators .................... .383
Wheel Nut Torque ....................... .433
Tire Safety Information ...................... .365
Tongue Weight/Trailer Weight ................ .408 Torque Converter Clutch .................... .335
Tow Hooks, Emergency ..................... .440
Towing ............................. .403, 442
Disabled Vehicle ........................ .442
Guide ................................ .408
Recreational ........................... .419
Weight ............................... .408
Towing Vehicle Behind A Motorhome ........... .419
Traction ................................ .347
T raction Control .......................... .358
Trailer Sway Control (TSC) ................... .362
Trailer Towing ............................ .403
Cooling System Tips ..................... .416
Hitches ............................... .408
Minimum Requirements ................... .409
Mirrors ............................... .109
Trailer And Tongue Weight ................. .408
Wiring ............................... .414
Trailer Towing Guide ....................... .408
Trailer Weight ............................ .408
Transfer Case ............................ .477
Electronically Shifted ..................... .342
Fluid ................................ .503
Transmission ............................. .478
Automatic ......................... .327, 478530 INDEX