payload Ram 2500 2018 Owner's Manual

box in the indentations provided above the wheel housings
and in the bulkhead dividers to form the floor.
WARNING!
•The pickup box is intended for load carrying pur-
poses only, not for passengers, who should sit in
seats and use seat belts.
• Care should always be exercised when operating a
vehicle with unrestrained cargo. Vehicle speeds may
need to be reduced. Severe turns or rough roads may
cause shifting or bouncing of the cargo that may
result in vehicle damage. If wide building materials
are to be frequently carried, the installation of a
support is recommended. This will restrain the cargo
and transfer the load to the pickup box floor.
• If you wish to carry more than 600 lbs (272 kg) of
material suspended above the wheelhouse, supports
must be installed to transfer the weight of the load to
the pickup box floor or vehicle damage may result.
The use of proper supports will permit loading up to
the rated payload.
• Unrestrained cargo may be thrown forward in an
accident causing serious or fatal injury. There are stampings in the sheet metal on the inner side
bulkheads of the box in front of and behind both wheel
housings. Place wooden boards across the box from side to
side to create separate load compartments in the pickup
box.
There are four tie-down cleats bolted to the lower sides of
the pickup box that can sustain loads up to 1000 lbs
(450 kg) total.
Cargo Camera — If Equipped
Your vehicle may be equipped with the Cargo Camera that
allows you to see an image of the inside of the pickup box.
The image will be displayed in the Uconnect screen.
The Cargo Camera is located in the bottom center area of
the center high-mounted stoplamp (CHMSL).
A touchscreen button
to indicate the current active
camera image being displayed is made available when-
ever the Cargo Camera image is displayed.
Also, a touchscreen buttonto switch the display to
rear view camera image is made available whenever the
Cargo Camera image is displayed.
140 GETTING TO KNOW YOUR VEHICLE

•Engage Park Brake To Prevent Rolling
• Transmission Too Cold Idle With Engine On
• Washer Fluid Low
• Service Air Suspension System
• Heavy Duty Air Suspension System Disabled
• Selected Ride Height Not Permitted Due To Speed
• Selected Ride Height Not Permitted Due To Payload
• Selected Ride Height Not Permitted - Payload Too Light
• Battery Low Start Engine To Change Ride Height
• Normal Ride Height Achieved
• Aerodynamic Ride Height Achieved
• Off Road 1 Ride Height Achieved
• Off Road 2 Ride Height Achieved
• Entry/Exit Ride Height Achieved
• Selected Ride Height Not Permitted
• Service Air Suspension System Immediately
• Reduce Speed To Maintain Selected Ride Height
• Air Suspension System Cooling Down Please Wait •
Vehicle Cannot Be Lowered Door Open
• Off Road 2 Watch For Clearance
• Entry/Exit Watch For Clearance
• Air Suspension Temporarily Disabled For Jacking And
Tire Change
• Battery Low Start Engine To Change Ride Height
The Reconfigurable Telltales section is divided into the
white telltales area on the right, yellow telltales in the
middle, and red telltales on the left.
Display Menu Items
Push and release the upordown arrow button until the
desired selectable menu icon is highlighted in the instru-
ment cluster display.
Speedometer
Push and release the upordown arrow button until the
speedometer menu item is highlighted in the instrument
cluster display. Push and release the rightarrow button to
cycle the display between mph and km/h.
Vehicle Info
Push and release the upordown arrow button until the
Vehicle Info menu item is highlighted in the instrument
180 GETTING TO KNOW YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

WARNING!
If you continue operating the vehicle when the Trans-
mission Temperature Warning Light is illuminated you
could cause the fluid to boil over, come in contact with
hot engine or exhaust components and cause a fire.
CAUTION!
Continuous driving with the Transmission Tempera-
ture Warning Light illuminated will eventually cause
severe transmission damage or transmission failure.
— Rear Fog Indicator — If Equipped
This indicator will illuminate when the rear fog lights are
on.
— Air Suspension Payload Protection Indicator
Light — If Equipped
This telltale will turn on 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 in order to “protect” the air
suspension system, air suspension adjustment is limited
due to payload.
— TOW/HAUL Indicator Light
This light will illuminate when TOW/HAUL mode is
selected.
— Cargo Light — If Equipped
The cargo light will illuminate when the cargo light is
activated by pushing the cargo light button on the head-
light switch.
— 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. For further information, refer
to “Air Suspension System” in “Starting And Operating.”
— 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. For further information, refer
to “Air Suspension System” in “Starting And Operating”.
— 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.
4
GETTING TO KNOW YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 197

▫ParkSense Warning Display ................405
▫ ParkSense Display ..................... .405
▫ Enabling And Disabling Front And/Or Rear
ParkSense ............................407
▫ Service The ParkSense Park Assist System .....407
▫ Cleaning The ParkSense System .............408
▫ ParkSense System Usage Precautions .........408
 PARKVIEW REAR BACK UP CAMERA — IF
EQUIPPED ............................410
 REFUELING THE VEHICLE — GAS ENGINE . . .413
▫ Loose Fuel Filler Cap Message .............414
 VEHICLE LOADING .....................414
▫ Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) ........414
▫ Payload ............................. .414
▫ Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) ..........415
▫ Tire Size ............................ .415
▫ Rim Size ............................ .415▫
Inflation Pressure .......................415
▫ Curb Weight ..........................415
▫ Loading ............................ .415
 TRAILER TOWING ..................... .416
▫ Common Towing Definitions ...............416
▫ Trailer Hitch Type and Maximum Trailer
Weight ............................. .422
▫ Trailer Towing Weights (Maximum Trailer
Weight Ratings) .......................423
▫ Trailer And Tongue Weight ...............423
▫ Towing Requirements ...................424
▫ Towing Tips ..........................431
 SNOWPLOW .......................... .433
▫ 1500 Models

Only ..................... .433
▫ 2500/3500 Models Only ..................433
286 STARTING AND OPERATING

AIR SUSPENSION SYSTEM (1500 MODELS) — IF
EQUIPPED
Description
The air suspension system provides full time load leveling
capability along with the benefit of being able to adjust
vehicle height by the push of a button.
1 — Up Button
2 — Down Button
3 — Entry/Exit Mode Indicator (Customer selectable)
4 — Normal Ride Height Indicator (Customer selectable)
5 — Off-Road 1 Indicator (Customer selectable)
6 — Off-Road 2 Indicator (Customer selectable)
NOTE:The vehicle will automatically enter Aero Mode
when the vehicle speed remains between 62 mph (100 km/h)
and 66 mph (106 km/h) for greater than 20 seconds or if the
vehicle speed exceeds 66 mph (106 km/h).
• Normal Ride Height (NRH) – This is the standard
position of the suspension and is meant for normal
driving.
• Off-Road 1 (OR1) (Raises the vehicle approximately
1 in (26 mm)) – This position should be the primary
position for all off-road driving until Off Road 2 (OR2) is
needed. A smoother and more comfortable ride will
result. To enter OR1, push the “Up” button once from
the NRH position while the vehicle speed is below
35 mph (56 km/h). When in the OR1 position, if the
vehicle speed remains between 40 mph (64 km/h) and
50 mph (80 km/h) for greater than 20 seconds or if the
vehicle speed exceeds 50 mph (80 km/h), the vehicle
will be automatically lowered to NRH. Off-Road 1 may
not be available due to vehicle payload, an instrument
cluster message will be displayed when this occurs.
Refer to “Instrument Cluster Display” in “Getting To
Know Your Instrument Panel” for further information.
Air Suspension Switch
344 STARTING AND OPERATING

•Off-Road 2 (OR2) (Raises the vehicle approximately
2 in (51 mm)) –
This position is intended for off-roading
use only where maximum ground clearance is required.
To enter OR2, push the “Up” button twice from the NRH
position or once from the OR1 position while vehicle
speed is below 20 mph (32 km/h). While in OR2, if the
vehicle speed exceeds 25 mph (40 km/h) the vehicle
height will be automatically lowered to OR1. Off-Road 2
may not be available due to vehicle payload, an instru-
ment cluster message will be displayed when this occurs.
Refer to “Instrument Cluster Display” in “Getting To
Know Your Instrument Panel” for further information.
CAUTION!
If the vehicle is in OFFROAD1 or OFFROAD2 setting,
be aware of your surroundings, you may not have the
clearance required for certain areas and vehicle dam-
age may occur.
• Aero Mode (Lowers the vehicle approximately .6 in [15
mm]) – This position provides improved aerodynamics
by lowering the vehicle. The vehicle will automatically
enter Aero Mode when the vehicle speed remains be-
tween 62 mph (100 km/h) and 66 mph (106 km/h) for
greater than 20 seconds or if the vehicle speed exceeds 66 mph (106 km/h). The vehicle will return to NRH from
Aero Mode if the vehicle speed remains between 30 mph
(48 km/h) and 35 mph (56 km/h) for greater than 20
seconds or if the vehicle speed falls below 30 mph
(48 km/h).
NOTE: Automatic Aero Mode may be disabled through
vehicle settings in the instrument cluster display when
equipped with Uconnect 3.0, or your Uconnect Radio when
equipped with Uconnect 5.0, 8.4A, or 8.4AN. Refer to
“Instrument Cluster Display” in “Getting To Know Your
Instrument Panel” or “Uconnect Settings” in “Multimedia”
for further information.
• Entry/Exit Mode (Lowers the vehicle approximately
2 in (51 mm)) – This position lowers the vehicle for
easier passenger entry and exit as well as lowering the
rear of the vehicle for easier loading and unloading of
cargo. To enter Entry/Exit Mode, push the “Down”
button once from the NRH while the vehicle speed is
below 33 mph (53 km/h). Once the vehicle speed goes
below 15 mph (24 km/h) the vehicle height will begin to
lower. If the vehicle speed remains between 15 mph
(24 km/h) and 25 mph (40 km/h) for greater than 60
seconds, or the vehicle speed exceeds 25 mph (40 km/h)
the Entry/Exit change will be cancelled. To return to
Normal Height Mode, push the “Up” button once while
6
STARTING AND OPERATING 345

in Entry/Exit or drive the vehicle over 15 mph
(24 km/h). Entry/Exit mode may not be available due to
vehicle payload, an instrument cluster message will be
displayed when this occurs. Refer to “Instrument Clus-
ter Display” in “Getting To Know Your Instrument
Panel” for further information.
NOTE: Entry/Exit mode may be achieved using your key
fob for easier entry/loading. Refer to “Keys” in “Getting To
Know Your Vehicle” for further information.
CAUTION!
When in ENTRY/EXIT setting, be aware of your sur-
roundings, you may not have the clearance required for
certain areas and vehicle damage may occur.
The system requires that the ignition be in ON/RUN
position or the engine running for all user requested
changes. When lowering the vehicle all of the doors, must
be closed. If a door is opened at any time while the vehicle
is lowering the change will not be completed until the open
door(s) is closed. This system uses a lifting and lowering pattern which
keeps the headlights from incorrectly shining into oncom-
ing traffic. When raising the vehicle, the rear of the vehicle
will move up first and then the front. When lowering the
vehicle, the front will move down first and then the rear.
After the engine is turned off, it may be noticed that the air
suspension system operates briefly, this is normal. The
system is correcting the position of the vehicle to ensure a
proper appearance.
To assist with changing a spare tire, the air suspension
system has a feature which allows the automatic leveling to
be disabled. Refer to “Instrument Cluster Display” in
“Getting To Know Your Instrument Panel” for further
information.
NOTE:
If equipped with a touch screen radio all enabling/
disabling of air suspension features must be done through
the radio. Refer to “Uconnect Settings” in “Multimedia” for
further information.
WARNING!
The air suspension system uses a high pressure vol-
ume of air to operate the system. To avoid personal
(Continued)
346 STARTING AND OPERATING

•Normal Ride Height (NRH) – This is the standard
position of the suspension and is meant for normal
driving.
• Off-Road (OR) (Raises the vehicle approximately 1 in
(26 mm)) – This position is intended for off-roading use
only where maximum ground clearance is required. To
enter OR, push the “Up” button once from the NRH
position while vehicle speed is below 20 mph (32 km/h).
While in OR, if the vehicle speed exceeds 25 mph
(40 km/h) the vehicle height will be automatically
lowered to NRH. Off-Road may not be available due to
vehicle payload, an instrument cluster display message
will be shown when this occurs. Refer to “Instrument
Cluster Display” in “Getting To Know Your Instrument
Panel” for further information.
CAUTION!
If the vehicle is in Off-Road setting, be aware of your
surroundings, you may not have the clearance required
for certain areas and vehicle damage may occur.
• Aero Mode (Lowers the vehicle approximately .6 in
(15 mm)) – This position provides improved aerody-
namics by lowering the vehicle. The vehicle will auto-
matically enter Aero Mode when the vehicle speed remains between 62 mph (100 km/h) and 66 mph
(106 km/h) for greater than 20 seconds or if the vehicle
speed exceeds 66 mph (106 km/h). The vehicle will
return to NRH from Aero Mode if the vehicle speed
remains between 30 mph (48 km/h) and 35 mph
(56 km/h) for greater than 20 seconds or if the vehicle
speed falls below 30 mph (48 km/h).
NOTE: Speed thresholds for raising the vehicle only apply
if Automatic Aero Mode is enabled.
• To enter Aero Mode manually push the down button
once from NRH at any vehicle speed. To return to NRH
push the up button once while vehicle speed is less than
56 mph (90 km/h).
NOTE: Automatic Aero Mode may be disabled through
vehicle settings on your Uconnect Radio when equipped
with UConnect 5.0, 8.4A, or 8.4AN. Refer to “Uconnect
Settings” in “Multimedia” for further information.
• Entry/Exit Mode (Lowers the vehicle approximately
3 in (73 mm)) – This position lowers the vehicle for
easier passenger entry and exit as well as lowering the
rear of the vehicle for easier loading and unloading of
cargo. To enter Entry/Exit Mode, push the “Down”
button twice from the NRH while the vehicle speed is
below 33 mph (53 km/h). Once the vehicle speed goes
6
STARTING AND OPERATING 351

below 15 mph (24 km/h) the vehicle height will begin to
lower. If the vehicle speed remains between 15 mph
(24 km/h) and 25 mph (40 km/h) for greater than 60
seconds, or the vehicle speed exceeds 25 mph (40 km/h)
the Entry/Exit change will be cancelled. To return to
Normal Height Mode, push the “Up” button twice while
in Entry/Exit or drive the vehicle over 15 mph
(24 km/h). Entry/Exit mode may not be available due to
vehicle payload, an instrument cluster display message
will be shown when this occurs. Refer to “Instrument
Cluster Display” in “Getting To Know Your Instrument
Panel” for further information.
CAUTION!
When in ENTRY/EXIT setting, be aware of your sur-
roundings, you may not have the clearance required for
certain areas and vehicle damage may occur.
The system requires that the ignition be in ON/RUN
position or the engine running for all user requested
changes. When lowering the vehicle all of the doors, must
be closed. If a door is opened at any time while the vehicle
is lowering the change will not be completed until the open
door(s) is closed. This system uses a lifting and lowering pattern which
keeps the headlights from incorrectly shining into oncom-
ing traffic. When raising the vehicle, the rear of the vehicle
will move up first and then the front. When lowering the
vehicle, the front will move down first and then the rear.
After the engine is turned off, it may be noticed that the air
suspension system operates briefly, this is normal. The
system is correcting the position of the vehicle to ensure a
proper appearance.
To assist with changing a spare tire, the air suspension
system has a feature which allows the automatic leveling to
be disabled. Refer to “Instrument Cluster Display” in
“Getting To Know Your Instrument Panel” for further
information.
NOTE:
If equipped with a touch screen radio all enabling/
disabling of air suspension features must be done through
the radio. Refer to “Uconnect Settings” in “Multimedia” for
further information.
WARNING!
The air suspension system uses a high pressure vol-
ume of air to operate the system. To avoid personal
(Continued)
352 STARTING AND OPERATING

NOTE:
•When the fuel nozzle “clicks” or shuts off, the fuel tank
is full.
• Tighten the gas cap until you hear a “clicking” sound.
This is an indication that the gas cap is tightened
properly. The MIL in the instrument cluster may turn on
if the gas cap is not secured properly. Make sure that the
gas cap is tightened each time the vehicle is refueled.
WARNING!
Static electricity can cause an ignition of flammable
liquid, vapor or gas in any vehicle or trailer. To reduce
risk of serious injury or death when filling containers:
•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.
Loose Fuel Filler Cap Message
If the vehicle diagnostic system determines that
the fuel filler cap is loose, improperly installed,
or damaged, a loose gascap indicator will dis-
play in the instrument cluster telltale display
area. Refer to “Instrument Cluster Display” in “Getting To
Know Your Instrument Panel” for further information.
Tighten the fuel filler cap properly and push the RIGHT
button to turn off the message. If the problem continues,
the message will appear the next time the vehicle is started.
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 axle systems (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.
414 STARTING AND OPERATING