trailer DODGE RAM 2500 DIESEL 2004 3.G Owner's Manual

Trailer Weight and Trailer Tongue Weight
Gross Trailer Weight (GTW) means the weight of the
trailer plus the weight of all cargo, consumables and
equipment loaded on the trailer when in actual under-
way towing condition. The recommended way to mea-
sure GTW is to put your fully loaded trailer on a vehicle
scale. The entire weight of the trailer must be supported
by the scale.
Tongue Weight is the weight placed on the vehicle's
trailer hitch by the trailer. Always load a trailer with 60%
to 65% of the weight located ahead of the trailer axle(s)
sufficiently to place 10% to 15% of the GTW on the tow
hitch of your vehicle.
Equalizing hitch are required for Class III or IV trailer
hitches and tongue weights above 350 lbs (159 kg) and
use of trailer sway control is recommended.Tongue weight must be equal to at least 10% of GTW, but
no more than 15% of GTW.
Also, there are maximum tongue weight ratings that are
not to be exceeded, as follows:
²Class III (the bumper ball type) 500 lbs (227 kg)
²Class IV (the receiver hitch type) 1200 lbs (544 kg)
278 STARTING AND OPERATING

NOTE: When towing a trailer, the following require-
ments must be adhered to:
²GCWR must not be exceeded
²Total weight must be distributed between the tow
vehicle and the trailer such that the following four
(4) ratings are not exceeded:
1.GVWR
2.GTW
3.Tongue weight rating for the trailer hitch utilized
(This requirement may limit the ability to always
achieve the 10% to 15% range of tongue weight [15%
to 25% for a(5th Wheel(style trailer] as a percentage
of total trailer weight.)
4.GAWR ratings
Trailer Towing Information (Maximum Trailer
Weight Ratings)
(Trailer Towing Guide(
NOTE:For trailer towing information (maximum trailer
weight ratings) refer to the following website address:
http:// www.dodge.com/towing.
In Canada, refer to the following website address:http://
www.dodge.ca.
Trailer Towing Mirrors Ð If Equipped
These mirrors are designed with an adjustable mirror
head to provide a greater vision range when towing
extra-wide loads. To change position inboard or out-
board, the mirror head should be rotated (flipped Out or
In). A small blindspot mirror is integrated onto the main
mirror surface.
STARTING AND OPERATING 279
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NOTE:
²These mirrors are power adjustable and heated.
²The passenger side main mirror is flat.
Cooling System Tips Ð Trailer Towing
To reduce potential for engine and transmission over-
heating, take the following actions in high ambient
temperatures:
²City DrivingÐwhen stopped, put the transmission in
N (Neutral) and increase the engine idle speed.
280 STARTING AND OPERATING

If your vehicle has an automatic transmission and you
tow a trailer frequently, change transmission fluid and
filter every 30,000 miles (48 000 km)
SNOWPLOW
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 recommendations contained within the Dodge
2004 BODY BUILDER'S GUIDE. See your dealer, installer
or snowplow manufacture for this information. There are
unique electrical systems that must be connected to
properly assure operator safety and prevent overloading
vehicle systems that would void the vehicle warranty.
WARNING!
Attaching a snowplow to this vehicle could ad-
versely affect performance of the airbag system in an
accident. Do not expect that the airbag will perform
as described earlier in this manual
CAUTION!
The ªLamp Outº indicator could illuminate if exte-
rior lamps are not properly installed.
282 STARTING AND OPERATING

²Driving in dusty conditions.
²Frequent trailer towing.
²Taxi, police, or delivery service (commercial service).
²Off-road or desert operation.
²Extensive operation at high engine speeds (greater
than 2900 rpm) and loads (greater than 70% throttle).
IfANYof these apply to you, then change your engine oil
at every interval shown in schedule9B9of the9Mainte-
nance Schedules9section of this manual.
If none of these apply to you, then change your engine oil
at every interval shown on schedule9A9of the9Mainte-
nance Schedules9section of this manual.
NOTE:Most vehicles are operated under the conditions
listed for Schedule9B.9
Engine Oil Selection
1. Engine Oil Quality
Use only oils conforming to API
Service CI-4. A sulfated ash limit
is specified for lubrication oil used
in Cummins engines. Oils with a
high ash content may produce de-
posits on valves that can progress
to guttering and valve burning. A
maximum sulfated ash content of
1.85 mass % is recommended for
all oil used in the engine.
2. Engine Oil Viscosity (SAE Grade)
The proper SAE viscosity of engine oil for the expected
ambient temperature range should be selected, as indi-
cated in the following chart:
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 327
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It is important that proper lubricant is used in the
transmission. Refer to Recommended Fluids, Lubricants
and Genuine Parts for the correct lubricant type. A band
adjustment and filter change should be made at the time
of the oil change.
The fluid and filter should be changed and the bands
adjusted as specified in the Maintenance Schedule (Sec-
tion 8). Vehicles having severe usage should follow
Maintenance Schedule ªBº of the Maintenance Schedule
(Section 8).
Severe usage consists of:
²Off-the-highway operation;
²Trailer towing;
²Snow plow operation;
²Prolonged operation with heavy loading, especially in
hot weather.NOTE:If the transmission is disassembled for any
reason, the fluid and filter should be changed, and the
bands adjusted.
Special Additives
The manufacturer recommends against the addition of
any additives to the transmission. Exception to this
policy is the use of special dyes to aid in detecting fluid
leaks. The use of transmission sealers should be avoided,
since they may adversely affect seals.
Front Wheel Bearings
Front wheel bearings for all Dodge Ram Trucks are
sealed-for-life. They do not require greasing or seal
replacement. In some instances, these bearings will
ªpurgeº excess grease and the bearing housing will look
slightly wet. This is normal.
²Periodic inspection for excess play is recommended.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 355
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EMISSION CONTROL SYSTEM MAINTENANCE
The ªScheduledº maintenance services, listed inbold
typein this section (Section 8) must be done at the times
or mileages specified to assure the continued proper
functioning of the emission control system. These, and all
other maintenance services included in this manual,
should be done to provide best vehicle performance and
reliability. More frequent maintenance may be needed for
vehicles in severe operating conditions such as dusty
areas and very short trip driving.
Inspection and service also should be done any time a
malfunction is suspected.
NOTE:Maintenance, replacement, or repair of the emis-
sion control devices and systems on your vehicle may be
performed by any automotive repair establishment or
individual using any automotive part which has been
certified pursuant to U.S. EPA or, in the State of Califor-
nia, California Air Resources Board regulations.
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES Ð 24±VALVE
CUMMINS TURBO DIESEL
There are two maintenance schedules that show the
requiredservice for your vehicle.
First is ScheduleªBº. It is for vehicles that are operated
under the conditions that are listed below and at the
beginning of the schedule.
²Frequent short trips where the engine does not achieve
full operating temperature (operating temperature de-
fined as 190É F (66É C ) coolant temperature).
²Extensive engine idling (over 10 minutes per hour of
operation) at ambient temperatures less than 32É F (0É
C).
²Driving in dusty conditions.
²Frequent trailer towing.
²Taxi, police, or delivery service (commercial service).
384 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
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Schedule ªBº
Follow schedule ªBº if you usually operate your vehicle
under one or more of the following conditions.
²Frequent short trips where the engine does not achieve
full operating temperature (operating temperature de-
fined as 190É F (66É C ) coolant temperature).
²Extensive engine idling (over 10 minutes per hour of
operation) at ambient temperatures less than 32É F (0É
C).
²Driving in dusty conditions.
²Frequent trailer towing.
²Taxi, police, or delivery service (commercial service).
²Off-road or desert operation.
²Extensive operation at high engine speeds (greater
than 2900 rpm) and loads (greater than 70% throttle).
SCHEDULE ªBº 387
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Glass Cleaning.......................... 365
GVWR............................... 269
Hands-Free Phone........................ 79
Hazard Warning Flasher................... 296
Head Restraints.......................... 93
Headlights..........................101,367
High Beam........................... 104
High Beam/Low Beam Select Switch........ 104
Lights On Reminder.................... 102
Passing............................. 104
Switch.............................. 101
Heated Mirrors....................78,191,195
Heated Seats............................ 96
Heater............................... 187
High Beam/Low Beam Select Switch.......... 104
Hitches
Trailer Towing........................ 275
Hoisting.............................. 309Homelink Transmitter.................... 120
Hood Release........................... 97
Hoses.............................348,350
Hub Caps............................. 306
Hydraulic Clutch Fluid.................... 351
Ignition.............................14,204
Key ............................... 11,14
Lock................................ 14
Infant Restraint........................55,56
Inflation Pressure Tires.................... 259
Inside Rearview Mirror.................... 75
Instrument Cluster....................142,143
Instrument Panel and Controls.............. 141
Instrument Panel Lens Cleaning............. 365
Interior Appearance Care.................. 364
Intermittent Wipers...................... 105
Introduction............................. 4
INDEX 417
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Trailer Towing......................79,279
Modifications/Alterations, Vehicle............. 7
Mopar Parts.........................322,407
Multi-Function Control Lever............... 103
New Vehicle Break-In Period................ 67
Noise Control
Maintenance.......................... 357
Tampering Prohibited................... 358
Noise Emission Warranty...............357,359
Occupant Restraints....................... 33
Odometer..........................148,149
Trip .............................148,149
Off-Pavement Driving.................... 292
Off-Road Driving........................ 292
Oil, Engine............................ 380
Capacity............................ 379
Change Interval....................... 326Dipstick............................. 325
Disposal............................ 331
Filter.........................325,328,380
Pressure Gauge....................... 145
Recommendation...................... 327
Viscosity............................ 327
Oil Filter, Change........................ 328
Onboard Diagnostic System................ 321
Opener, Garage Door..................... 120
Operating Precautions.................... 321
Outside Rearview Mirrors.................. 76
Overdrive............................. 220
Overdrive OFF Switch.................... 220
Overhead Console.................... 112,113
Overhead Travel Information Center.......... 113
Owner's Manual........................ 408
Parking Brake.......................... 238
Passenger Airbag On/Off Switch............. 50
420 INDEX