load capacity Ram 3500 Chassis Cab 2017 User Guide

TRAILER TOWING
In this section you will find safety tips and information 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 recommendations 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 informa-
tion.
Gross Trailer Weight (GTW)
The GTW is the weight of the trailer plus the weight of all
cargo, consumables and equipment (permanent or tempo-
rary) 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 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.
Gross Combination Weight Rating (GCWR)
The GCWR is the total allowable 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
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 409

WARNING!(Continued)
•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.
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 Operat-
ing” 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 – General Information”
in “Starting And Operating” for the proper inspection
procedure. •
When replacing tires, refer to “Tires – General Informa-
tion” in “Starting And Operating” for proper tire re-
placement 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 hy-
draulic brake lines. It can overload your brake sys-
tem 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 dis-
tance. When towing you should allow for additional
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.
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 415

Snowplow Prep Package Model Availability
For Information about snowplow applications visit
www.ramtrucks.com or refer to the current Ram Body
Builders Guide.
1. The maximum number of occupants in the truck shouldnot 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 sys-
tem, all aftermarket accessories, driver, passengers, op-
tions, and cargo, must not exceed either the Gross Vehicle
Weight (GVWR) or Gross Axle Weight (GAWR) ratings.
These weights are specified on the Safety Compliance
Certification Label on the driver’s side door opening.
NOTE: Detach the snowplow when transporting passen-
gers.
Vehicle front end wheel alignment was set to specifications
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
completely and position it as low as road or surface
conditions 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.
422 STARTING AND OPERATING

Ethanol................................. .403
Exhaust Gas Caution .....................93, 405
Exhaust System ........................ .93, 475
Exterior Lighting .......................... .128
Exterior Lights .............................96
Filters Air Cleaner ............................ .460
Air Conditioning .....................295, 465
Engine Fuel ........................... .508
Engine Oil ......................... .459, 508
Engine Oil Disposal ...................... .459
Flashers Turn Signal ...................... .96, 135, 220
Flat Tire Stowage .......................... .440
Flooded Engine Starting ..................... .327
Fluid, Brake ............................. .510
Fluid Capacities ........................... .507
Fluid Leaks ...............................96
Fluid Level Checks Automatic Transmission ....................485
Brake ................................ .481
Power Steering ......................... .354
Fluids, Lubricants And Genuine Parts ............508
Fog Lights ........................... .131, 503Fold Flat Load Floor
....................... .189
Four-Way Hazard Flasher .....................430
Four Wheel Drive ......................... .342
Freeing A Stuck Vehicle ..................... .443
Front Axle (Differential) ..................... .482
Fuel ................................... .402
Adding .............................. .406
Additives ............................. .404
Clean Air ............................. .402
Ethanol .............................. .403
Filler Cap (Gas Cap) ..................... .407
Filter ................................ .508
Gasoline .............................. .402
Light ................................ .214
Materials

Added ........................ .404
Methanol ............................. .403
Octane Rating .......................... .402
Requirements .......................... .402
Tank Capacity .......................... .507
Fuses .................................. .492
Garage Door Opener (HomeLink) ............164, 171
Gas Cap (Fuel Filler Cap) .................407, 455
Gasoline, Clean Air ........................ .402
Gasoline (Fuel) ........................... .402
528 INDEX

Mopar Parts.......................... .456, 521
MTBE/ETBE ............................. .403
Multi-Function Control Lever ..................135
Navigation System (Uconnect GPS) ..............160
New Vehicle Break-In Period .................91, 92
Occupant Restraints .........................41
Octane Rating, Gasoline (Fuel) .................402
Oil, Engine ........................... .457, 508
Capacity .............................. .507
Change Interval ........................ .458
Dipstick .............................. .457
Disposal .............................. .459
Filter ............................. .459, 508
Filter Disposal .......................... .459
Identification Logo ...................... .458
Pressure Warning Light ....................205
Recommendation ........................ .458
Synthetic ............................. .459
Viscosity .............................. .459
Oil Filter, Change ......................... .459
Oil Pressure Light ......................... .205
Onboard Diagnostic System ...................454
Operating Precautions ...................... .454Operator Manual (Owner’s Manual)
...............4
Outside Rearview Mirrors ....................107
Overdrive ............................... .337
Overdrive OFF Switch ...................... .337
Overhead Console ......................... .163
Overheating, Engine ....................... .430
Owner’s Manual (Operator Manual) ...........4,522
Paint Care ............................... .486
Panic Alarm ...............................24
Parking Brake ............................ .355
ParkSense System, Rear ...................146, 154
Passing Light ............................ .136
Passive Entry ..............................
34
Pedals, Adjustable ......................... .140
Personalized Menu Bar ..................... .297
Personal Settings .......................... .231
Pets .....................................91
Placard, Tire And Loading Information ........376, 377
Power Distribution Center (Fuses) ..................493
Door Locks ..............................32
Mirrors ............................... .108
Outlet (Auxiliary Electrical Outlet) .........172, 177
Seats .................................112
532 INDEX

Tires...........................96, 381, 386, 394
Aging (Life Of Tires) ..................... .389
Air Pressure ........................ .376, 381
Chains ............................... .390
Compact Spare ......................... .386
Dual .......................... .393, 431, 439
General Information ...................381, 386
High Speed ............................ .383
Inflation Pressures ....................... .382
Life Of Tires ........................... .389
Load Capacity ...................... .376, 378
Pressure Monitor System (TPMS) .............395
Pressure Warning Light ....................212
Quality Grading ........................ .394
Radial ............................... .384
Replacement ........................... .389
Rotation .............................. .392
Safety ............................ .370, 381
Sizes ................................ .372
Snow Tires ............................ .385
Spare Tire ......................... .386, 387
Spinning .............................. .388
Tread Wear Indicators .....................388
Wheel Nut Torque ....................... .437
Tire Safety Information ...................... .370Tongue Weight/Trailer Weight
.................413
Torque Converter Clutch .....................339
Tow Hooks, Emergency ..................... .444
Towing ............................. .409, 446
Disabled Vehicle ........................ .446
Guide ................................ .413
Recreational ........................... .423
Weight ............................... .413
Towing Vehicle Behind A Motorhome ............423
Traction ................................ .351
T
raction Control .......................... .362
Trailer Sway Control (TSC) ....................367
Trailer Towing ............................ .409
Cooling System Tips ..................... .421
Hitches ............................... .412
Minimum Requirements ....................414
Mirrors ................................111
Trailer And Tongue Weight ..................413
Wiring ............................... .419
Trailer Towing Guide ....................... .413
Trailer Weight ............................ .413
Transfer Case ............................ .483
Electronically Shifted ..................... .346
Fluid ................................ .510
Transmission ............................. .484
536 INDEX