towing RAM 1500 2022 Owner's Manual

178STARTING AND OPERATING
(Continued)
Pushing the on/off button or placing the ignition in
the OFF position, erases the set speed from
memory.
ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL (ACC)
Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) increases the driving
convenience provided by Cruise Control while
traveling on highways and major roadways.
However, it is not a safety system and not designed
to prevent collisions. The Cruise Control function
performs differently
Ú page 176.
ACC will allow you to keep Cruise Control engaged
in light to moderate traffic conditions without the
constant need to reset your speed. ACC utilizes a
radar sensor and a forward facing camera
designed to detect a vehicle directly ahead of you
to maintain a set speed.
NOTE:
If the ACC sensor detects a vehicle ahead, ACC
will apply limited braking or acceleration (not to
exceed the original set speed) automatically to
maintain a preset following distance, while
matching the speed of the vehicle ahead.
Any chassis/suspension or tire size modifica -
tions to the vehicle will affect the performance
of the Adaptive Cruise Control and Forward Colli -
sion Warning system.
Fixed Speed Cruise Control (ACC not enabled)
will not detect vehicles directly ahead of you.
Always be aware of the feature selected
Ú page 480.
WARNING!
Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) is a conve -
nience system. It is not a substitute for active
driver involvement. It is always the driver’s
responsibility to be attentive of road, traffic,
and weather conditions, vehicle speed,
distance to the vehicle ahead; and, most
importantly, brake operation to ensure safe
operation of the vehicle under all road condi -
tions. Your complete attention is always
required while driving to maintain safe control
of your vehicle. Failure to follow these warn -
ings can result in a collision and death or
serious personal injury.
The ACC system:
Does not react to pedestrians, oncoming
vehicles, and stationary objects (e.g., a
stopped vehicle in a traffic jam or a
disabled vehicle).
Cannot take street, traffic, and weather
conditions into account, and may be
limited upon adverse sight distance condi -
tions.
Does not always fully recognize complex
driving conditions, which can result in
wrong or missing distance warnings.
Will bring your vehicle to a complete stop
while following a vehicle ahead and hold
your vehicle for approximately three
minutes in the stop position. If the vehicle
ahead does not start moving within three
minutes the parking brake will be acti -
vated, and the ACC system will be
cancelled.
You should switch off the ACC system:
When driving in fog, heavy rain, heavy snow,
sleet, heavy traffic, and complex driving situa -
tions (i.e., in highway construction zones).
When entering a turn lane or highway off
ramp; when driving on roads that are winding,
icy, snow-covered, slippery, or have steep
uphill or downhill slopes.
When towing a trailer up or down steep slopes.
When circumstances do not allow safe driving
at a constant speed.
WARNING!

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STARTING AND OPERATING185
TOWING A TRAILER
ACC while towing a trailer is recommended only
with an Integrated Trailer Brake Controller.
Aftermarket trailer brake controllers will not
activate the trailer brakes when ACC is braking.
OFFSET DRIVING
ACC may not detect a vehicle in the same lane that
is offset from your direct line of travel, or a vehicle
merging in from a side lane. There may not be
sufficient distance to the vehicle ahead. The offset
vehicle may move in and out of the line of travel,
which can cause your vehicle to brake or
accelerate unexpectedly.

Offset Driving Condition Example

TURNS AND BENDS
When driving on a curve with ACC engaged, the
system may increase or decrease the vehicle
speed for stability, with no vehicle ahead detected.
Once the vehicle is out of the curve, the system will
resume your original set speed. This is a part of
normal ACC system functionality.
NOTE:On tight turns ACC performance may be limited.
USING ACC ON HILLS
ACC performance may be limited when driving on
hills. ACC may not detect a vehicle in your lane
depending on the speed, vehicle load, traffic
conditions, and the steepness of the hill.
ACC Hill Example

LANE CHANGING
ACC may not detect a vehicle until it is completely
in the lane in which you are traveling. In the lane
changing example below, ACC has not yet detected
the vehicle changing lanes and it may not detect
the vehicle until it's too late for the ACC system to
take action. ACC may not detect a vehicle until it is
completely in the lane. There may not be sufficient
distance to the lane-changing vehicle. Always be
attentive and ready to apply the brakes if
necessary.
Lane Changing Example

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STARTING AND OPERATING187
ParkSense will retain its last known configura -
tion state for the automatic braking function
through ignition cycles.
Trailer hitch ball assembly may cause false
braking events if left attached after towing.
The automatic braking function is intended to
assist the driver in avoiding possible collisions with
detected obstacles when backing up in REVERSE
gear.
NOTE:
The system is provided to assist the driver and
not to substitute the driver.
The driver must stay in full control of the
vehicle's acceleration and braking and is
responsible for the vehicle's movements.
For limitations of this system and usage
precautions, see Ú page 191.
ParkSense will retain the last system state
(enabled or disabled) from the last ignition cycle
when the ignition is placed in the ON/RUN position.
ParkSense can be active only when the gear
selector is in REVERSE or DRIVE. If ParkSense is
enabled while in one of these gears, the system will
remain active until the vehicle speed is increased
to approximately 7 mph (11 km/h) or above. A
warning will appear in the instrument cluster
display indicating the vehicle speed is above ParkSense operating speed while in REVERSE. The
system will become active again if the vehicle
speed is decreased to speeds less than
approximately 6 mph (9 km/h).
PARKSENSE SENSORS
The four ParkSense sensors (six if equipped with
Active Parksense), located in the front fascia/
bumper, monitor the area in front of the vehicle
that is within the sensors’ field of view, and 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 front
sensors can detect obstacles from approximately
12 inches (30 cm) up to 47 inches (120 cm) from
the front fascia/bumper. The rear sensors can
detect obstacles from approximately 12 inches
(30 cm) up to 79 inches (200 cm). These distances
depend on the location, type and orientation of the
obstacle in the horizontal direction.
PARKSENSE WARNING DISPLAY
The ParkSense Warning screen is located within
the instrument cluster display Ú
page 114. It
provides visual warnings to indicate the distance
between the rear fascia/bumper and/or front
fascia/bumper and the detected obstacle.
PARKSENSE DISPLAY
The warning display will turn on indicating the
system status when the vehicle is in REVERSE or
when the vehicle is in DRIVE and an obstacle has
been detected.
The system will indicate a detected obstacle by
showing a single arc in the left, right, or center
regions based on the obstacle’s distance and
location relative to the vehicle.
If an obstacle is detected in the center front region,
the display will show a single solid arc in the center
front region with no chime. As the vehicle moves
closer to the obstacle, the display will show the
single arc moving closer to the vehicle and a fast
chime will be heard and will change from fast to
continuous.
If an obstacle is detected in the left and/or right
front region, the display will show a single flashing
arc in the left and/or right front region and will
produce a fast chime. 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 fast to continuous.
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STARTING AND OPERATING191
PARKSENSE SYSTEM USAGE
P
RECAUTIONS
NOTE:
Ensure that the front and rear fascias/bumpers
are free of snow, ice, mud, dirt and debris to
keep the ParkSense system operating properly.
Jackhammers, large trucks, and other vibra -
tions could affect the performance of Park -
Sense.
When you turn Front or Rear ParkSense off, the
instrument cluster display will show a vehicle
graphic of the Front or Rear ParkSense on/off
state for two seconds. Furthermore, once you
turn Front or Rear 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 Front or Rear ParkSense
is turned off, the instrument cluster display will
show a vehicle graphic with "OFF" in the corre -
sponding side. This vehicle graphic will be
displayed 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 or in front of the fascia/bumper, or it
could provide a false indication that an obstacle
is behind or in front of the fascia/bumper.
Use the ParkSense switch to turn the ParkSense
system off if obstacles such as bicycle carriers,
trailer hitches, etc. are placed near the rear
fascia/bumper. Failure to do so can result in the
system misinterpreting a close obstacle as a
sensor problem, causing the “PARKSENSE
UNAVAILABLE SERVICE REQUIRED” message to
be appear in the instrument cluster display.
ParkSense should be disabled when the tailgate
is in the lowered or open position. A lowered tail -
gate could provide a false indication that an
obstacle is behind the vehicle and could also
cause a false braking event.
The Rear ParkSense system will automatically
disable when the system detects that a trailer
with trailer brakes has been connected to the
Integrated Trailer Brake Module.
The Front ParkSense system will automatically
disable if a snow plow has been connected to
the vehicle.
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/bumper 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, and give a
false indication that an obstacle is behind the
vehicle, and could cause false braking.
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212STARTING AND OPERATING
TIRE SIZE
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.
RIM SIZE
This is the rim size that is appropriate for the tire
size listed.
INFLATION PRESSURE
This is the cold tire inflation pressure for your
vehicle for all loading conditions up to full Gross
Axle Weight Rating (GAWR).
CURB WEIGHT
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.
LOADING
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 insure that the Gross Vehicle
Weight Rating (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 Gross
Axle Weight Rating (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.
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.

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STARTING AND OPERATING213
COMMON TOWING DEFINITIONS
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 211.
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.
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 Úpage 211.
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.
The electronic TSC (If equipped) 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.
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.
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.
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214STARTING AND OPERATING
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)With Weight-Distributing Hitch (Correct)
Improper Adjustment Of Weight-Distributing Hitch (Incorrect)
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.

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STARTING AND OPERATING215
RECOMMENDED DISTRIBUTION HITCH
ADJUSTMENT
Towing With Air Suspension — If Equipped

1. Verify that the vehicle is at the normal ride
height.

NOTE:The vehicle must remain in the engine run position
with all doors closed while attaching a trailer for
proper leveling of the air suspension system.
2. Position the truck to be ready to connect to the trailer (do not connect the trailer).
3. Enable tire jack mode through the instrument cluster or touchscreen radio settings. Tire jack
mode will be canceled and the procedure must
be restarted if the vehicle is driven at speeds
above 5 mph (8 km/h).
4. Measure the height from the top of the front wheel opening on the fender to ground; this is
height H1.
Measuring Height (H)

5. Attach the trailer to the vehicle without the weight-distributing bars connected.
6. Measure the height from the top of the front wheel opening on the fender to the ground;
this is height H2.
7. Install and adjust the tension in the weight-distributing bars per the
manufacturer’s recommendations so that the
height of the front fender is approximately
(H2-H1)/3+H1 (about 1/3 the difference
between H2 and H1 above normal ride height
[H1]). 8. Use the instrument cluster or touchscreen
radio settings and switch off tire jack mode.
Make sure the truck returns to normal ride
height. Perform a visual inspection of the
trailer and weight-distributing hitch to confirm
the manufacturer’s recommendations have
been met.
9. The truck can now be driven.
NOTE:For all towing conditions, we recommend towing
with Tow/Haul mode engaged.
Measurement Example Example Height (mm)
H1
925
H2 946
H2-H1 21
(H2-H1)/3 7
(H2-H1)/3 + H1 932
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216STARTING AND OPERATING
TRAILER HITCH TYPE AND MAXIMUM TRAILER WEIGHT
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. Class III Bumper Hitch Access
Remove the cap with a trim stick or screwdriver to
access the Class III hitch attachment.
NOTE:Be careful not to scratch the bumper step pad.

Class III Bumper Hitch Access

Trailer Hitch Type and Maximum Trailer Weight
Hitch TypeMax. Trailer Weight / Max. Tongue Weight
Class III Bumper Hitch - 1500 Model 5,000 lb (2,267 kg) / 500 lb (226 kg)
Class IV - 1500 Model 12,750 lb (5,783 kg) / 1,275 lb (578 kg)
Refer to the “Trailer Towing Weights (Maximum Trailer Weight Ratings)” for the Maximum Gross Trailer Weight (GTW) towable for your given drivetrain.

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STARTING AND OPERATING217
TRAILER TOWING WEIGHTS (MAXIMUM
T
RAILER WEIGHT RATINGS)
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
TRAILER AND TONGUE WEIGHT

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 REVERSE STEERING CONTROL
Feature Overview
Trailer Reverse Steering Control (TRSC) is a feature
that will assist the driver when backing up a trailer.
By turning the knob located on the center stack,
you can more accurately control the direction the
trailer will go.
The driver controls the accelerator and the brake
while steering with the use of the Trailer Reverse
Steering Control knob. The trailer is steered
according to the direction the knob is turned. This feature will also allow the driver to back up a
vehicle and trailer in a straight line when the knob
is rested in its center position.
Minimal setup is required to use this feature.
Set Up:
To use the system, hitch your trailer to the truck
and ensure all electrical wiring is connected
Ú
page 223.
The system will automatically calibrate an
attached trailer during normal forward driving with
no additional action needed from the driver. If the
vehicle has not had enough time to automatically
calibrate after connecting a trailer, you will see a
“Calibrate Trailer” message in the instrument
cluster when pressing the TRSC button to activate
the system. If this is the case, perform the following
maneuver to calibrate the trailer:
Drive forward at least 100 ft (30 m), perform a
90 degree turn and return to a straight position for
at least another 100 ft (30 m). Perform another 90 degree turn, followed by another straight drive
of at least 100 ft (30 m). Check that the system has calibrated by pushing the TRSC button.
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