trailer Ram 2500 2020 Workshop Manual

STARTING AND OPERATING307
was manually activated through the Controls
menu of the Uconnect display, exiting out of the
display screen will return to the Controls menu.
Cargo Camera
Pressing the Cargo Camera soft key
will provide a full screen view of the
cargo area.
NOTE:
If the Cargo Camera view was selected through
the Surround View screen, exiting out of the
Cargo Camera screen will return to the
Surround View screen. If the Cargo Camera was
manually activated through the Controls menu
of the Uconnect display, exiting out of the
display screen will return to the Controls menu.
Trailer Reverse Guidance Pressing the Trailer Reverse Guid -
ance soft key will provide a full screen
view of the cargo area and trailer. Pressing the Left & Right Tow Mirror
Split Screen View button within the
Trailer Reverse Guidance screen will
display a split screen to allow the
driver to see both sides of the trailer at the
same time. This view allows the driver to pan
left/right to better frame the trailer in the image.
NOTE:
Trailer Reverse Guidance can only be selected
through the Surround View screen; exiting out of
the Trailer Reverse Guidance screen will return
to the Surround View screen.
Zoom View
When the Rear View Camera image is
being displayed, and the vehicle
speed is below 8 mph (13 km/h)
while in any gear selector position,
Zoom View is available. By pressing the “magni -
fying glass” icon in the upper left of the display
screen, the image will zoom in to four times the
standard view. Pressing the icon a second time
will return the view to the standard Backup
Camera display. When Zoom View is selected while the vehicle is
in REVERSE, then shifted to DRIVE, the camera
delay view will display the standard Backup
Camera view. If the vehicle is then returned to
REVERSE gear from DRIVE, the Zoom View
selection will automatically resume.
Shifting to NEUTRAL from any gear will maintain
the selected view (Zoom or Standard) as long as
the vehicle is below 8 mph (13 km/h).
Zoom View is available until the gear selector is
placed in DRIVE or REVERSE and speeds are at
or above 8 mph (13 km/h).
NOTE:
If the vehicle is in DRIVE, NEUTRAL, or
REVERSE, and speed is greater than or equal
to 8 mph (13 km/h), Zoom View is unavail
-
able and the icon will appear gray.
While in Zoom View, the guidelines will not be
visible.
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308STARTING AND OPERATING
Deactivation
The system is deactivated in the following
conditions if it was activated automatically:
When the vehicle is shifted out of REVERSE
(with camera delay turned on), the camera
image will continue to be displayed for up to
10 seconds after shifting out of REVERSE
unless the vehicle speed exceeds 8 mph
(13 km/h), the vehicle is shifted into PARK or
the ignition is placed in the OFF position.
There is a touch screen button “X” to disable
the display of the camera image.
When the vehicle is shifted out of REVERSE
(with camera delay turned off), the surround
view camera mode is exited and the last
known screen appears again.
The system is deactivated in the following
conditions if it was activated manually from the
Uconnect controls menu via the Surround View
button, Backup Camera button, Cargo Camera
button or Forward Facing Camera button:
The "X" button on the display is pressed
Vehicle is shifted into PARK
Ignition is placed in the OFF position
Vehicle speed is over 8 mph (13 km/h) for
10 seconds
NOTE:
If the Surround View Camera, Cargo Camera,
Backup Camera, or Forward Facing Camera is
activated manually, and the vehicle is shifted
into REVERSE, deactivation methods for auto -
matic activation are assumed.
The camera delay system is turned off manually
through the Uconnect settings menu. Refer to
“Uconnect Settings” in “Multimedia” for further
information.
NOTE:
If snow, ice, mud, or any foreign substance
builds up on the camera lenses, clean the
lenses, rinse with water, and dry with a soft
cloth. Do not cover the lenses.
If a malfunction with the system has
occurred, see an authorized dealer. Cargo Camera With Dynamic Centerline — If
Equipped
The Dynamic Centerline feature provides an
overlay on the Cargo Camera display screen
that aligns to the center of the pickup box to aid
in hooking up a fifth wheel camper or goose
-
neck trailer. The centerline auto aligns to the
center of the pickup box, and can also be manu -
ally adjusted. The centerline will adjust in
response to steering angle inputs, and will not
obstruct the gooseneck receiver or an
approaching trailer gooseneck in the camera
feed.
Activation
The Dynamic Centerline feature can be acti -
vated through the Uconnect settings by
pressing the Cargo Camera soft button,
followed by the “Dynamic Centerline” soft
button on the touchscreen.
If the Dynamic Centerline feature is turned on,
the overlay will display anytime the Cargo
Camera image is displayed.

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310STARTING AND OPERATING
NOTE:
If the vehicle is in 4LO, the Forward Facing
Camera image will be displayed until the “X”
button is pressed or the ignition is placed in the
OFF position. If the vehicle goes out of 4LO, then
the regular deactivation conditions listed above
are applied.
Trailer Reverse Guidance — If Equipped
The Trailer Reverse Guidance feature assists
the driver in backing up a trailer by providing
adjustable camera views of the trailer and
surrounding area. The cameras are mounted on
the side mirrors and the images will be
displayed side-by-side on the touchscreen. Left
and right camera images are swapped and
mirrored on the touchscreen to show the equiv -
alent area behind the vehicle as though the
driver is using the side mirrors.
Activation
The Trailer Reverse Guidance feature can be
activated by pressing the Trailer Reverse Guid -
ance button on the Backup/Cargo Camera
Display. Deactivation
When the vehicle is shifted out of REVERSE
(with camera delay turned on), the camera
image will continue to be displayed for up to 10
seconds after shifting out of REVERSE unless
the vehicle speed exceeds 8 mph (13 km/h),
the vehicle is shifted into PARK or the ignition is
placed in the OFF position. There is a touch
-
screen button “X” to disable the display of the
camera image.
If Trailer Reverse Guidance is selected through
manually activated Surround View, Backup
Camera, or Cargo Camera, the below deactiva -
tion conditions are applied:
The “X” button on the display is pressed
The vehicle is shifted into PARK
The ignition is placed in the OFF position
The vehicle speed is over 8 mph (13 km/h)
for 10 seconds
WARNING!
Drivers must be careful when backing up
even when using the Surround View Camera.
Always check carefully behind your vehicle,
and be sure to check for pedestrians,
animals, other vehicles, obstructions, or blind
spots before backing up. You are responsible
for the safety of your surroundings and must
continue to pay attention while backing up.
Failure to do so can result in serious injury or
death.
CAUTION!
To avoid vehicle damage, Surround View
should only be used as a parking aid. The
Surround View camera is unable to view
every obstacle or object in your drive path.
To avoid vehicle damage, the vehicle must
be driven slowly when using Surround View
to be able to stop in time when an obstacle
is seen. It is recommended that the driver
look frequently over his/her shoulder when
using Surround View.

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STARTING AND OPERATING311
NOTE:
If the vehicle is not equipped with a Pickup Box:
The bottom wedge of the Top view will be
displayed in black.
The Rear Cross Path soft button will be
grayed out.
The guidelines will not be overlaid on Top
view/Rear view and Full Screen of Backup
Camera view.
Black video will be displayed for the right side
of the Top and Rear view, and full screen of
the Backup Camera view when the Rear View
Camera is not connected.
AUX Camera — If Equipped
Your vehicle may be equipped with one or two
AUX Cameras, which display rearview and side
view images from the trailer on the touch-
screen. Activation
The AUX Camera is activated by first pressing
the Backup Camera, Cargo Camera (if
equipped), or Surround View Camera (if
equipped) button on the touchscreen, followed
by the AUX button located in the upper left
corner of the rearview display. The AUX camera
can also be activated when the vehicle is in
REVERSE by pressing the AUX button.
If equipped with two AUX Cameras, you can
switch between each camera by then pressing
the AUX1 or AUX2 buttons on the Trailer Camera
display.
AUX1 Camera Button
AUX2 Camera Button Deactivation
The AUX Camera is deactivated by pressing the
“X” in the upper right corner of the touchscreen.
This will return the display back to the previ
-
ously displayed screen.
NOTE:
If the AUX button is pressed and no AUX
Camera is connected, the touchscreen will
display a blue screen along with the message
“Camera System Unavailable.” The screen
can be exited out by pressing the “X” in the
upper right hand corner. This will return the
display back to the previously displayed
screen.
Zoom View is not available with the AUX
Camera feature.
The display will always default to the Trailer
Camera display (AUX 1).
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318STARTING AND OPERATING
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
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 condi -
tions, 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 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 axles.
Weighing the vehicle may show that the GAWR
of either the front or rear axle has been
exceeded but the total load is within the speci
-
fied 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.
TRAILER TOWING
In this section you will find safety tips and infor -
mation 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 recom
-
mendations 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.
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 equip -
ment (permanent or temporary) loaded in or on
the trailer in its "loaded and ready for operation"
condition.
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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STARTING AND OPERATING319
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 combina -
tion.
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 informa -
tion.
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 multi -
plied 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 associated
with the telescoping motion to dampen any
unwanted trailer swaying motions while trav -
eling. If equipped, the electronic Trailer Sway Control
(TSC) recognizes a swaying trailer and automat
-
ically 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 accor -
dance with the manufacturer's directions, it
provides for a more level ride, offering more
consistent steering and brake control, thereby
enhancing towing safety. The addition of a fric -
tion/hydraulic sway control also dampens sway
caused by traffic and crosswinds and contrib -
utes positively to tow vehicle and trailer
stability. Trailer Sway Control (TSC) and a weight
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.
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320STARTING AND OPERATING
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.

With Weight-Distributing Hitch (Correct) Without Weight-Distributing Hitch (Incorrect)
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 distribution bars connected.
4. Measure the height of the top of the front wheel opening on the fender to ground, this
is height H2.
WARNING!
An improperly adjusted weight distributing
hitch system may reduce handling, stability
and braking performance and could result
in a collision.
Weight distributing systems may not be
compatible with surge brake couplers.
Consult with your hitch and trailer manufac -
turer or a reputable Recreational Vehicle
dealer for additional information.

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STARTING AND OPERATING321
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]).
6. Perform a visual inspection of the trailer and weight distributing hitch to confirm
manufacturers’ recommendations have
been met.
NOTE:
For all towing conditions, we recommend towing
with TOW/HAUL mode engaged. Towing With All Other 2500/3500 (Non-Air
Suspension)

1. Position the truck to be ready to connect to
the trailer (do not connect the trailer).

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 distribution 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]).
6. Perform a visual inspection of the trailer and weight distributing hitch to confirm
manufacturers’ recommendations have
been met. NOTE:
For all towing conditions, we recommend towing
with TOW/HAUL mode engaged.
Fifth-Wheel Hitch
The fifth-wheel hitch is a special high platform
with a coupling that mounts over the rear axle of
the tow vehicle in the truck bed. It connects a
vehicle and fifth-wheel trailer with a coupling
king pin.
Your truck may be equipped with a fifth wheel
hitch option. Refer to the separately provided
fifth wheel hitch safety, care, assembly, and
operating instructions.
Measurement
Example Example 2500/
3500 Height (mm)
H1 1030
H2 1058
H2-H1 28
(H2-H1)/2 14
(H2-H1)/2 + H1 1044
Measurement
Example Example 2500/
3500 Height (mm)
H1 1030
H2 1058
H2-H1 28
(H2-H1)/2 14
(H2-H1)/2 + H1 1044
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322STARTING AND OPERATING
Gooseneck Hitch
The gooseneck hitch employs a pivoted
coupling arm which attaches to a ball mounted
in the bed of a pickup truck. The coupling arm
connects to the hitch mounted over the rear
axle in the truck bed.
Trailer Hitch Type and Maximum Trailer
Weight
The following chart provides the maximum
trailer weight a given factory equipped trailer
hitch type can tow and should be used to assist you in selecting the correct trailer hitch for your
intended towing condition.
All trailer hitches should be professionally installed on your vehicle.
Trailer Hitch Type and Maximum Trailer Weight
Hitch Type Max. Trailer Weight / Max. Tongue Weight
Class V - 2500 Models 20,000 lbs (9,071 kg) / 2,000 lbs (907 kg)
Class V - 3500 Models 23,000 lbs (10,432 kg) / 2,300 lbs (1,043 kg)
Fifth Wheel - 2500 Models 25,000 lbs (11,339 kg) / 3,750 lbs (1,700 kg)
Fifth Wheel - 3500 Models 30,000 lbs (13,607 kg) / 4,500 lbs (2,041 kg)
Gooseneck - 2500 Models 20,000 lbs (9,071 kg) / 3,000 lbs (1,360 kg)
Gooseneck - 3500 Models 35,250 lbs (15,989 kg) / 5,287 lbs (2,398 kg)
Refer to the “Trailer Towing Weights (Maximum Trailer Weight Ratings)” for the Maximum Gross Trailer Weight (GTW) towable for your given drivetrain.

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STARTING AND OPERATING323
(Continued)
Trailer Towing Weights (Maximum Trailer
Weight Ratings)
NOTE:
For trailer towing information (maximum trailer
weight ratings) refer to the following website
addresses:
ramtrucks.com/en/towing_guide/
ramtruck.ca (Canada)
rambodybuilder.com
Trailer And Tongue Weight

Weight Distribution
Consider the following items when computing
the weight on the rear axle of the vehicle:
The tongue weight of the trailer.
The weight of any other type of cargo or
equipment put in or on your vehicle.
The weight of the driver and all passengers.
NOTE:
Remember that everything put into or on the
trailer adds to the load on your vehicle. Also,
additional factory-installed options or
dealer-installed options must be considered as
part of the total load on your vehicle. Refer to
the “Tire And Loading Information” placard for
the maximum combined weight of occupants
and cargo for your vehicle.
Towing Requirements
To promote proper break-in of your new vehicle
drivetrain components, the following guidelines
are recommended. Perform the maintenance listed in the “Sched
-
uled Servicing”. Refer to “Scheduled Servicing”
in “Servicing And Maintenance” for the proper
maintenance intervals. When towing a trailer,
never exceed the GAWR or GCWR ratings.
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 colli -
sion.
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