load capacity Ram 3500 2016 User Guide

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 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
(Continued)
WARNING! (Continued)
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.
690 STARTING AND OPERATING

WARNING!(Continued)
•GCWR must not be exceeded.
• Total weight must be distributed between the tow
vehicle and the trailer such that the following four
ratings are not exceeded:
1. GVWR
2. GTW
3. GAWR
4. Tongue weight rating for the trailer hitch uti-
lized.
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.
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 701

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.
CAUTION!
If the trailer weighs more than 1,000 lbs (453 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.
702 STARTING AND OPERATING

•Check the runners and cutting edge for excessive wear.
The cutting edge should be ¼ to ½ in (6 cm to 1.2 cm)
above ground in snow plowing position.
• Check that snowplow lighting is connected and func-
tioning properly.
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 truck should 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.5
STARTING AND OPERATING 713

Flat Tire Stowage..................... .745, 765
Flexible Fuel Vehicles Cruising Range ........................ .683
Engine Oil ........................... .682
Fuel Requirements ...................681, 682
Maintenance .......................... .684
Replacement Parts ...................... .683
Starting ............................. .683
Flooded Engine Starting ....................480
Fluid, Brake ............................ .870
Fluid Capacities ......................... .864
Fluid Leaks ............................ .122
Fluid Level Checks Brake ............................... .826
Power Steering ........................ .615
Fluids, Lubricants And Genuine Parts ...........866
Fog Lights ....................... .176, 317, 856
Fold Flat Load Floor ...................... .249
Four-Way Hazard Flasher ...................727 Four Wheel Drive
........................ .522
Freeing A Stuck Vehicle .....................775
Front Axle (Differential) .....................827
Fuel .................................. .675
Adding ............................. .684
Additives ............................ .679
Clean Air ............................ .677
Ethanol .......................... .677, 681
Filler Cap (Gas Cap) .....................686
Gasoline ............................. .675
Light ............................... .314
Materials Added ....................... .679
Methanol ............................ .677
Octane Rating ..................... .675, 866
Requirements ...................... .675, 864
Tank Capacity ......................... .864
Fuel, Flexible ........................... .681
Fuses ................................. .841
902 INDEX

Load Capacity..................... .643, 644
Pressure Monitor System (TPMS) ............666
Pressure Warning Light ...................311
Quality Grading ....................... .891
Radial .............................. .651
Replacement .......................... .658
Rotation ............................. .663
Safety ........................... .636, 648
Sizes ............................... .638
Snow Tires ........................... .653
Spare Tire ........................ .654, 656
Spinning ............................ .657
Tread Wear Indicators ....................657
Tire Safety Information .....................636
Tongue Weight/Trailer Weight ................698
Tonneau Cover .......................... .840
Tonneau Cover Cleaning ....................840
Torque Converter Clutch .................510, 521
Tow Hooks, Emergency .....................777 Towing
............................ .689, 782
Disabled Vehicle ....................... .782
Guide .............................. .698
Recreational .......................... .716
Weight .............................. .698
Towing Vehicle Behind A Motorhome ...........716
Traction ............................... .590
Traction Control ......................... .626
Trailer Sway Control (TSC) ..................632
Trailer Towing .......................... .689
Cooling System Tips .....................710
Hitches ............................. .697
Minimum Requirements ..................699
Mirrors ............................. .144
Trailer And Tongue Weight ................698
Wiring .............................. .708
T

railer Towing Guide ...................... .698
Trailer Weight ........................... .698
Transfer Case ........................... .82910
INDEX 913