wheel size Ram 2500 2019 User Guide

STARTING AND OPERATING 413
Tongue Weight (TW)
The tongue weight 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
The trailer sway control can be a mechanical telescoping link
that can be installed between the hitch receiver and the
trailer tongue that typically provides adjustable friction asso-
ciated with the telescoping motion to dampen any unwanted
trailer swaying motions while traveling.
If equipped, the electronic Trailer Sway Control (TSC) recog -
nizes 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 the
most popular on the market today and they are commonly
used to tow small and medium sized trailers.
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 addi
-
tion 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 recom -
mended for heavier Tongue Weights (TW) and may be
required depending on vehicle and trailer configuration/
loading to comply with GAWR requirements.
5

448 IN CASE OF EMERGENCY
Splash Shield Access Cover
4. Reach through the access hole of the wheel house splash shield and disengage the bulb access cover by rotating
counterclockwise. Bulb Access Cover
5. Disconnect the internal lamp wiring harness connector from the low beam bulb.
1 — Access Cover
2 — Fastener
CAUTION!
• Do not contaminate the bulb glass by touching it with your fingers or by allowing it to contact other oily
surfaces. Shortened bulb life will result.
• Always use the correct bulb size and type for replace -
ment. An incorrect bulb size or type may overheat and
cause damage to the lamp, the bulb socket, or the lamp
wiring.

544 SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
Consult an authorized tire dealer for tire repairs and addi-
tional information.
Damaged Run Flat tires, or Run Flat tires that have experi -
enced a loss of pressure should be replaced immediately
with another Run Flat tire of identical size and service
description (Load Index and Speed Symbol). Replace the tire
pressure sensor as well as it is not designed to be reused.
Run Flat Tires — If Equipped
Run Flat tires allow you the capability to drive 50 miles
(80 km) at 50 mph (80 km/h) after a rapid loss of inflation
pressure. This rapid loss of inflation is referred to as the Run
Flat mode. A Run Flat mode occurs when the tire inflation
pressure is of/or below 14 psi (96 kPa). Once a Run Flat tire
reaches the run flat mode it has limited driving capabilities
and needs to be replaced immediately. A Run Flat tire is not
repairable. When a run flat tire is changed after driving with
underinflated tire condition, please replace the TPM sensor
as it is not designed to be reused when driven under run flat
mode (14 psi (96 kPa)) condition. NOTE:
TPM Sensor must be replaced after driving the vehicle on a
flat tire condition.
It is not recommended driving a vehicle loaded at full
capacity or to tow a trailer while a tire is in the run flat mode.

See the tire pressure monitoring section for more information.

Tire Spinning
When stuck in mud, sand, snow, or ice conditions, do not
spin your vehicle's wheels above 30 mph (48 km/h) or for
longer than 30 seconds continuously without stopping.
Refer to “Freeing A Stuck Vehicle” in “In Case Of Emer
-
gency” for further information.
WARNING!
Fast spinning tires can be dangerous. Forces generated
by excessive wheel speeds may cause tire damage or
failure. A tire could explode and injure someone. Do not
spin your vehicle's wheels faster than 30 mph (48 km/h)
for more than 30 seconds continuously when you are
stuck, and do not let anyone near a spinning wheel, no
matter what the speed.

546 SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
(Continued)
NOTE:
Wheel Valve Stem must be replaced as well when installing
new tires due to wear and tear in existing tires.
Keep dismounted tires in a cool, dry place with as little expo-
sure to light as possible. Protect tires from contact with oil,
grease, and gasoline.
Replacement Tires
The tires on your new vehicle provide a balance of many
characteristics. They should be inspected regularly for wear
and correct cold tire inflation pressures. The manufacturer
strongly recommends that you use tires equivalent to the
originals in size, quality and performance when replacement
is needed. Refer to the paragraph on “Tread Wear Indica -
tors” in this section. Refer to the Tire and Loading Informa -
tion placard or the Vehicle Certification Label for the size
designation of your tire. The Load Index and Speed Symbol
for your tire will be found on the original equipment tire
sidewall.
See the Tire Sizing Chart example found in the “Tire Safety
Information” section of this manual for more information
relating to the Load Index and Speed Symbol of a tire. It is recommended to replace the two front tires or two rear
tires as a pair. Replacing just one tire can seriously affect
your vehicle’s handling. If you ever replace a wheel, make
sure that the wheel’s specifications match those of the orig
-
inal wheels.
It is recommended you contact an authorized tire dealer or
original equipment dealer with any questions you may have
on tire specifications or capability. Failure to use equivalent
replacement tires may adversely affect the safety, handling,
and ride of your vehicle.
WARNING!
• Do not use a tire, wheel size, load rating, or speed rating other than that specified for your vehicle. Some combi -
nations of unapproved tires and wheels may change
suspension dimensions and performance characteris -
tics, resulting in changes to steering, handling, and
braking of your vehicle. This can cause unpredictable
handling and stress to steering and suspension compo -
nents. You could lose control and have a collision
resulting in serious injury or death. Use only the tire
and wheel sizes with load ratings approved for your
vehicle.

548 SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
Snow Tires
Some areas of the country require the use of snow tires
during the Winter. Snow tires can be identified by a “moun-
tain/snowflake” symbol on the tire sidewall.
If you need snow tires, select tires equivalent in size
and type to the original equipment tires. Use snow
tires only in sets of four; failure to do so may
adversely affect the safety and handling of your vehicle.
Snow tires generally have lower speed ratings than what was
originally equipped with your vehicle and should not be
operated at sustained speeds over 75 mph (120 km/h). For speeds above 75 mph (120 km/h) refer to original equipment
or an authorized tire dealer for recommended safe operating
speeds, loading and cold tire inflation pressures.
While studded tires improve performance on ice, skid and
traction capability on wet or dry surfaces may be poorer than
that of non-studded tires. Some states prohibit studded tires;
therefore, local laws should be checked before using these
tire types.Spare Tires — If Equipped
NOTE:
For vehicles equipped with Tire Service Kit instead of a spare
tire, please refer to “Tire Service Kit” in “In Case Of Emer -
gency” for further information.
Refer to the “Towing Requirements - Tires” in “Starting And
Operating” for restrictions when towing with a spare tire
designated for temporary emergency use.

Spare Tire Matching Original Equipped Tire And Wheel — If
Equipped

Your vehicle may be equipped with a spare tire and wheel
equivalent in look and function to the original equipment
tire and wheel found on the front or rear axle of your vehicle.
This spare tire may be used in the tire rotation for your
vehicle. If your vehicle has this option, refer to an authorized
tire dealer for the recommended tire rotation pattern.
CAUTION!
Because of the reduced ground clearance, do not take
your vehicle through an automatic car wash with a
compact or limited use temporary spare installed.
Damage to the vehicle may result.

SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE 549
Compact Spare Tire — If Equipped
The compact spare is for temporary emergency use only.
You can identify if your vehicle is equipped with a compact
spare by looking at the spare tire description on the Tire and
Loading Information Placard located on the driver’s side
door opening or on the sidewall of the tire. Compact spare
tire descriptions begin with the letter “T” or “S” preceding
the size designation. Example: T145/80D18 103M.
T, S = Temporary Spare Tire
Since this tire has limited tread life, the original equipment
tire should be repaired (or replaced) and reinstalled on your
vehicle at the first opportunity.
Do not install a wheel cover or attempt to mount a conven-
tional tire on the compact spare wheel, since the wheel is
designed specifically for the compact spare tire. Do not
install more than one compact spare tire and wheel on the
vehicle at any given time. Collapsible Spare Tire — If Equipped
The collapsible spare is for temporary emergency use only.
You can identify if your vehicle is equipped with a collaps
-
ible spare by looking at the spare tire description on the Tire
and Loading Information Placard located on the driver’s side
door opening or on the sidewall of the tire.
Collapsible spare tire description example: 165/80-17 101P.
Since this tire has limited tread life, the original equipment
tire should be repaired (or replaced) and reinstalled on your
vehicle at the first opportunity.
Inflate collapsible tire only after the wheel is properly
installed to the vehicle. Inflate the collapsible tire using the
electric air pump before lowering the vehicle.WARNING!
Compact and collapsible spares are for temporary
emergency use only. With these spares, do not drive
more than 50 mph (80 km/h). Temporary use spares have
limited tread life. When the tread is worn to the tread
wear indicators, the temporary use spare tire needs to be
replaced. Be sure to follow the warnings, which apply to
your spare. Failure to do so could result in spare tire
failure and loss of vehicle control.
7

550 SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
Do not install a wheel cover or attempt to mount a conven-
tional tire on the collapsible spare wheel, since the wheel is
designed specifically for the collapsible spare tire.
Full Size Spare — If Equipped
The full size spare is for temporary emergency use only. This
tire may look like the originally equipped tire on the front or
rear axle of your vehicle, but it is not. This spare tire may
have limited tread life. When the tread is worn to the tread
wear indicators, the temporary use full size spare tire needs
to be replaced. Since it is not the same as your original equip -
ment tire, replace (or repair) the original equipment tire and
reinstall on the vehicle at the first opportunity. Limited Use Spare — If Equipped
The limited use spare tire is for temporary emergency use
only. This tire is identified by a label located on the limited
use spare wheel. This label contains the driving limitations
for this spare. This tire may look like the original equipped
tire on the front or rear axle of your vehicle, but it is not.
Installation of this limited use spare tire affects vehicle
handling. Since it is not the same as your original equipment
tire, replace (or repair) the original equipment tire and rein
-
stall on the vehicle at the first opportunity.
WARNING!
Compact and Collapsible spares are for temporary
emergency use only. With these spares, do not drive
more than 50 mph (80 km/h). Temporary use spares have
limited tread life. When the tread is worn to the tread
wear indicators, the temporary use spare tire needs to be
replaced. Be sure to follow the warnings, which apply to
your spare. Failure to do so could result in spare tire
failure and loss of vehicle control.
WARNING!
Limited use spares are for emergency use only.
Installation of this limited use spare tire affects vehicle
handling. With this tire, do not drive more than the
speed listed on the limited use spare wheel. Keep
inflated to the cold tire inflation pressures listed on your
Tire and Loading Information Placard located on the
driver’s side B-Pillar or the rear edge of the driver’s side
door. Replace (or repair) the original equipment tire at
the first opportunity and reinstall it on your vehicle.
Failure to do so could result in loss of vehicle control.

552 SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
Dark Vapor Chrome, Black Satin Chrome, or Low Gloss
Clear Coat WheelsTire Chains (Traction Devices)
Use of traction devices require sufficient tire-to-body clear-
ance. Follow these recommendations to guard against
damage.
• Traction device must be of proper size for the tire, as recommended by the traction device manufacturer.
Please follow the table below for proper tire size, chain type,
and axle recommendations:
CAUTION!

If your vehicle is equipped with these specialty wheels, DO
NOT USE wheel cleaners, abrasives, or polishing compounds.
They will permanently damage this finish and such damage is
not covered by the New Vehicle Limited Warranty. HAND
WASH ONLY USING MILD SOAP AND WATER WITH A
SOFT CLOTH. Used on a regular basis; this is all that is
required to maintain this finish.

Vehicle Axle
Recommendations Tire Sizes
Chain Class
2500 Models Rear OnlyLT245/70R17E
LT275/70R18EU Class
2500 Power Wagon Models Rear OnlyLT285/70R17D U Class
3500 (Single Rear Wheel) Models Rear Only LT275/70R18E U Class
3500 (Dual Rear Wheel) Models Front/Rear LT235/80R17E U Class
WARNING!
Using tires of different size and type (M+S, Snow)
between front and rear axles can cause unpredictable
handling. You could lose control and have a collision.

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS 565
BRAKE SYSTEM
If power assist is lost for any reason (for example, repeated
brake applications with the engine off), the brakes will still
function. However, you will experience a substantial
increase in braking effort to stop the vehicle.
If either the front or rear hydraulic system loses normal
braking capability, the remaining system will still function
with some loss of overall braking effectiveness. This will be
evident by increased pedal travel during application, greater
pedal force required to slow or stop, and activation of the
“Brake Warning Light” and the “ABS Warning Light” (if
equipped) during brake use.
Hydraulic Brake Assist — 2500/3500 Models Only
(Except Power Wagon)
The brake system power assist is provided by a hydro-boost
unit which shares fluid with the power steering system. You
may experience some clicking or hissing noises from the
hydro-boost system during hard braking conditions.
NOTE:
Under cold temperatures, pedal effort will be higher than
normal until the power steering fluid reaches operating
temperature.
WHEEL AND TIRE TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS
Proper lug nut/bolt torque is very important to ensure that
the wheel is properly mounted to the vehicle. Any time a
wheel has been removed and reinstalled on the vehicle, the
lug nuts/bolts should be torqued using a properly calibrated
torque wrench using a high quality six sided (hex) deep wall
socket.
Torque Specifications
**Use only your authorized dealer recommended lug nuts/
bolts and clean or remove any dirt or oil before tightening.Lug Nut/Bolt
Torque
Lug Nut/Bolt
Type**Lug Nut/
Bolt SizeLug Nut/Bolt
Socket Size
130 Ft-Lbs
(176 N·m) Cone
M14 x 1.50 22 mm
140 Ft-Lbs
(190 N·m) Flanged8

690
Tire Stowage ............................................................................ 483
Tires................................................................... 289, 541, 548, 555 Aging (Life Of Tires)........................................................... 545
Air Pressure ......................................................................... 541
Chains ................................................................................... 552Compact Spare..................................................................... 549
Dual ............................................................................... 554, 565
General Information ................................................... 541, 548
High Speed........................................................................... 543Inflation Pressure ................................................................ 542
Life Of Tires ......................................................................... 545
Load Capacity .............................................................. 537, 538
Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) ....................... 186, 220
Quality Grading .................................................................. 555
Radial .................................................................................... 543Replacement......................................................................... 546
Rotation ................................................................................ 553
Safety............................................................................. 531, 541
Sizes....................................................................................... 533
Snow Tires ............................................................................ 548
Spare Tires .................................................................... 548, 550
Spinning................................................................................ 544
Trailer Towing ..................................................................... 420
Tread Wear Indicators ........................................................ 545
Wheel Nut Torque .............................................................. 565
To Open Hood ......................................................................... 101 Tongue Weight/Trailer Weight ............................................418
Tonneau Cover ................................................................147, 558
Tonneau Cover Cleaning .......................................................558
Towing ..............................................................................411, 495 Disabled Vehicle ..................................................................495
Guide .....................................................................................418
Recreational ..........................................................................430
Weight ...................................................................................418
Towing Behind A Motorhome ..............................................430
Traction .....................................................................................436
Traction Control ......................................................................200
Traction Control Switch .........................................................200
Trailer Sway Control (TSC) ................................................... 205
Trailer Towing .........................................................................411 Cooling System Tips ........................................................... 426Hitches ..................................................................................417
Minimum Requirements ....................................................418
Mirrors ....................................................................................62
Tips ........................................................................................426Trailer And Tongue Weight...............................................418Wiring ...................................................................................424
Trailer Towing Guide .............................................................418
Trailer Weight ..........................................................................418
Transfer Case ...........................................................................530 Electronically Shifted ..........................................................309
Fluid ...................................................................................... 574