towing Ram 2500 2019 Owner's Guide

318 STARTING AND OPERATING
Trailer Decoupling/Unloading - The air suspension system
will load level (lower/exhaust only) once after 12 minutes
after the vehicle is turned off. This allows for easy removal of
a trailer and/or load from the back of the truck by main -
taining the ride height. After 12 minutes you will need to
turn the ignition to the run position for the air suspension to
re-level due to addition/removal of load in the vehicle. If the
air suspension system is disabled using the settings menu
(Tire Jack Mode, Transport Mode, Alignment Mode, or Bed
Lowering Mode) the system will remain disabled when the
vehicle is turned off. Reactivating the air suspension can be
accomplished via the settings menu or driving the vehicle
above 5 mph (8 km/h) for Tire Jack Mode or Alignment
Mode and 16 mph (26 km/h) for Transport Mode and Bed
Lowering Mode.
NOTE:
• Most 3500 models will not lower to Alternate Trailer Height (ATH) when unloaded.
• Refer to “Trailer Towing” in “Starting And Operating” for further information. Ignition OFF Behavior

For a predetermined amount of time after the ignition is off the
air suspension may adjust to maintain a proper appearance.

Air Suspension Modes
The air suspension system has multiple modes to protect the
system in unique situations:
Tire/Jack Mode

To assist with changing a tire, the air suspension system has a
feature which allows the automatic leveling to be disabled. This
mode is intended to be enabled with engine running. Refer to
“Instrument Cluster Display” in “Getting To Know Your Instru
-
ment Panel” or “Uconnect Settings” in “Multimedia” if equipped
with a touch screen radio for further information.

NOTE:
This mode is intended to be enabled with engine running.
WARNING!
The air suspension system uses a high pressure volume
of air to operate the system. To avoid personal injury or
damage to the system, see your authorized dealer for
service.

STARTING AND OPERATING 319
Transport Mode
For towing your vehicle with four wheels off the road, the air
suspension system has a feature which will put the vehicle
below Normal Ride Height (NRH) and disable the automatic
load leveling system. This mode is intended to be enabled
with engine running. Refer to “Instrument Cluster Display”
in “Getting To Know Your Instrument Panel” or “Uconnect
Settings” in “Understanding Your Instrument Panel” if
equipped with a touch screen radio for further information.
NOTE:
This mode is intended to be enabled with engine running.
Wheel Alignment Mode
Before performing a wheel alignment this mode must be
enabled. Refer to “Instrument Cluster Display” in “Getting
To Know Your Instrument Panel” or “Uconnect Settings” in
“Multimedia” if equipped with a touch screen radio for
further information.
NOTE:
This mode is intended to be enabled with engine running.Bed Lowering Mode
For towing your vehicle with four wheels off the road, the air
suspension system has a feature which will put the vehicle
below Normal Ride Height (NRH) and disable the automatic
load leveling system. This mode is intended to be enabled
with engine running. Refer to “Instrument Cluster Display”
in “Getting To Know Your Instrument Panel” or “Uconnect
Settings” in “Understanding Your Instrument Panel” if
equipped with a touch screen radio for further information.
Protection Strategy
In order to “protect” the air suspension system, the vehicle
will disable load leveling as required (suspension over
-
loaded, battery charge low, etc.). Load leveling will automat -
ically resume as soon as system operation requirements are
met. See your authorized dealer if system does not resume.
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STARTING AND OPERATING 359
Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) Operation
The speed control buttons (located on the right side of the
steering wheel) operate the ACC system.Adaptive Cruise Control Buttons
NOTE:
Any chassis/suspension or tire size modifications to the
vehicle will effect the performance of the Adaptive Cruise
Control and Forward Collision Warning System.
• Will bring the vehicle to a complete stop while
following a target vehicle and hold the vehicle for
approximately two seconds in the stop position. At
this point, there will be an “ACC may cancel soon”
chime and warning to the driver. When ACC is
cancelled, the system will release the brakes and the
driver must take over braking. The system can be
resumed when the target vehicle drives off by
releasing the brake and pushing the resume button
on the steering wheel.
You should switch off 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! (Continued)
1 — Adaptive Cruise Control On/Off Button
2 — Distance Button
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372 STARTING AND OPERATING
• Do not put stickers or easy passes over the camera/radarfield of view.
• Any modifications to the vehicle that may obstruct the field of view of the radar/camera are not recommended.
Cleaning Instructions
Dust and dirt can accumulate on the cover and block the
camera lens. Clean the camera lens with a soft microfiber
cloth, being careful not to damage or scratch the module.
Towing A Trailer
ACC while towing a trailer is recommended only with an
Integrated Trailer Brake Controller. Aftermarket trailer
brake controllers will not activate the trailer brakes when
ACC is braking. Offset Driving
ACC may not detect a vehicle in the same lane that is offset
from your direct line of travel, or a vehicle merging in from
a side lane. There may not be sufficient distance to the
vehicle ahead. The offset vehicle may move in and out of the
line of travel, which can cause your vehicle to brake or accel
-
erate unexpectedly.
Offset Driving Condition Example

STARTING AND OPERATING 387
PARKSENSE FRONT AND REAR PARK ASSIST
The ParkSense Park Assist system provides visual and
audible indications of the distance between the rear, and/or
front fascia/bumper, and a detected obstacle when backing
up or moving forward, e.g. during a parking maneuver.
Refer to “ParkSense System Usage Precautions” in this
section for limitations of this system and recommendations.
ParkSense will retain the last system state (enabled or
disabled) from the last ignition cycle when the ignition is
changed to the ON/RUN position.
ParkSense can be active only when the gear selector is in
REVERSE or DRIVE. If ParkSense is enabled at one of these
gear selector positions, the system will remain active until
the vehicle speed is increased to approximately 7 mph
(11 km/h) or above. A warning will appear in the instrument
cluster display when the vehicle is in REVERSE, indicating
the vehicle is above ParkSense operating speed. The system
will become active again if the vehicle speed is decreased to
speeds less than approximately 6 mph (9 km/h).
• Before using ParkSense, it is strongly recommended
that the ball mount and hitch ball assembly is discon -
nected from the vehicle when the vehicle is not used for
towing. Failure to do so can result in injury or damage
to vehicles or obstacles because the hitch ball will be
much closer to the obstacle than the rear fascia when
the loudspeaker sounds the continuous tone. Also, the
sensors could detect the ball mount and hitch ball
assembly, depending on its size and shape, giving a
false indication that an obstacle is behind the vehicle.
CAUTION!
• ParkSense is only a parking aid and it is unable to recognize every obstacle, including small obstacles.
Parking curbs might be temporarily detected or not
detected at all. Obstacles located above or below the
sensors will not be detected when they are in close
proximity.
• The vehicle must be driven slowly when using Park -
Sense in order to be able to stop in time when an
obstacle is detected. It is recommended that the driver
looks over his/her shoulder when using ParkSense.
WARNING! (Continued)
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396 STARTING AND OPERATING
WARNING!
• Drivers must be careful when backing up even when using ParkSense. Always check carefully behind your
vehicle, look behind you, and be sure to check for
pedestrians, animals, other vehicles, obstructions, and
blind spots before backing up. You are responsible for
safety and must continue to pay attention to your
surroundings. Failure to do so can result in serious
injury or death.
• Before using ParkSense, it is strongly recommended that the ball mount and hitch ball assembly is discon -
nected from the vehicle when the vehicle is not used for
towing. Failure to do so can result in injury or damage
to vehicles or obstacles because the hitch ball will be
much closer to the obstacle than the rear fascia when
the loudspeaker sounds the continuous tone. Also, the
sensors could detect the ball mount and hitch ball
assembly, depending on its size and shape, giving a
false indication that an obstacle is behind the vehicle.CAUTION!
• ParkSense is only a parking aid and it is unable to recognize every obstacle, including small obstacles.
Parking curbs might be temporarily detected or not
detected at all. Obstacles located above or below the
sensors will not be detected when they are in close
proximity.
• The vehicle must be driven slowly when using Park -
Sense in order to be able to stop in time when an
obstacle is detected. It is recommended that the driver
looks over his/her shoulder when using ParkSense.

STARTING AND OPERATING 411
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 insure that the 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 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 limita-
tions 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.
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 infor
-
mation 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. CAUTION!
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.
Also overloading can shorten the life of your vehicle.
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412 STARTING AND OPERATING
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 tempo-
rary) 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.
Refer to “Vehicle Loading/Vehicle Certification Label” in
“Starting And Operating” for further information.
WARNING!
If the gross trailer weight is 5,000 lbs (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.

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.
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STARTING AND OPERATING 415
Improper Adjustment Of Weight-Distributing Hitch (Incorrect)
Recommended Distribution Hitch Adjustment
Towing With 2500/3500 Air Suspension
1. Position the truck to be ready to connect to the trailer (do not connect the trailer). NOTE:
Normal Ride Height (NRH) or Alternate Trailer Height
(ATH) can be used. The vehicle must remain in the engine
running position while attaching a trailer for proper leveling
of the air suspension system. It may not be possible to enter
Alternate Trailer Height (ATH) while lightly loaded.
2. Measure the height of the top of the front wheel opening
on the fender to ground, this is height H1.
3. Attach the trailer to the vehicle without the weight distri -
bution bars connected.
4. Measure the height of the top of the front wheel opening on the fender to ground, this is height H2.
5. Install and adjust the tension in the weight distributing bars per the manufacturers’ recommendations so that the
height of the front fender is approximately (H2-H1)/
2+H1 (about 1/2 the difference between H2 and H1 above
normal ride height [H1]).
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