tire size RAM 1500 2023 Owners Manual

5
VEHICLE LOADING .......................................................... 172Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) ..................... 172
Payload ...................................................................... 172
Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR)............................ 172
Tire Size ..................................................................... 172Rim Size ..................................................................... 172Inflation Pressure ...................................................... 172Curb Weight ............................................................... 172
Loading ...................................................................... 172
TRAILER TOWING ............................................................ 173 Common Towing Definitions .................................... 173
Trailer Hitch Type and Maximum Trailer Weight ..... 176Trailer Towing Weights
(Maximum Trailer Weight Ratings) .......................... 176Trailer And Tongue Weight ...................................... 176
Trailer Reverse Steering
Control — If Equipped................................................ 177Towing Requirements .............................................. 179
Towing Tips ............................................................... 184
SNOWPLOW ..................................................................... 184 Before Plowing .......................................................... 185
Snowplow Prep Package Model Availability ............ 185Over The Road Operation With Snowplow
Attached .................................................................... 185Operating Tips ........................................................... 185
General Maintenance ............................................... 185
RECREATIONAL TOWING (BEHIND MOTORHOME) .... 186 Towing This Vehicle Behind Another Vehicle .......... 186
Recreational Towing — Two-Wheel Drive Models ... 186
Recreational Towing — Four-Wheel Drive Models... 187 DRIVING TIPS ................................................................... 189
Driving On Slippery Surfaces .................................. 189
Driving Through Water ............................................. 189
Off-Road Driving Tips ............................................... 190
MULTIMEDIA
UCONNECT SYSTEMS ..................................................... 191
CYBERSECURITY ............................................................. 191
UCONNECT SETTINGS .................................................... 191 Customer Programmable Features ........................ 192
UCONNECT INTRODUCTION............................................ 215 System Overview....................................................... 215
Safety And General Information ............................. 217
UCONNECT MODES ......................................................... 218 Steering Wheel Audio Controls ............................... 218
Radio Mode .............................................................. 218
Media Mode ............................................................. 226
Phone Mode ............................................................. 228
CONNECTED VEHICLE SERVICES —
IF EQUIPPED .................................................................... 236 Is My Vehicle Connected? ........................................ 236
Introduction To Connected Vehicle Services ......... 237
Getting Started With Connected Vehicle
Services .................................................................... 238
Using SiriusXM Guardian™ ..................................... 239
Manage My SiriusXM Guardian™ Account ............. 248
CONNECTED SERVICES FAQS ....................................... 248 Connected Services SOS FAQs — If Equipped ....... 248Connected Services Remote Door
Lock/Unlock FAQs ................................................... 249 Connected Services Roadside Assistance FAQs .... 249
Connected Services Send & Go FAQs —
If Equipped ................................................................ 249
Connected Services Vehicle Finder FAQs ............... 249
Connected Services Stolen Vehicle
Assistance FAQs — If Equipped ............................... 250Connected Services Remote Vehicle
Start FAQs ................................................................. 250
Connected Services Remote Horn & Lights
FAQs ........................................................................... 250Connected Services Account FAQs —
If Equipped................................................................. 251
Data Collection & Privacy.......................................... 252
RADIO OPERATION AND MOBILE PHONES .................252 Regulatory And Safety Information .......................... 253
PERFORMANCE PAGES — IF EQUIPPED .......................253 Timers ........................................................................ 253
Gauges ....................................................................... 254
G-Force ....................................................................... 254
Dynamometer (Dyno)/Engine ................................... 255
Vehicle Dynamics ...................................................... 255
OFF-ROAD PAGES — IF EQUIPPED ................................256 Off-Road Pages Status Bar ...................................... 257Vehicle Dynamics ..................................................... 258Accessory Gauge ....................................................... 259
Pitch & Roll ................................................................ 260
Suspension — If Equipped ........................................ 261Forward Facing Camera — If Equipped .................... 261

23_DT_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 5

112GETTING TO KNOW YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL
Rear Axle Locker Fault Warning Light —
If Equipped
This warning light will illuminate to indicate
when a rear axle locker fault has been
detected.
Service Forward Collision Warning (FCW)
Light — If Equipped
This warning light will illuminate to indicate a
fault in the FCW System. Contact an authorized
dealer for service
Úpage 274.
Service Stop/Start System Warning Light —
If Equipped
This warning light will illuminate when the
Stop/Start system is not functioning properly
and service is required. Contact an authorized
dealer for service.
Service 4WD Warning Light — If Equipped
This warning light will illuminate to signal a fault
with the 4WD system. If the light stays on or
comes on during driving, it means that the 4WD
system is not functioning properly and that
service is required. We recommend you drive to the
nearest service center and have the vehicle serviced
immediately.
Cruise Control Fault Warning Light
This warning light will illuminate to indicate the
Cruise Control System is not functioning
properly and service is required. Contact an
authorized dealer.
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
Warning Light
The warning light switches on and a message is
displayed to indicate that the tire pressure is
lower than the recommended value and/or
that slow pressure loss is occurring. In these
cases, optimal tire duration and fuel consumption may not
be guaranteed.
Should one or more tires be in the condition previously
mentioned, the display will show the indications
corresponding to each tire. Each tire, including the spare (if provided), should be
checked monthly when cold and inflated to the inflation
pressure recommended by the vehicle manufacturer on
the vehicle placard or tire inflation pressure label. If your
vehicle has tires of a different size than the size indicated
on the vehicle placard or tire inflation pressure label, you
should determine the proper tire inflation pressure for
those tires.
As an added safety feature, your vehicle has been
equipped with a TPMS that illuminates a low tire pressure
telltale when one or more of your tires is significantly
underinflated. Accordingly, when the low tire pressure
telltale illuminates, you should stop and check your tires
as soon as possible, and inflate them to the proper
pressure. Driving on a significantly underinflated tire
causes the tire to overheat and can lead to tire failure.
Underinflation also reduces fuel efficiency and tire tread
life, and may affect the vehicle’s handling and stopping
ability.
Please note that the TPMS is not a substitute for proper
tire maintenance, and it is the driver’s responsibility to
maintain correct tire pressure, even if underinflation has
not reached the level to trigger illumination of the TPMS
low tire pressure telltale.
CAUTION!
Prolonged driving with the Malfunction Indicator Light
(MIL) on could cause damage to the vehicle control
system. It also could affect fuel economy and
driveability. If the MIL is flashing, severe catalytic
converter damage and power loss will soon occur.
Immediate service is required.
CAUTION!
Do not continue driving with one or more flat tires as
handling may be compromised. Stop the vehicle,
avoiding sharp braking and steering. If a tire puncture
occurs, repair immediately using the dedicated tire
repair kit and contact an authorized dealer as soon as
possible.

23_DT_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 112

GETTING TO KNOW YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL113
Your vehicle has also been equipped with a TPMS
malfunction indicator to indicate when the system is not
operating properly. The TPMS malfunction indicator is
combined with the low tire pressure telltale. When the
system detects a malfunction, the telltale will flash for
approximately one minute and then remain continuously
illuminated. This sequence will continue upon subsequent
vehicle start-ups as long as the malfunction exists. When
the malfunction indicator is illuminated, the system may
not be able to detect or signal low tire pressure as
intended. TPMS malfunctions may occur for a variety of
reasons, including the installation of replacement or
alternate tires or wheels on the vehicle that prevent the
TPMS from functioning properly. Always check the TPMS
malfunction telltale after replacing one or more tires or
wheels on your vehicle to ensure that the replacement or
alternate tires and wheels allow the TPMS to continue to
function properly.YELLOW INDICATOR LIGHTS
Air Suspension Aerodynamic Height
Indicator Light— If Equipped
This light will illuminate when the air
suspension system is set to the Aerodynamic
setting.
Air Suspension Normal Height Indicator
Light— If Equipped
This light will illuminate when the air
suspension system is set to the Normal setting
Úpage 134.
Air Suspension Off-Road 1 Indicator
Light — If Equipped
This light will illuminate when the air
suspension system is set to the Off-Road 1
setting
Úpage 134.
Air Suspension Off-Road 2 Indicator
Light — If Equipped
This light will illuminate when the air
suspension system is set to the Off-Road 2
setting
Úpage 134.
Air Suspension Payload Protection
Indicator Light — If Equipped
This indicator light will illuminate to indicate
that the maximum payload may have been
exceeded or load leveling cannot be achieved
at its current ride height. Protection mode will
automatically be selected to “protect” the air suspension
system, air suspension adjustment is limited due to
payload.
Air Suspension Ride Height Raising
Indicator Light— If Equipped
This light will blink and alert the driver that the
vehicle is changing to a higher ride height.
Air Suspension Ride Height Lowering
Indicator Light— If Equipped
This light will blink and alert the driver that the
vehicle is changing to a lower ride height.
Cargo Light On Indicator Light —
If Equipped
This indicator light will illuminate when the
cargo light is activated by pushing the cargo
light button on the headlight switch.
CAUTION!
The TPMS has been optimized for the original
equipment tires and wheels. TPMS pressures and
warning have been established for the tire size
equipped on your vehicle. Undesirable system
operation or sensor damage may result when using
replacement equipment that is not of the same size,
type, and/or style. Aftermarket wheels can cause
sensor damage. Using aftermarket tire sealants may
cause the Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
sensor to become inoperable. After using an
aftermarket tire sealant it is recommended that you
take your vehicle to an authorized dealer to have your
sensor function checked.
3

23_DT_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 113

132STARTING AND OPERATING
NOTE:Do not attempt to make a shift while only the front or rear
wheels are spinning. This could cause damage to driveline
components.
When operating your vehicle in 4WD LOW, the engine
speed is approximately three times that of the 2WD or
4WD HIGH positions at a given road speed. Take care not
to overspeed the engine and do not exceed 25 mph
(40 km/h).
Proper operation of four-wheel drive vehicles depends on
tires of equal size, type and circumference on each wheel.
Any difference in tire size can cause damage to the
drivetrain.
Because four-wheel drive provides improved traction,
there is a tendency to exceed safe turning and stopping
speeds. Do not go faster than road conditions permit.
Shifting Procedure
If any of the requirements to select a new transfer case
position have not been met, then the transfer case will
not shift. The position indicator light for the previous
position will remain on and the newly selected position
indicator light will continue to flash until all the require -
ments for the selected position have been met.
 If all the requirements to select a new transfer case
position have been met, then the current position indi -
cator light will turn off and the selected position indi -
cator light will flash until the transfer case completes
the shift. When the shift is complete, the position indi -
cator light for the selected position will stop flashing
and remain on.
FIVE-POSITION ELECTRONICALLY
S
HIFTED TRANSFER CASE —
I
F EQUIPPED
This is an electronic shift transfer case and is operated by
the 4WD Control Switch (Transfer Case Switch), which is
located on the instrument panel.

Five-Position/On-Demand Transfer Case
Five-Position/On-Demand Transfer Case — GT Models

This electronically shifted transfer case provides five
positions:
 Two-Wheel Drive High Range (2WD) — This range is for
normal street and highway driving on dry hard surfaced
roads. Driving the vehicle in 2WD will have greater fuel
economy benefits as the front axle is not engaged in
2WD.
 Four-Wheel Drive Automatic High Range (4WD AUTO) —
This range sends power to the front wheels automati -
cally when the vehicle senses a loss of traction. This
range may be used during varying road conditions.
 Four-Wheel Drive High Range (4WD HIGH) — This range
provides torque to the front driveshaft (engages
four-wheel drive) which allows front and rear wheels to
spin at the same speed. This provides additional trac -
tion for loose or slippery road surfaces only.
 Four-Wheel Drive Low Range (4WD LOW) — This range
provides low speed four-wheel drive. It maximizes
torque (increased torque over 4WD HIGH) to the front
driveshaft; allowing front and rear wheels to rotate at
the same speed. This range provides additional trac -
tion and maximum pulling power for loose or slippery
road surfaces only. Do not exceed 25 mph (40 km/h)
in this range.
 N (Neutral) — This range disengages both the front and
rear driveshafts from the powertrain. To be used for flat
towing behind another vehicle
Úpage 187.

23_DT_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 132

STARTING AND OPERATING133
NOTE:
The 4WD HIGH and 4WD LOW positions are designed
for loose, slippery road surfaces only. Driving in the
4WD HIGH and 4WD LOW positions on dry hard
surfaced roads may cause increased tire wear and
damage to the driveline components.
 The transfer case N (Neutral) button is located in the
center of the 4WD Control Switch and is pushed by
using a ballpoint pen or similar object. The transfer
case N (Neutral) position is to be used for recreational
towing only
Úpage 187. Transfer Case Position Indicator Lights
The Transfer Case Position Indicator Lights (4WD HIGH,
4WD LOW, and 4WD AUTO) are located in the instrument
cluster and indicate the current and desired transfer case
selection. When you select a different transfer case
position, the indicator lights will do the following:

1. The current position indicator light will turn off.

2. The selected position indicator light will flash until the
transfer case completes the shift.
3. When the shift is complete, the indicator light for the selected position will stop flashing and remain on.
If the transfer case does not shift into the desired position,
one or more of the following events may occur:

1. The indicator light for the current position will remain on.

2. The newly selected position indicator light will continue to flash.
3. If the transfer case will not shift, there will be a cluster
message stating the 4WD shift has canceled.
NOTE:Before retrying a selection, make certain that all the
necessary requirements for selecting a new transfer case
position have been met. To retry the selection, push the
current position, wait five seconds, and retry selection.
The SERV 4WD Warning Light monitors the electronic shift
four-wheel drive system. If this light remains on after
engine start-up or illuminates during driving, it means that
the four-wheel drive system is not functioning properly and
that service is required.
NOTE:Do not attempt to make a shift while only the front or rear
wheels are spinning. This could cause damage to driveline
components.
When operating your vehicle in 4WD LOW, the engine
speed is approximately three times that of the 2WD, 4WD
AUTO or 4WD HIGH positions at a given road speed. Take
care not to overspeed the engine and do not exceed
25 mph (40 km/h).
Proper operation of four-wheel drive vehicles depends on
tires of equal size, type and circumference on each wheel.
Any difference in tire size can cause damage to the
drivetrain.
Because four-wheel drive provides improved traction,
there is a tendency to exceed safe turning and stopping
speeds. Do not go faster than road conditions permit.
WARNING!
 You or others could be injured or killed if you leave
the vehicle unattended with the transfer case in the
N (Neutral) position without first fully engaging the
parking brake. The transfer case N (Neutral) position
disengages both the front and rear drive shaft from
the powertrain, and will allow the vehicle to roll, even
if the transmission is in PARK. The parking brake
should always be applied when the driver is not in the
vehicle.
 The transmission may not engage PARK if the vehicle
is moving. Always bring the vehicle to a complete
stop before shifting to PARK, and verify that the
transmission gear position indicator solidly indicates
PARK (P) without blinking. Ensure that the vehicle is
completely stopped, and the PARK position is
properly indicated, before exiting the vehicle.
WARNING!
Always engage the parking brake when powering down
the vehicle if the SERV 4WD Warning Light is
illuminated. Not engaging the parking brake may allow
the vehicle to roll which may cause personal injury or
death.
4

23_DT_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 133

STARTING AND OPERATING145
(Continued)
To Deactivate
A tap on the brake pedal, pushing the CANC (cancel)
button, or normal brake pressure while slowing the vehicle
will deactivate the Cruise Control system without erasing
the set speed from memory.
The following conditions will also deactivate the Cruise
Control system without erasing the set speed from
memory:
Vehicle parking brake is applied
 Stability event occurs
 Gear selector is moved out of DRIVE
 Engine overspeed occurs
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
Úpage 143.
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 modifications to
the vehicle will affect the performance of the Adaptive
Cruise Control and Forward Collision Warning system.
 Fixed Speed Cruise Control (ACC not enabled) will not
detect vehicles directly ahead of you. Always be aware
of the feature selected
Úpage 402.
WARNING!
Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) is a convenience
system. It is not a substitute for active driver involve -
ment. 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 conditions.
Your complete attention is always required while
driving to maintain safe control of your vehicle.
Failure to follow these warnings can result in a colli -
sion and death or serious personal injury.
 The ACC system:
 Does not react to pedestrians, oncoming vehi -
cles, and stationary objects (e.g., a stopped
vehicle in a traffic jam or a disabled vehicle).
 Cannot take street, traffic, and weather condi -
tions into account, and may be limited upon
adverse sight distance conditions.
 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 posi -
tion. If the vehicle ahead does not start moving
within three minutes the parking brake will be
activated, and the ACC system will be canceled.
You should not utilize the ACC system:
 When driving in fog, heavy rain, heavy snow, sleet,
heavy traffic, and complex driving situations (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!
4

23_DT_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 145

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.

23_DT_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 172

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.
4

23_DT_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 173

STARTING AND OPERATING179
(Continued)
Some trailers (such as boat trailers) will need to
recalibrate while loaded and unloaded.
NOTE:

The system may not detect a trailer in low light condi -
tions. In sunny conditions, the performance may be
degraded as shadows pass over the trailer.
 The driver is always responsible for safe operation of
truck and trailer.
 The driver is always in control of the truck as well as the
trailer and is responsible for controlling the throttle and
brakes.
 The system may not function when the camera lens is
blocked, blurred (covered with water, snow, ice, dirt,
etc) and will not work unless the tailgate is upright and
fully latched.
TOWING REQUIREMENTS
To promote proper break-in of your new vehicle drivetrain
components, the following guidelines are recommended. Perform the maintenance listed in the Scheduled
Servicing section for the proper maintenance intervals
Úpage 333. When towing a trailer, never exceed the
GAWR or GCWR ratings.
Towing Requirements — Tires
 Do not attempt to tow a trailer while using a compact
spare tire.
 Do not drive more than 50 mph (80 km/h) when towing
while using a full size spare tire.
 Proper tire inflation pressures are essential to the safe
and satisfactory operation of your vehicle.
 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.
 Replacing tires with a higher load carrying capacity will
not increase the vehicle's GVWR and GAWR limits.
 For further information
Úpage 370.
CAUTION!
Do not tow a trailer at all during the first 500 miles
(805 km) the new vehicle is driven. The engine, axle
or other parts could be damaged.
 Then, during the first 500 miles (805 km) that a
trailer is towed, do not drive over 50 mph (80 km/h)
and do not make starts at full throttle. This helps the
engine and other parts of the vehicle wear in at the
heavier loads.
WARNING!
Make certain that the load is secured in the trailer
and will not shift during travel. When trailering cargo
that is not fully secured, dynamic load shifts can
occur that may be difficult for the driver to control.
You could lose control of your vehicle and have a
collision.
 When hauling cargo or towing a trailer, do not over -
load your vehicle or trailer. Overloading can cause a
loss of control, poor performance or damage to
brakes, axle, engine, transmission, steering, suspen -
sion, chassis structure or tires.
 Safety chains must always be used between your
vehicle and trailer. Always connect the chains to the
hook retainers of the vehicle hitch. Cross the chains
under the trailer tongue and allow enough slack for
turning corners.
 Vehicles with trailers should not be parked on a
grade. When parking, apply the parking brake on the
tow vehicle. Put the tow vehicle transmission in
PARK. For four-wheel drive vehicles, make sure the
transfer case is not in NEUTRAL. 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 :
 GVWR
 GTW
 GAWR
 Tongue weight rating for the trailer hitch utilized
WARNING!
4

23_DT_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 179

264SAFETY
Electronic Roll Mitigation (ERM)
The ERM system anticipates the potential for wheel lift by
monitoring the driver’s steering wheel input and the speed
of the vehicle. When ERM determines that the rate of
change of the steering wheel angle and vehicle’s speed
are sufficient to potentially cause wheel lift, it then applies
the appropriate brake and may also reduce engine power
to lessen the chance that wheel lift will occur. ERM can
only reduce the chance of wheel lift occurring during
severe or evasive driving maneuvers; it cannot prevent
wheel lift due to other factors, such as road conditions,
leaving the roadway, striking objects or other vehicles.
Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
ESC enhances directional control and stability of the
vehicle under various driving conditions. ESC corrects for
oversteering or understeering of the vehicle by applying
the brake of the appropriate wheel(s) to counteract these
conditions. Engine power may also be reduced to help the
vehicle maintain the desired path.
Oversteer — when the vehicle is turning more than
appropriate for the steering wheel position.
 Understeer — when the vehicle is turning less than
appropriate for the steering wheel position.
ESC uses sensors in the vehicle to determine the vehicle
path intended by the driver and compares it to the actual
path of the vehicle. When the actual path does not match
the intended path, ESC applies the brake of the
appropriate wheel to assist in counteracting the oversteer
or understeer condition.
The ESC Activation/Malfunction Indicator Light located in
the instrument cluster will start to flash as soon as the ESC
system becomes active. The ESC Activation/Malfunction
Indicator Light also flashes when the TCS is active. If the
ESC Activation/Malfunction Indicator Light begins to flash
during acceleration, ease up on the accelerator and apply
as little throttle as possible. Be sure to adapt your speed
and driving to the prevailing road conditions.
WARNING!
Many factors, such as vehicle loading, road conditions
and driving conditions, influence the chance that wheel
lift or rollover may occur. ERM cannot prevent all wheel
lift or rollovers, especially those that involve leaving the
roadway or striking objects or other vehicles. The
capabilities of an ERM-equipped vehicle must never be
exploited in a reckless or dangerous manner which
could jeopardize the user's safety or the safety of
others.
WARNING!
 Electronic Stability Control (ESC) cannot prevent the
natural laws of physics from acting on the vehicle,
nor can it increase the traction afforded by prevailing
road conditions. ESC cannot prevent accidents,
including those resulting from excessive speed in
turns, driving on very slippery surfaces, or hydro -
planing. ESC also cannot prevent accidents resulting
from loss of vehicle control due to inappropriate
driver input for the conditions. Only a safe, attentive,
and skillful driver can prevent accidents. The capabil -
ities of an ESC equipped vehicle must never be
exploited in a reckless or dangerous manner which
could jeopardize the user’s safety or the safety of
others.
 Vehicle modifications, or failure to properly maintain
your vehicle, may change the handling characteris -
tics of your vehicle, and may negatively affect the
performance of the ESC system. Changes to the
steering system, suspension, braking system, tire
type and size or wheel size may adversely affect ESC
performance. Improperly inflated and unevenly worn
tires may also degrade ESC performance. Any vehicle
modification or poor vehicle maintenance that
reduces the effectiveness of the ESC system can
increase the risk of loss of vehicle control, vehicle
rollover, personal injury and death.

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