RAM 1500 2023 Owners Manual

STARTING AND OPERATING169
If the camera delay is turned off, the camera image will
close and display the previous screen after shifting out of
REVERSE.
Modes Of Operation
The Trailer Surround View Camera system offers two
different camera displays:
Top View split screen with one selected mounted
camera
 Full screen view of a selected mounted camera
Press the More Cams button on the Surround View screen
and select the Trailer tab to access the Trailer Cameras.
Press Trailer Surround Camera button to access the
default Top View and Rear View of the trailer.
Top View
The Trailer Top View will show in the Uconnect system with
Top View and Rear View in a split screen display.

Trailer Top and Rear Camera View
NOTE:
Due to wide angle cameras, the image will appear
distorted.
Rear View
Pressing the Rear View button will show the Top
View and Rear View in a split screen display.
Front View Pressing the Front View button will show you
what is immediately in front of the trailer and is
paired with the Top View of the trailer.
Left View Pressing the Left View button will give the driver
a wider angle view of the left side trailer
camera and is paired with the Top View of the
trailer.
Right View Pressing the Right View button will give the
driver a wider angle view of the right side trailer
camera and is paired with the Top View of the
trailer. Full Screen Camera View
To display a full screen image of the Trailer Surround View
mounted cameras, select one of the following options
from the Trailer Cameras screen: Trailer Left, Trailer Right,
Trailer Front, Trailer Rear. Exiting out of the full screen
view will return the system to the previous screen.
NOTE:If the Trailer Surround Camera was selected through the
More Cameras menu, an option to return to the More
Cameras menu will display. If the Trailer Surround Camera
was manually activated through the Controls menu of the
Uconnect system, exiting out of the display screen will
return to the Controls menu.
Deactivation
The system is deactivated in the following conditions if it
was activated
automatically:
 When the vehicle is shifted out of REVERSE with
camera delay turned on, the camera image will
continue to be displayed for up to 10 seconds, unless
the vehicle speed exceeds 8 mph (13 km/h), the
vehicle is shifted into PARK or the ignition is placed in
the OFF position. There is a touchscreen X button to
disable the display of the camera image.
 When the vehicle is shifted out of REVERSE with
camera delay turned off, the Trailer Surround View
Camera mode is exited and the last known screen
appears again.
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170STARTING AND OPERATING
The system is deactivated in the following conditions if it
was activated manually from the Uconnect controls menu
via the Trailer Surround Camera button:
 The touchscreen X button is pressed
 Vehicle is shifted into PARK
 Ignition is placed in the OFF position
 Vehicle speed is over 8 mph (13 km/h) for 10 seconds
NOTE:If the Trailer Surround Camera is activated manually, and
the vehicle is shifted into REVERSE, deactivation methods
for automatic activation are assumed.
The camera delay system is turned off manually through
the Uconnect system
Úpage 191.
NOTE:
If snow, ice, mud, or any foreign substance builds up on
the camera lenses, clean the lenses, rinse with water,
and dry with a soft cloth. Do not cover the lenses.
 If a malfunction with the system has occurred, see an
authorized dealer.
AUX CAMERA — IF EQUIPPED
Your vehicle may be equipped with one or two AUX
Cameras, which display rearview and side view images
from the trailer on the touchscreen.
NOTE:Two Aux Cameras are only available on vehicles with NAV
equipped radios if the vehicle is not equipped with a
Center High Mounted Stop Lamp (CHMSL) and Surround
View Camera system.
Activation
The AUX Camera is activated by first pressing the Back Up
Camera or Cargo Camera (if equipped) button on the
touchscreen, followed by the AUX button located in the
upper left corner of the rearview display. On vehicles with
Surround View Camera (if equipped), the AUX Camera can
be activated when the vehicle is in REVERSE by first
pressing the More Cams button in the Surround View
screen, followed by the AUX tab. The AUX camera can also be activated when the vehicle is
in REVERSE by pressing the AUX button.
If equipped with two AUX Cameras, you can switch
between each camera by pressing the AUX 1 or AUX 2
buttons on the Trailer Camera display.
Deactivation
The AUX Camera is deactivated by pressing the
touchscreen X button. This will return the display back to
the previously displayed screen.NOTE:

If the AUX button is pressed and no AUX Camera is
connected, the touchscreen will display a blue screen
along with the message “Camera System Unavailable.”
The screen can be exited out by pressing the touch -
screen X button. This will return the display back to the
previously displayed screen.
 Zoom View is not available with the AUX Camera
feature.
 The display will always default to the Trailer Camera
display AUX 1.
WARNING!
Drivers must be careful when backing up even when
using the Trailer Surround View 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.
CAUTION!
To avoid vehicle damage, Trailer Surround View
should only be used as a parking aid. The Trailer
Surround View 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 Trailer Surround View to be able to
stop in time when an obstacle is seen. It is recom -
mended that the driver look frequently over his/her
shoulder when using Trailer Surround View.
AUX 1 Camera Button
AUX 2 Camera Button

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STARTING AND OPERATING171
REFUELING THE VEHICLE
The capless fuel filler is located on the left side of the
vehicle.
The capless system is sealed by two flapper doors.

1. Put the vehicle in PARK and switch the ignition off.

2. Push the center-rear edge of the fuel filler door
(3 o'clock position) and release to open.

Fuel Filler Door

3. Insert the fuel nozzle fully into the filler pipe, the nozzle opens and holds both flapper doors while
refueling.

Fuel Filler

4. When the fuel nozzle “clicks” or shuts off, the fuel tank is full.
5. Keep the nozzle in the filler for five seconds after nozzle clicks to allow fuel to drain from the nozzle.
6. Remove the fuel filler nozzle.
7. To close the fuel filler door, push the center-rear edge (3 o’clock position) of the fuel filler door and then
release. The fuel filler door will latch closed.
NOTE:In certain cold conditions, ice may prevent the fuel filler
door from opening. If this occurs, lightly push on the fuel
filler door around the perimeter to break the ice build up.
WARNING!
Never have any smoking materials lit in or near the
vehicle when the fuel door is open or the tank is
being filled.
 Never add fuel when the engine is running. This is in
violation of most state and federal fire regulations
and may cause the MIL to turn on.
 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!
To avoid fuel spillage and overfilling, do not “top off” the
fuel tank after filling.
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.
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172STARTING AND OPERATING
VEHICLE LOADING
GROSS VEHICLE WEIGHT RATING
(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.
PAYLOAD
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.
GROSS AXLE WEIGHT RATING (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, do not necessarily increase the
vehicle's GVWR.
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 ensure 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.
WARNING!
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.
Overloading can shorten the life of your vehicle.

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STARTING AND OPERATING173
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.
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
Úpage 172.
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 172.
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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174STARTING 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.

23_DT_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 174

STARTING AND OPERATING175
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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176STARTING 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 TOWING WEIGHTS
(M
AXIMUM TRAILER WEIGHT RATINGS)
NOTE:For trailer towing information (maximum trailer weight
ratings) refer to the following website addresses:
 ramtrucks.com/towing/towing-guide
 ramtruck.ca (Canada)
 rambodybuilder.com
TRAILER AND TONGUE WEIGHT

Weight Distribution

Trailer Hitch Type and Maximum Trailer Weight
Hitch Type Max. 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 OPERATING177
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 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 Information Placard for the
maximum combined weight of occupants and cargo for
your vehicle.
TRAILER REVERSE STEERING
C
ONTROL — IF EQUIPPED
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
Úpage 182.
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.
NOTE:The 90 degree turns could be in either the left or right
direction.

Trailer Reverse Steering Control Calibration

1 — Straight 100 ft (30 m) 2 — Intersection turn with radius 50-65 ft (15-20 m) in
either direction
3 — Straight 100 ft (30 m)4 — Intersection turn with radius 50-65 ft (15-20 m) in
either direction
5 — Straight 100 ft (30 m)6 — Straight 100 ft (30 m), making sure to align vehicle/trailer to path center line
7 — Feature is active, turn knob left or right to back the
trailer up
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178STARTING AND OPERATING
Using TRSC

Trailer Reverse Steering Control Knob

To use the system, place the gear selector in PARK and put
your foot on the brake. Push the activation button located
above the TRSC knob in the center stack. The LED on the
button will glow solid and the instrument cluster display
will direct you to shift to REVERSE. Once in REVERSE the
system is active. Remove hands from the steering wheel
and slowly back up while turning the TRSC knob in the
direction you want the trailer to go. Turning the knob
clockwise will cause the trailer to turn right. Turning the
knob counterclockwise will cause the trailer to turn left.
If you release the knob, it will return to its center position,
and the trailer will back up in a straight line. Continue to control the accelerator and brake while
backing the trailer up.
NOTE:While active, TRSC will automatically disable the Rear Park
Assist system if it was previously enabled.
The system will limit the top speed your vehicle can travel
in REVERSE while using the feature. If needed, you can
shift to DRIVE or NEUTRAL to pull forward to get more
room or straighten out the trailer, and shift back to
REVERSE without the need to reactivate the feature.
The feature will cancel after 30 seconds in DRIVE or when
the vehicle speed reaches 8 mph (12 km/h).
To cancel out of the feature, come to a stop and shift to
PARK, or push the TRSC activation button.
Instrument Cluster Messages:

“Calibrate Trailer ” will display when a trailer is not
calibrated and the vehicle is at a standstill while the
button is pushed.
 “Calibrating Trailer” will display when the trailer is not
calibrated and the vehicle is moving while the button is
pushed.
 “To Activate Trailer Steering Shift To P” will display
when the trailer is calibrated successfully, the TRSC
activation button is pushed and the vehicle is not in
PARK.
 “Trailer Steering Ready, Shift To Reverse” will display
when the button is pushed, trailer is calibrated and the
vehicle is in PARK. 
“Trailer Steering Active” will display after the driver
shifts to REVERSE and indicates the feature is active.
 “Trailer Steering Unavailable” will display if there is a
fault in the system preventing activation, the driver’s
door is open, the driver’s seat belt is unbuckled, or the
tailgate is open.
Other reasons the feature may cancel:
 The driver overrides steering by placing hands on the
steering wheel.
 Trailer tracking is lost.
 If the trailer angle becomes excessive, the brakes apply
bringing the vehicle to a stop and then applying the
parking brake.
 Trailer steering button is pushed while active.
 Vehicle speed goes over 8 mph (12 km/h).
 Driver door is open and seat belt is unbuckled.
 Transmission shifted to PARK.
Trailer Memory
The trailer steering system will automatically retain the
calibration of the previous five trailers connected, so
recalibration will not be necessary when hooking up.
The next time the vehicle is started, place the vehicle in
DRIVE and drive a short distance. The TRSC system can
then be activated.
NOTE:Trailers may look different during day and night condi -
tions. In such cases, the trailer may need to recalibrate.
CAUTION!
Always observe the position of the trailer and
surroundings using the camera and mirrors to avoid
damage to the truck or trailer.

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