load capacity Ram 3500 2015 User Guide

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.
WARNING!
If the gross trailer weight is 5,000 lbs (2 267 kg) or
more, it is mandatory 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.
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.
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 an accident.
642 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
hydraulic 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
distance. When towing you should allow for addi-
tional space between your vehicle and the vehicle
in front of you. Failure to do so could result in an
accident.
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 653

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.
654 STARTING AND OPERATING

Snowplow Prep Package Model Availability
For Information about snowplow applications visit
www.ramtrucks.com or refer to the current Body Build-
ers Guide.
1. The maximum number of occupants in the truckshould not exceed two.
2. The total GVWR or the Front GAWR or the Rear GAWR should never be exceeded.
3. Cargo capacity will be reduced by the addition of options or passengers, etc.
The loaded vehicle weight, including the snowplow
system, all aftermarket accessories, driver, passengers,
options, and cargo, must not exceed either the Gross
Vehicle Weight (GVWR) or Gross Axle Weight (GAWR)
ratings. These weights are specified on the Safety Com-
pliance Certification Label on the driver’s side door
opening. NOTE:
Detach the snowplow when transporting pas-
sengers.
Vehicle front end wheel alignment was set to specifica-
tions at the factory without consideration for the weight
of the plow. Front end toe-in should be checked and reset
if necessary at the beginning and end of the snowplow
season. This will help prevent uneven tire wear.
The blade should be lowered whenever the vehicle is
parked.
Maintain and operate your vehicle and snowplow equip-
ment following the recommendations provided by the
specific snowplow manufacturer.
Over The Road Operation With Snowplow
Attached
The blade restricts air flow to the radiator and causes the
engine to operate at higher than normal temperatures.
Therefore, when transporting the plow, angle the blade
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 665

Flooded Engine Starting....................445
Fluid, Brake ............................ .820
Fluid Capacities ......................... .815
Fluid Leaks .............................118
Fluid Level Checks Brake ............................... .779
Power Steering ........................ .571
Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts ...........817
Fog Lights ....................... .170, 285, 808
Fold Flat Load Floor ...................... .244
Four-Way Hazard Flasher ...................679
Four Wheel Drive ........................ .487
Freeing A Stuck Vehicle .....................730
Front Axle (Differential) .....................780
Fuel .................................. .627
Adding ............................. .636
Clean Air ............................ .629
Ethanol ............................. .629
Filler Cap (Gas Cap) .....................638 Gasoline
............................. .627
Methanol ............................ .629
Octane Rating ..................... .627, 817
Requirements ...................... .627, 815
Tank Capacity ......................... .815
Fuel, Flexible ........................... .633
Fuses ................................. .794
Garage Door Opener (HomeLink®) .........211,218
Gas Cap (Fuel Filler Cap) ................638, 747
Gasoline, Clean Air ....................... .629
Gasoline (Fuel) .......................... .627
Gasoline, Reformulated .....................629
Gauges Speedometer ......................... .285
Tachometer ........................... .285
Gear Ranges ........................ .465, 477
Gear Select Lever Override ..................733
General

Information ...................... .627
848 INDEX

Occupant Restraints........................49
Octane Rating, Gasoline (Fuel) ................627
Off-Pavement Driving (Off-Road) ...........526, 549
Off-Road Driving (Off-Pavement) ...........526, 549
Oil, Engine ......................... .751, 817
Capacity ............................ .815
Change Interval ....................... .752
Dipstick ............................. .751
Disposal ............................. .754
Filter ............................ .754, 817
Filter Disposal ........................ .754
Identification Logo ..................... .752
Recommendation ....................752, 815
Synthetic ............................ .754
Viscosity ...................... .753, 754, 815
Oil Filter, Selection ....................... .754
Onboard Diagnostic System ..................747
Operating Precautions ..................... .747
Operator Manual (Owner’s Manual) .............4Outside Rearview Mirrors
...................134
Overdrive .......................... .474, 485
Overdrive OFF Switch ..................474, 485
Overhead Console ........................ .209
Overheating, Engine ...................... .679
Owner’s Manual (Operator Manual) ..........4,837
Paint Care ............................. .786
Panic Alarm ..............................28
Parking Brake ........................... .572
ParkSense® System, Rear ................189, 198
Passing Light ........................... .176
Passive Entry .............................42
Pedals, Adjustable ........................ .183
Personal Settings ..................... .319, 346
Pets ...................................112
Pets, Transporting .........................112
Pickup Box ...................... .248, 251, 268
Placard, Tire and Loading Information ..........598
10
INDEX 853

Tachometer............................. .285
Tailgate ............................... .265
Temperature Control, Automatic (ATC) ..........413
Tilt Steering Column ...................... .180
Tip Start ............................... .443
Tire and Loading Information Placard . . . .597, 598, 613
Tire Markings ........................... .591
Tires............................117, 601, 839
Aging (Life of Tires) .....................611
Air Pressure .......................... .601
Chains .............................. .613
Compact Spare ........................ .608
Dual ............................ .617, 680
General Information .....................601
High Speed .......................... .604
Inflation Pressures ...................... .602
Life of Tires ...........................611
Load Capacity ..................... .597, 598
Pressure Monitor System (TPMS) ............619Pressure Warning Light
...................285
Quality Grading ....................... .839
Radial .............................. .604
Replacement ...........................611
Rotation ............................. .616
Safety ........................... .591, 601
Sizes ............................... .592
Snow Tires ........................... .606
Spinning ............................ .610
Tread Wear Indicators ....................610
Tire Safety Information .....................591
Tongue Weight/Trailer Weight ................650
Tonneau Cover .......................... .792
Tonneau Cover Cleaning ....................792
Torque Converter Clutch .................475, 486
Tow Hooks, Emergency .....................732
Towing ............................ .641,
737
Disabled Vehicle ....................... .737
Guide .............................. .649
858 INDEX