load capacity Ram 2500 2014 User Guide

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. 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 itsloaded 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.
582 STARTING AND OPERATING

WARNING!(Continued)
3. GAWR
4. Tongue weight rating for the trailer hitch utilized.
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 hy-
draulic 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 dis-
tance. When towing you should allow for additional
space between your vehicle and the vehicle in front
of you. Failure to do so could result in an accident.
592 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.
• Do not interconnect 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.
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 593

Fluid Leaks.............................119
Fluid Level Checks Brake ............................... .705
Power Steering .........................511
Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts ...........744
Fog Lights ............................. .167
Fold Flat Load Floor ...................... .238
Four-Way Hazard Flasher ...................617
Four Wheel Drive ........................ .429
Freeing A Stuck Vehicle .....................663
Front Axle (Differential) .....................706
Fuel .................................. .568
Adding ............................. .577
Additives ............................ .571
Clean Air ............................ .569
Ethanol ............................. .569
Filler Cap (Gas Cap) .....................579
Gasoline ............................. .568
Materials Added ....................... .571Methanol
............................ .569
Octane Rating ......................... .568
Requirements ......................... .568
Tank Capacity ......................... .742
Fuel, Flexible ........................... .573
Fuel System Caution ...................... .577
Fuses ................................. .720
Garage Door Opener (HomeLink®) ............207
Gas Cap (Fuel Filler Cap) ...................579
Gasoline, Clean Air ....................... .569
Gasoline (Fuel) .......................... .568
Gasoline, Reformulated .....................569
Gauges Speedometer ......................... .283
Tachometer ........................... .278
Gear Ranges ............................ .407
Gear Select Lever Override ..................666
General

Information ........................32
Glass Cleaning .......................... .717
10
INDEX 775

Tire and Loading Information Placard...........535
Tire Markings ........................... .529
Tires ..................................119 Aging (Life of Tires) .....................549
Air Pressure .......................... .540
Chains .............................. .552
Compact Spare ........................ .546
Dual ............................... .555
General Information .....................540
High Speed .......................... .543
Inflation Pressures ...................... .541
Life of Tires .......................... .549
Load Capacity ........................ .535
Pressure Monitor System (TPMS) ............557
Pressure Warning Light ...................284
Quality Grading ....................... .767
Radial .............................. .543
Replacement .......................... .550
Rotation ............................. .554Safety
.............................. .529
Sizes ............................... .531
Snow Tires ........................... .544
Spinning ............................ .548
Tread Wear Indicators ....................548
Tire Safety Information .....................529
Tongue Weight/Trailer Weight ................589
Tonneau Cover .......................... .718
Tonneau Cover Cleaning ....................718
Torque Converter Clutch ....................417
Tow Hooks, Emergency .....................665
Towing ............................... .581
Disabled Vehicle ....................... .670
Guide .............................. .586
Recreational .......................... .606
Weight .............................. .586
T

raction ............................... .485
Traction Control ......................... .518
Trailer Sway Control (TSC) ..................528
784 INDEX