engine Ram 3500 2019 Owners Manual

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]).
5

418 STARTING AND OPERATING
(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.
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.

STARTING AND OPERATING 419
(Continued)
Perform the maintenance listed in the “Scheduled
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.• 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 collision.
• When hauling cargo or towing a trailer, do not overload your vehicle or trailer. Overloading can cause a loss of
control, poor performance or damage to brakes, axle,
engine, transmission, steering, suspension, chassis
structure or tires. CAUTION!
(Continued)
• Safety chains must always be used between your
vehicle and trailer. Always connect the chains to the
hook retainers of the vehicle hitch. Cross the chains
under the trailer tongue and allow enough slack for
turning corners.
• Vehicles with trailers should not be parked on a grade. When parking, apply the parking brake on the tow
vehicle. Put the tow vehicle transmission in PARK. For
four-wheel drive vehicles, make sure the transfer case
is not in NEUTRAL. Always, block or "chock" the
trailer wheels.
• 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 utilized.
WARNING! (Continued)
5

426 STARTING AND OPERATING
Towing Tips
Before setting out on a trip, practice turning, stopping, and
backing up the trailer in an area located away from heavy
traffic.
Automatic Transmission
The DRIVE range can be selected when towing. The trans-
mission controls include a drive strategy to avoid frequent
shifting when towing. However, if frequent shifting does
occur while in DRIVE, select TOW/HAUL mode or select a
lower gear range (using the Electronic Range Select (ERS)
shift control).
NOTE:
Using TOW/HAUL mode or selecting a lower gear range
(using the ERS shift control) while operating the vehicle
under heavy loading conditions will improve performance
and extend transmission life by reducing excessive shifting
and heat build up. This action will also provide better engine
braking.
Tow/Haul Mode
To reduce potential for automatic transmission overheating,
activate TOW/HAUL mode when driving in hilly areas, or select a lower gear range (using the Electronic Range Select
(ERS) shift control) on more severe grades.
Speed Control — If Equipped
• Do not use on hilly terrain or with heavy loads.
• When using the speed control, if you experience speed
drops greater than 10 mph (16 km/h), disengage until you
can get back to cruising speed.
• Use speed control in flat terrain and with light loads to maximize fuel efficiency.
Cooling System
To reduce potential for engine and transmission over -
heating, take the following actions:
City Driving
• In city traffic — while stopped, place the transmission in NEUTRAL, but do not increase engine idle speed.
Highway Driving
• Reduce speed.
• Temporarily turn off air conditioning.

STARTING AND OPERATING 427
Air Suspension System
To aid in attaching/detaching the trailer from the vehicle,
the air suspension system can be used. Refer to “Air Suspen-
sion System” in “Starting And Operating” for further infor -
mation.
NOTE:
The vehicle must remain in the engine running position
while attaching a trailer for proper leveling of the air suspen -
sion system.
SNOWPLOW
2500/3500 Models Only
Snowplow Prep Packages are available as a factory installed
option. These packages include components necessary to
equip your vehicle with a snowplow.
NOTE:
Before installation of a snowplow it is highly recommended
that the owner/installer obtain and follow the recommenda -
tions contained within the current Body Builders Guide. See
your authorized dealer, installer or snowplow manufacturer
for this information. There are unique electrical systems that
must be connected to properly assure operator safety and
prevent overloading vehicle systems. Before Plowing
• Check the hydraulic system for leaks and proper fluid
level.
• Check the mounting bolts and nuts for proper tightness.
• 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.
WARNING!
Attaching a snowplow to this vehicle could adversely
affect performance of the airbag system in a collision. Do
not expect that the airbag will perform as described
earlier in this manual.
CAUTION!
The “Lamp Out” indicator could illuminate if exterior
lamps are not properly installed.
5

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

430 STARTING AND OPERATING
RECREATIONAL TOWING (BEHIND MOTORHOME, ETC.)
Towing This Vehicle Behind Another Vehicle
NOTE:
• When towing your vehicle, always follow applicable stateand provincial laws. Contact state and provincial
Highway Safety offices for additional details. • Vehicles equipped with air suspension must be placed in
Transport mode before tying them down (from the body)
on a trailer or flatbed truck. Refer to “Air Suspension – If
Equipped” for more information. If the vehicle cannot be
placed in Transport mode (for example, engine will not
run), tie-downs must be fastened to the axles (not to the
body). Failure to follow these instructions may cause fault
codes to be set and/or cause loss of proper tie-down
tension.
Towing Condition
Wheels OFF The
Ground Two-Wheel
Drive Models Four-Wheel Drive Models
Flat Tow NONENOT ALLOWED See Instructions
• Automatic transmission in PARK
• Transfer case in NEUTRAL (N)
• Tow in forward direction
Dolly Tow Front
NOT ALLOWED NOT ALLOWED
Rear OK NOT ALLOWED
On Trailer ALLOK OK

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.
5

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.

STARTING AND OPERATING 435
Shifting Out Of NEUTRAL (N)
Use the following procedure to prepare your vehicle for
normal usage:
1. Bring the vehicle to a complete stop, leaving it connectedto the tow vehicle.
2. Firmly apply the parking brake.
3. Press and hold the brake pedal.
4. Start the engine. Shift the transmission into NEUTRAL.
•With manual shift transfer case, shift the transfer caselever to the desired position.
•With electronic shift transfer case with rotary selector switch, push and hold the transfer case NEUTRAL (N)
button until the NEUTRAL (N) indicator light turns off.
After the NEUTRAL (N) indicator light turns off,
release the NEUTRAL (N) button. After the NEUTRAL
(N) button has been released, the transfer case will shift
to the position indicated by the selector switch. • With electronic shift transfer case with push-button
selector switch, push and hold the switch for the
desired transfer case position, until the NEUTRAL (N)
indicator light turns off and the desired position indi -
cator light turns on.
NOTE:
When shifting out of transfer case NEUTRAL (N), turning
the engine OFF is not required, but may be helpful to avoid
gear clash. With the 8-speed automatic transmission, the
engine must remain running, since turning the engine OFF
will shift the transmission to PARK (and the transmission
must be in NEUTRAL for the transfer case to shift out of
NEUTRAL).
5. Turn the engine OFF. Shift automatic transmission into PARK. On 8-speed transmissions the shifter will auto -
matically select PARK when the engine is turned off.
6. Release the brake pedal.
7. Disconnect vehicle from the tow vehicle.
8. Start the engine.
9. Press and hold the brake pedal.
5