load capacity Ram 1500 2015 User Guide

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 tem-
porary) 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 permissible 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 Certifica-
tion Label” in “Starting and Operating” for further
information.
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 an accident.
Tongue Weight (TW)
The tongue weight is the downward force exerted on the
hitch ball by the trailer. The recommended tongue weight
is 10% to 15% for a conventional hitch. You must consider
this as part of the load on your vehicle.
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STARTING AND OPERATING 649

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 Oper-
ating” for proper tire inflation procedures.
•Check the trailer tires for proper tire inflation pres-
sures 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 Infor-
mation” in “Starting and Operating” for 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
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.
660 STARTING AND OPERATING

CAUTION!
If the trailer weighs more than 1,000 lbs (454 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.
•Donotinterconnect 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 lbs (454 kg) and required for trailers in excess of
1,653 lbs (750 kg).
Integrated Trailer Brake Module — If Equipped
Your vehicle may have an Integrated Trailer Brake Mod-
ule (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 com-
patible with ITBM.
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STARTING AND OPERATING 661

•Check the runners and cutting edge for excessive wear.
The cutting edge should be¼to½in (6 cm to 1.2 cm)
above ground in snow plowing position.
•Check that snowplow lighting is connected and func-
tioning properly.
Snowplow Prep Package Model Availability
For Information about snowplow applications visit
www.ramtrucks.com or refer to the current Body Build-
ers 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 Com-
pliance Certification Label on the driver’s side door
opening.
NOTE:Detach the snowplow when transporting pas-
sengers.
Vehicle front end wheel alignment was set to specifica-
tions 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.
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 671

Flooded Engine Starting....................451
Fluid, Brake.............................824
Fluid Capacities..........................819
Fluid Leaks.............................118
Fluid Level Checks
Brake................................782
Power Steering.........................577
Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts...........821
Fog Lights..............................171
Fold Flat Load Floor.......................247
Four-Way Hazard Flasher...................685
Four Wheel Drive.........................494
Freeing A Stuck Vehicle.....................734
Front Axle (Differential).....................784
Fuel...................................634
Adding..............................643
Additives.............................637
Clean Air.............................635
Ethanol..............................636
Filler Cap (Gas Cap).....................645
Gasoline..............................634
Materials Added........................637
Methanol.............................636
Octane Rating..........................634
Requirements..........................634
Tank Capacity..........................819
Fuel, Flexible............................639
Fuel System Caution.......................644
Fuses..................................797
Garage Door Opener (HomeLink®)............214
Gas Cap (Fuel Filler Cap)...................645
Gasoline, Clean Air........................635
Gasoline (Fuel)...........................634
Gasoline, Reformulated.....................635
Gauges
Speedometer..........................294
Tachometer............................289
854 INDEX

System, Remote Starting.....................34
Tachometer..............................289
Tailgate................................268
Temperature Control, Automatic (ATC)..........418
Tilt Steering Column.......................182
Tip Start................................449
Tire and Loading Information Placard...........603
Tire Markings............................597
Ti re s . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 8
Aging (Life of Tires).....................618
Air Pressure...........................608
Chains...............................621
Compact Spare.........................615
Dual................................624
General Information.....................608
High Speed...........................611
Inflation Pressures.......................610
Life of Tires...........................618
Load Capacity.........................603
Pressure Monitor System (TPMS)............626
Pressure Warning Light...................294
Quality Grading........................845
Radial...............................611
Replacement...........................619
Rotation..............................623
Safety...............................597
Sizes................................598
Snow Tires............................613
Spinning.............................617
Tread Wear Indicators....................617
Tire Safety Information.....................597
Tongue Weight/Trailer Weight................657
Tonneau Cover...........................796
Tonneau Cover Cleaning....................796
Torque Converter Clutch....................482
Tow Hooks, Emergency.....................735
Towing................................648
864 INDEX