brake Ram 3500 2019 Owners Manual

420 STARTING AND OPERATING
Towing Requirements — Tires
• Do not attempt to tow a trailer while using a compact sparetire.
• Do not drive more than 50 mph (80 km/h) when towing while using a full size spare tire.
• Proper tire inflation pressures are essential to the safe and satisfactory operation of your vehicle. Refer to “Tires” in
“Servicing And Maintenance” for proper tire inflation
procedures.
• Check the trailer tires for proper tire inflation pressures before trailer usage.
• Check for signs of tire wear or visible tire damage before towing a trailer. Refer to “Tires” in “Servicing And Main -
tenance” for the proper inspection procedure.
• When replacing tires, refer to “Tires” in “Servicing And Maintenance” for the 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
• 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 actu -
ated 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 (453 kg) and required for trailers in excess of 2,000 lbs (907 kg).

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.

STARTING AND OPERATING 421
Integrated Trailer Brake Module — If Equipped
Your vehicle may have an Integrated Trailer Brake Module
(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 compatible with ITBM.Integrated Trailer Brake Module (ITBM)
The user interface consists of the following:
Manual Brake Control Lever
Slide the manual brake control lever to the left to activate
power to the trailer's electric brakes independent of the tow
vehicle's brakes. If the manual brake control lever is acti -
vated while the brake is also applied, the greater of the two
inputs determines the power sent to the trailer brakes.
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.
1 — GAIN Adjustment Button
2 — GAIN Adjustment Button
3 — Manual Brake Control Lever
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422 STARTING AND OPERATING
The trailer and the vehicle’s stop lamps will come on when
braking normally with the vehicle brake pedal. Only the
trailer stop lamps will come on when the manual brake
control lever is applied.
Trailer Brake Status Indicator Light
This light indicates the trailer electrical connection status.
If no electrical connection is detected after the ignition is
turned on, pushing the GAIN adjustment button or sliding
the manual brake control lever will display the GAIN setting
for 10 seconds and the “Trailer Brake Status Indicator Light”
will not be displayed.
If a fault is detected in the trailer wiring or the Integrated
Trailer Brake Module (ITBM), the “Trailer Brake Status Indi-
cator Light” will flash.
GAIN Adjustment Buttons (+/-)
Pushing these buttons will adjust the brake control power
output to the trailer brakes in 0.5 increments. The GAIN
setting can be increased to a maximum of 10 or decreased to
a minimum of 0 (no trailer braking). GAIN
The GAIN setting is used to set the trailer brake control for
the specific towing condition and should be changed as
towing conditions change. Changes to towing conditions
include trailer load, vehicle load, road conditions and
weather.
Adjusting GAIN
NOTE:
This should only be performed in a traffic free environment
at speeds of approximately 20–25 mph (30–40 km/h).
1. Make sure the trailer brakes are in good working condi
-
tion, functioning normally and properly adjusted. See
your trailer dealer if necessary.
2. Hook up the trailer and make the electrical connections according to the trailer manufacturer's instructions.
3. When a trailer with electric/EOH brakes is plugged in, the trailer connected message should appear in the
instrument cluster display (if the connection is not recog -
nized by the ITBM, braking functions will not be avail -
able), the GAIN setting will illuminate and the correct
type of trailer must be selected from the instrument
cluster display options.

STARTING AND OPERATING 423
4. Push the UP or DOWN button on the steering wheel until“TRAILER TOW” appears on the screen.
5. Push the RIGHT arrow on the steering wheel to enter “TRAILER TOW”.
6. Push the UP or DOWN buttons until the Trailer Brake Type appears on the screen.
7. Push the RIGHT arrow and then push the UP or DOWN buttons until the proper Trailer Brake Type appears on
the screen. 8. In a traffic-free environment, tow the trailer on a dry,
level surface at a speed of 20–25 mph (30–40 km/h) and
squeeze the manual brake control lever completely.
9. If the trailer wheels lockup (indicated by squealing tires), reduce the GAIN setting; if the trailer wheels turn freely,
increase the GAIN setting.
Repeat steps 8 and 9 until the GAIN setting is at a point just
below trailer wheel lockup. If towing a heavier trailer, trailer
wheel lockup may not be attainable even with the maximum
GAIN setting of 10.
* The suggested selection depends and may change
depending on the customer preferences for braking perfor -
mance. Condition of the trailer brakes, driving and road state
may also affect the selection. Light Electric Heavy Electric
Light EOHHeavy EOH
Type of Trailer Brakes Electric Trailer Brakes Electric Trailer Brakes Electric over Hydraulic
Trailer BrakesElectric over Hydraulic
Trailer Brakes
Load *Under 10,000 lbs *Above 10,000 lbs *Under 10,000 lbs *Above 10,000 lbs
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424 STARTING AND OPERATING
Display Messages
The trailer brake control interacts with the instrument cluster
display. Display messages, along with a single chime, will be
displayed when a malfunction is determined in the trailer
connection, trailer brake control, or on the trailer. Refer to
“Instrument Cluster Display” in “Getting To Know Your
Instrument Panel” for further information.NOTE:
• An aftermarket controller may be available for use with
trailers with air or electric-over-hydraulic trailer brake
systems. To determine the type of brakes on your trailer
and the availability of controllers, check with your trailer
manufacturer or dealer.
• Removal of the ITBM will cause errors and it may cause damage to the electrical system and electronic modules of
the vehicle. See your authorized dealer if an aftermarket
module is to be installed.
Towing Requirements — Trailer Lights And Wiring
Whenever you pull a trailer, regardless of the trailer size,
stoplights and turn signals on the trailer are required for
motoring safety.
The Trailer Tow Package may include a four- and seven-pin
wiring harness. Use a factory approved trailer harness and
connector.
NOTE:
Do not cut or splice wiring into the vehicle’s wiring harness.
The electrical connections are all complete to the vehicle but
you must mate the harness to a trailer connector. Refer to the
following illustrations.
WARNING!
Connecting a trailer that is not compatible with the
ITBM system may result in reduced or complete loss of
trailer braking. There may be a increase in stopping
distance or trailer instability which could result in
personal injury.
CAUTION!
Connecting a trailer that is not compatible with the
ITBM system may result in reduced or complete loss of
trailer braking. There may be a increase in stopping
distance or trailer instability which could result in
damage to your vehicle, trailer, or other property.

STARTING AND OPERATING 425
NOTE:
• Disconnect trailer wiring connector from the vehiclebefore launching a boat (or any other device plugged into
vehicle’s electrical connect) into water.
• Be sure to reconnect once clear from water area.
Four-Pin Connector Seven-Pin Connector
1 — Female Pins
4 — Park
2 — Male Pin 5 — Left Stop/Turn
3 — Ground 6 — Right Stop/Turn
1 — Battery5 — Ground
2 — Backup Lamps 6 — Left Stop/Turn
3 — Right Stop/Turn 7 — Running Lamps
4 — Electric Brakes
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STARTING AND OPERATING 429
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
completely and position it as low as road or surface condi-
tions permit. Do not exceed 40 mph (64 km/h). The operator
should always maintain a safe stopping distance and allow
adequate passing clearance.
Operating Tips
Under ideal snow plowing conditions, 20 mph (32 km/h)
should be maximum operating speed. The operator should
be familiar with the area and surface to be cleaned. Reduce
speed and use extreme caution when plowing unfamiliar
areas or under poor visibility. General Maintenance
Snowplows should be maintained in accordance with the
plow manufacturer's instructions.
Keep all snowplow electrical connections and battery termi
-
nals clean and free of corrosion.
When plowing snow, to avoid transmission and drivetrain
damage, the following precautions should be observed.
• Operate with transfer case in 4LO when plowing small or congested areas where speeds are not likely to exceed
15 mph (24 km/h). At higher speeds operate in 4HI.
• Vehicles with automatic transmissions should use 4LO range when plowing deep or heavy snow for extended
periods of time to avoid transmission overheating.
• Do not shift the transmission unless the engine has returned to idle and wheels have stopped. Make a practice
of stepping on the brake pedal while shifting the transmis -
sion.
5

STARTING AND OPERATING 431
Recreational Towing — Two-Wheel Drive Models
DO NOT flat tow this vehicle. Damage to the drivetrain
will result.
Recreational towing (for two-wheel drive models) is allowed
ONLY if the rear wheels are OFF the ground. This may be
accomplished using a tow dolly or vehicle trailer. If using a
tow dolly, follow this procedure:
NOTE:
If vehicle is equipped with air suspension, ensure the vehicle
is set to Normal Ride Height.
1. Properly secure the dolly to the tow vehicle, following the dolly manufacturer's instructions.
2. Drive the rear wheels onto the tow dolly.
3. Firmly apply the parking brake. Place automatic trans -
mission in PARK. 4. Properly secure the rear wheels to the dolly, following the
dolly manufacturer's instructions.
5. Turn the ignition OFF and remove the key fob.
6. Install a suitable clamping device, designed for towing, to secure the front wheels in the straight position.
CAUTION!
• Towing with the rear wheels on the ground will cause severe transmission damage. Damage from improper
towing is not covered under the New Vehicle Limited
Warranty.
• Do not disconnect the driveshaft because fluid may leak from the transmission, causing damage to internal
parts.
5

STARTING AND OPERATING 433
Shifting Into NEUTRAL (N)
Use the following procedure to prepare your vehicle for
recreational towing.
1. Bring the vehicle to a complete stop on level ground, withthe engine running. Firmly apply the parking brake.
2. Shift the transmission to NEUTRAL. NOTE:
If vehicle is equipped with air suspension, ensure the vehicle
is set to Normal Ride Height.
3. Press and hold the brake pedal.
4. Shift the transfer case into NEUTRAL:
•With manual shift transfer case, shift the transfer caselever into NEUTRAL (N)
•With electronic shift transfer case, push and hold the transfer case NEUTRAL (N) button. Some models have
a small, recessed “N” button (at the center of the
transfer case switches) that must be pushed using a
ballpoint pen or similar object. Other models have a
rectangular NEUTRAL switch, below the rotary
transfer case control knob. The NEUTRAL (N) indi -
cator light will blink while the shift is in progress. The
light will stop blinking (stay on solid) when the shift to
NEUTRAL (N) is complete. After the shift is completed
and the NEUTRAL (N) light stays on, release the
NEUTRAL (N) button.
5. Release the parking brake.
6. Shift the transmission into REVERSE.
WARNING!
You or others could be injured or killed if you leave the
vehicle unattended with the transfer case in the
NEUTRAL (N) position without first fully engaging the
parking brake. The transfer case NEUTRAL (N) position
disengages both the front and rear driveshafts from the
powertrain, and will allow the vehicle to roll, even if the
automatic transmission is in PARK. The parking brake
should always be applied when the driver is not in the
vehicle.
CAUTION!
It is necessary to follow these steps to be certain that the
transfer case is fully in NEUTRAL (N) before
recreational towing to prevent damage to internal parts.
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434 STARTING AND OPERATING
7. Release the brake pedal for five seconds and ensure thatthere is no vehicle movement.
8. Repeat steps 6 and 7 with automatic transmission in DRIVE.
9. Shift the transmission to NEUTRAL. Firmly apply the parking brake. Turn OFF the engine. For vehicles with
Keyless Enter-N-Go, push and hold the ENGINE
START/STOP button until the engine shuts off.
10. Shift the transmission into PARK. On 8-speed transmis -
sions the shifter will automatically select PARK when the
engine is turned off.
11. Turn the ignition to the OFF mode, then cycle the ignition to the RUN mode and back to the OFF mode. Remove the
key fob from the ignition.
12. Attach the vehicle to the tow vehicle using a suitable tow bar.
13. Release the parking brake. NOTE:
With electronic shift transfer case:
• Steps 2 through 3 are requirements that must be met before
pushing the NEUTRAL (N) button, and must continue to
be met until the shift has been completed. If any of these
requirements are not met before pushing the NEUTRAL
(N) button or are no longer met during the shift, the
NEUTRAL (N) indicator light will flash continuously until
all requirements are met or until the NEUTRAL (N) button
is released.
• The ignition must be in the ON/RUN mode for a shift to take place and for the position indicator lights to be oper -
able. If the ignition is not in the ON/RUN mode, the shift
will not take place and no position indicator lights will be
on or flashing.
• A flashing NEUTRAL (N) position indicator light indi -
cates that shift requirements have not been met.
• If the vehicle is equipped with air suspension, the engine should be started and left running for a minimum of 60
seconds (with all the doors closed) at least once every 24
hours. This process allows the air suspension to adjust the
vehicle’s ride height to compensate for temperature
effects.