inflation pressure Ram 4500 Chassis Cab 2017 Owner's Guide

Rim Size
This is the rim size that is appropriate for the tire size
listed.
Inflation Pressure
This is the cold tire inflation pressure for your vehicle for
all loading conditions up to full GAWR.
Curb Weight
The curb weight of a vehicle is defined as the total weight
of the vehicle with all fluids, including vehicle fuel, at full
capacity conditions, and with no occupants or cargo loaded
into the vehicle. The front and rear curb weight values are
determined by weighing your vehicle on a commercial
scale before any occupants or cargo are added.
Loading
The actual total weight and the weight of the front and rear
of your vehicle at the ground can best be determined by
weighing it when it is loaded and ready for operation.
The entire vehicle should first be weighed on a commercial
scale to insure that the GVWR has not been exceeded. The
weight on the front and rear of the vehicle should then be
determined separately to be sure that the load is properly
distributed over the front and rear axle. Weighing thevehicle may show that the GAWR of either the front or rear
axles has been exceeded but the total load is within the
specified GVWR. If so, weight must be shifted from front to
rear or rear to front as appropriate until the specified
weight limitations are met. Store the heavier items down
low and be sure that the weight is distributed equally. Stow
all loose items securely before driving.
Improper weight distributions can have an adverse effect
on the way your vehicle steers and handles and the way
the brakes operate.
CAUTION!
Do not load your vehicle any heavier than the GVWR
or the maximum front and rear GAWR. If you do, parts
on your vehicle can break, or it can change the way
your vehicle handles. This could cause you to lose
control. Also overloading can shorten the life of your
vehicle.
402 STARTING AND OPERATING

WARNING!(Continued)
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, sus-
pension, chassis structure or tires.
• 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:
(Continued)
WARNING! (Continued)
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.
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 409

MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE
Your vehicle is equipped with an automatic oil change
indicator system. The oil change indicator system will
remind you that it is time to take your vehicle in for
scheduled maintenance.
Based on engine operation conditions, the oil change
indicator message will illuminate. This means that service
is required for your vehicle. Operating conditions such as
frequent short-trips, trailer tow, extremely hot or cold
ambient temperatures, and E85 fuel usage will influence
when the “Oil Change Required” message is displayed.
Severe Operating Conditions can cause the change oil
message to illuminate as early as 3,500 miles (5,600 km)
since last reset. Have your vehicle serviced as soon as
possible, within the next 500 miles (805 km).
Your authorized dealer will reset the oil change indicator
message after completing the scheduled oil change. If a
scheduled oil change is performed by someone other than
your authorized dealer, the message can be reset by
referring to the steps described under “Instrument Cluster
Display” in “Understanding Your Instrument Panel” for
further information.Gasoline Engines:
Under no circumstances should oil change intervals exceed
8,000 miles (13,000 km), twelve months or 350 hours of
engine run time, whichever comes first. The 350 hours of
engine run or idle time is generally only a concern for fleet
customers.
Severe Duty:
Change Engine Oil at 4,000 miles (6,500 km) if the vehicle
is operated in a dusty and off road environment or is
operated predominately at idle or very low engine RPM’s.
This type of vehicle use is considered Severe Duty
Once A Month Or Before A Long Trip:
•
Check engine oil level
• Check windshield washer fluid level
• Check the tire inflation pressures and look for unusual
wear or damage
• Check the fluid levels of the coolant reservoir, brake
master cylinder, power steering and automatic transmis-
sion and fill as needed.
• Check function of all interior and exterior lights
504 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES

Aging (Life Of Tires)..................... .383
Air Pressure ........................ .371, 376
Chains ............................... .385
Compact Spare ......................... .381
Dual .......................... .387, 427, 434
General Information ...................376, 380
High Speed ............................ .378
Inflation Pressures ....................... .377
Life Of Tires ........................... .383
Load Capacity ...................... .371, 373
Pressure Monitor System (TPMS) .............389
Pressure Warning Light ....................212
Quality Grading ........................ .388
Radial ............................... .378
Replacement ........................... .384
Rotation .............................. .386
Safety ............................ .365, 376
Sizes ................................ .367
Snow Tires ............................ .379
Spare Tire ...................... .380, 381, 382
Spinning .............................. .382
Tread Wear Indicators .....................383
Wheel Nut Torque ....................... .433
Tire Safety Information ...................... .365
Tongue Weight/Trailer Weight .................408Torque Converter Clutch
.....................335
Tow Hooks, Emergency ..................... .440
Towing ............................. .403, 442
Disabled Vehicle ........................ .442
Guide ................................ .407
Recreational ........................... .418
Weight ............................... .407
Towing Vehicle Behind A Motorhome ............418
Traction ................................ .347
T

raction Control .......................... .357
Trailer Sway Control (TSC) ....................362
Trailer Towing ............................ .403
Cooling System Tips ..................... .415
Hitches ............................... .407
Minimum Requirements ....................408
Mirrors ................................113
Trailer And Tongue Weight ..................408
Wiring ............................... .414
Trailer Towing Guide ....................... .407
Trailer Weight ............................ .407
Transfer Case ............................ .478
Electronically Shifted ..................... .342
Fluid ................................ .502
Transmission ............................. .478
Automatic ......................... .327, 478
528 INDEX