tire type Ram 4500 Chassis Cab 2020 Owner's Manual

6
REFUELING THE VEHICLE —
DIESEL ENGINE ................................................. 269 Fuel Filler Cap ............................................269
Avoid Using Contaminated Fuel ................269Bulk Fuel Storage — Diesel Fuel ...............269
Diesel Exhaust Fluid ..................................270Diesel Exhaust Fluid Storage ....................270
Adding Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) ........... 271
VEHICLE LOADING .......................................... 273
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) ......273Payload .......................................................273Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) ............273
Tire Size ......................................................273
Rim Size......................................................273
Inflation Pressure ......................................273
Curb Weight................................................273
Loading .......................................................273
TRAILER TOWING ............................................ 274
Common Towing Definitions .....................274Trailer Hitch Type and Maximum
Trailer Weight .............................................278 Trailer Towing Weights (Maximum Trailer
Weight Ratings) .......................................279 Trailer And Tongue Weight .......................279
Towing Requirements ...............................279
Towing Tips ................................................284 SNOWPLOW ....................................................... 286
Before Plowing ........................................... 286
Snowplow Prep Package Model
Availability .................................................. 286 Over The Road Operation With Snowplow
Attached ..................................................... 287 Operating Tips ............................................ 287General Maintenance................................ 287
RECREATIONAL TOWING (BEHIND
MOTORHOME, ETC.) .......................................... 288
Towing This Vehicle Behind Another
Vehicle ........................................................ 288 Recreational Towing — Two-Wheel Drive
Models ........................................................ 289 Recreational Towing — Four-Wheel Drive
Models ........................................................ 289
DRIVING TIPS ...................................................... 292
Driving On Slippery Surfaces ................... 292
Driving Through Water .............................. 292
IN CASE OF EMERGENCY
HAZARD WARNING FLASHERS .................... 294
ASSIST AND SOS SYSTEM — IF EQUIPPED..... 294General Information .................................. 299
BULB REPLACEMENT ......................................300
Replacement Bulbs .............................. 300
Replacing Exterior Bulbs ........................... 301
FUSES ..................................................................305
Power Distribution Center ......................... 306 JACKING AND TIRE CHANGING ...................... 314
4500/5500 Models .................................. 315
Preparations For Jacking .......................... 315
Jacking Instructions 4500 And
5500 Series ............................................... 315 To Stow The Flat Or Spare —
If Equipped ................................................ 318 Hub Caps/Wheel Covers —
If Equipped ............................................... 318
JUMP STARTING ............................................... 319
Preparations For Jump Start ..................... 320
Jump Starting Procedure .......................... 320
IF YOUR ENGINE OVERHEATS ......................... 321
GEAR SELECTOR OVERRIDE — 6–SPEED
TRANSMISSION ................................................ 322
MANUAL PARK RELEASE — 8 – SPEED
TRANSMISSION ................................................ 323
FREEING A STUCK VEHICLE ............................ 324
TOWING A DISABLED VEHICLE ...................... 326
Two-Wheel Drive Models ........................... 327
Four-Wheel Drive Models .......................... 327
Emergency Tow Hooks — If Equipped ...... 328
ENHANCED ACCIDENT RESPONSE SYSTEM
(EARS) ................................................................ 328
EVENT DATA RECORDER (EDR) ....................... 328

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7
SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
SCHEDULED SERVICING — GAS ENGINE ....... 329Maintenance Plan......................................330
Heavy Duty Use Of The Vehicle ................. 333
SCHEDULED SERVICING — DIESEL ENGINE .. 334
Oil Change Indicator System —
Cummins Diesel .........................................335 Perform Service Indicator —
Cummins Diesel ........................................335 Maintenance Plan — Cummins
Diesel Engine ............................................336
ENGINE COMPARTMENT ................................ 343
6.4L Engine ...............................................3436.7L Engine ................................................344
Checking Oil Level — Gas Engine .............345
Checking Oil Level — Diesel Engine ..........345
Adding Washer Fluid ................................345Maintenance-Free Battery .......................346
Pressure Washing ......................................346
DEALER SERVICE .............................................. 347
Engine Oil .................................................. 347Engine Oil Filter ........................................349
Engine Air Cleaner Filter .........................349
Air Conditioner Maintenance ................. 351
Accessory Drive Belt Inspection................354Draining Fuel/Water Separator Filter .....354
Engine Mounted Fuel Filter
Replacement ..............................................356 Underbody Mounted Fuel Filter
Replacement ..............................................357 Priming If The Engine Has Run
Out Of Fuel ................................................ 358 Intervention Regeneration Strategy —
Message Process Flow ............................. 359 Diesel Exhaust Fluid .................................. 359Body Lubrication ...................................... 360
Windshield Wiper Blades ........................ 360
Exhaust System ........................................ 362
Cooling System ......................................... 363
Charge Air Cooler — Inter-Cooler .............. 366
Brake System ............................................ 367Automatic Transmission............................ 368
Rear Axle And 4x4 Front Driving Axle Fluid
Level ....................................................... 370 Transfer Case ............................................ 371Noise Control System Required
Maintenance & Warranty ......................... 371
HOISTING ............................................................374
TIRES....................................................................374
Tire Safety Information ........................... 374
Tires — General Information .................... 382
Tire Types ................................................... 386
Spare Tires — If Equipped ....................... 387
Wheel And Wheel Trim Care .................. 389Tire Chains and Traction Devices ............ 390
Tire Rotation Recommendations .............. 391 DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION UNIFORM
TIRE QUALITY GRADES .................................... 392
Treadwear .................................................. 392
Traction Grades ......................................... 392Temperature Grades ................................. 393
STORING THE VEHICLE .................................. 393
BODYWORK ........................................................ 393 Protection From Atmospheric Agents ..... 393
Body And Underbody Maintenance .......... 394Preserving The Bodywork.......................... 394
INTERIORS ......................................................... 395
Seats And Fabric Parts .............................. 395
Plastic And Coated Parts........................... 396
Leather Parts ............................................. 396
Glass Surfaces .......................................... 396
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
IDENTIFICATION DATA ...................................... 397Vehicle Identification Number ................. 397
BRAKE SYSTEM ................................................ 397
Hydraulic Brake Assist — If Equipped....... 397
WHEEL AND TIRE TORQUE
SPECIFICATIONS .............................................. 397
Torque Specifications .............................. 398

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GETTING TO KNOW YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL95
Adaptive Cruise Control Ready
When ACC is activated but the vehicle speed
setting has not been selected, the display will
read “Adaptive Cruise Control Ready.”
Push the SET + or the SET- button (located on
the steering wheel) and the following will display
in the instrument cluster display:
ACC SET
When ACC is set, the set speed will display in
the instrument cluster.
The ACC screen may display once again if any
ACC activity occurs, which may include any of
the following:
Distance Setting Change
System Cancel
Driver Override
System Off
ACC Proximity Warning
ACC Unavailable Warning
For further information, refer to “Adaptive
Cruise Control (ACC) — If Equipped” in “Starting
And Operating.”
Fuel Economy
Push and release the up or down arrow button
until the Fuel Economy menu item is highlighted
in the instrument cluster display. Push and Hold
the right arrow button to reset Average Fuel
Economy.
Current Fuel Economy Gauge
Average Fuel Economy Value
Range To Empty
Fuel Tank Levels — If Equipped
Trip A/Trip B
Push and release the up or down arrow button
until the Trip menu item is highlighted in the
instrument cluster display. Push and release
the right arrow button to enter the submenus of
Trip A and Trip B. The Trip A or Trip B information
will display the following:
Distance
Average Fuel Economy
Elapsed Time
Push and hold right arrow button to reset all
information.
Trailer Tow
Push and release the up or down arrow button
until the Trailer Tow menu item is highlighted in
the instrument cluster display. Push and
release the right arrow button and the next
screen will display the following trailer trip infor -
mation:
Trip Distance (trailer specific): Push and hold
the right arrow button to reset the distance.
Trailer Brake
Output
Type
Gain
Trailer Tire Pressure — If Equipped
Audio
Push and release the up or down arrow button
until the Audio Menu icon/title is highlighted in
the instrument cluster display. This menu will
display the audio source information, including
the Song name, Artist name, and audio source
with an accompanying graphic.
3

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114GETTING TO KNOW YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL
Your vehicle has also been equipped with a
TPMS malfunction indicator to indicate when
the system is not operating properly. The TPMS
malfunction indicator is combined with the low
tire pressure telltale. When the system detects
a malfunction, the telltale will flash for approxi-
mately one minute and then remain continu -
ously illuminated. This sequence will continue
upon subsequent vehicle start-ups as long as
the malfunction exists. When the malfunction
indicator is illuminated, the system may not be
able to detect or signal low tire pressure as
intended. TPMS malfunctions may occur for a
variety of reasons, including the installation of
replacement or alternate tires or wheels on the
vehicle that prevent the TPMS from functioning
properly. Always check the TPMS malfunction
telltale after replacing one or more tires or
wheels on your vehicle to ensure that the
replacement or alternate tires and wheels allow
the TPMS to continue to function properly.
Anti-Lock Brake (ABS) Warning Light
This warning light monitors the
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS). The
light will turn on when the ignition is
placed in the ON/RUN or ACC/ON/
RUN position and may stay on for as long as four
seconds.
If the ABS light remains on or turns on while
driving, then the Anti-Lock portion of the brake
system is not functioning and service is
required as soon as possible. However, the conventional brake system will continue to
operate normally, assuming the Brake Warning
Light is not also on.
If the ABS light does not turn on when the igni
-
tion is placed in the ON/RUN or ACC/ON/RUN
position, have the brake system inspected by an
authorized dealer.
Service Forward Collision Warning (FCW)
Light — If Equipped
This warning light will illuminate to
indicate a fault in the Forward Colli -
sion Warning System. Contact an
authorized dealer for service.
Refer to "Forward Collision Warning (FCW)" in
"Safety" for further information.
Service 4WD Warning Light — If Equipped
This warning light will illuminate to
signal a fault with the 4WD system. If
the light stays on or comes on during
driving, it means that the 4WD system
is not functioning properly and that service is
required. We recommend you drive to the
nearest service center and have the vehicle
serviced immediately.
CAUTION!
The TPMS has been optimized for the original
equipment tires and wheels. TPMS pressures
and warning have been established for the
tire size equipped on your vehicle.
Undesirable system operation or sensor
damage may result when using replacement
equipment that is not of the same size, type,
and/or style. Aftermarket wheels can cause
sensor damage. Using aftermarket tire
sealants may cause the Tire Pressure
Monitoring System (TPMS) sensor to become
inoperable. After using an aftermarket tire
sealant it is recommended that you take your
vehicle to an authorized dealer to have your
sensor function checked.

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SAFETY125
ESC Operating Modes
NOTE:
Depending upon model and mode of operation,
the ESC system may have multiple operating
modes.
ESC On
This is the normal operating mode for the ESC.
Whenever the vehicle is started, the ESC system
will be in this mode. This mode should be used
for most driving conditions. Alternate ESC
modes should only be used for specific reasons
as noted in the following paragraphs.
Partial Off
The “Partial Off” mode is intended for times
when a more spirited driving experience is
desired. This mode may modify TCS and ESC
thresholds for activation, which allows for more
wheel spin than normally allowed. This mode
may be useful if the vehicle becomes stuck.
To enter the “Partial Off” mode, momentarily
push the “ESC OFF” switch and the “ESC OFF
Indicator Light” will illuminate. To turn the ESC
on again, momentarily push the “ESC OFF”
switch and the “ESC OFF Indicator Light” will
turn off. NOTE:
For vehicles with multiple partial ESC modes a
momentary button push will toggle the ESC
mode. Multiple momentary button pushes may
be required to return to ESC On.Vehicle modifications, or failure to properly
maintain your vehicle, may change the
handling characteristics of your vehicle,
and may negatively affect the performance
of the ESC system. Changes to the steering
system, suspension, braking system, tire
type and size or wheel size may adversely
affect ESC performance. Improperly
inflated and unevenly worn tires may also
degrade ESC performance. Any vehicle
modification or poor vehicle maintenance
that reduces the effectiveness of the ESC
system can increase the risk of loss of
vehicle control, vehicle rollover, personal
injury and death.
WARNING!
(Continued)
WARNING!
When in “Partial Off” mode, the TCS func -
tionality of ESC, (except for the limited slip
feature described in the TCS section), has
been disabled and the “ESC Off Indicator
Light” will be illuminated. When in “Partial
Off” mode, the engine power reduction
feature of TCS is disabled, and the
enhanced vehicle stability offered by the
ESC system is reduced.
Trailer Sway control (TSC) is disabled when
the ESC system is in the “Partial Off” mode.
4

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SAFETY133
cold tire inflation pressure must not exceed the
maximum inflation pressure molded into the
tire sidewall. Refer to “Tires” in “Servicing And
Maintenance” for information on how to prop -
erly inflate the vehicle’s tires. The tire pressure
will also increase as the vehicle is driven - this is
normal and there should be no adjustment for
this increased pressure.
The TPMS will warn the driver of a low tire pres -
sure if the tire pressure falls below the low-pres -
sure warning limit for any reason, including low
temperature effects and natural pressure loss
through the tire.
The TPMS will continue to warn the driver of low
tire pressure as long as the condition exists,
and will not turn off until the tire pressure is at
or above the recommended cold placard pres -
sure. Once the low TPMS Warning Light illumi -
nates, you must increase the tire pressure to
the recommended cold placard pressure in
order for the TPMS Warning Light to turn off. The
system will automatically update and the TPMS
Warning Light will turn off once the system
receives the updated tire pressures. The vehicle
may need to be driven for up to 20 minutes
above 15 mph (24 km/h) in order for the TPMS to receive this information. NOTE:
When filling warm tires, the tire pressure may
need to be increased up to an additional 4 psi
(28 kPa) above the recommended cold placard
pressure in order to turn the TPMS Warning
Light off.
For example, your vehicle may have a recom
-
mended cold (parked for more than three
hours) placard pressure of 30 psi (207 kPa). If
the ambient temperature is 68°F (20°C) and
the measured tire pressure is 27 psi (186 kPa),
a temperature drop to 20°F (-7°C) will
decrease the tire pressure to approximately
23 psi (158 kPa). This tire pressure is suffi -
ciently low enough to turn on the TPMS Warning
Light. Driving the vehicle may cause the tire
pressure to rise to approximately 27 psi
(186 kPa), but the TPMS Warning Light will still
be on. In this situation, the TPMS Warning Light
will turn off only after the tires are inflated to the
vehicle’s recommended cold placard pressure
value.CAUTION!
The TPMS has been optimized for the orig -
inal equipment tires and wheels. TPMS
pressures and warning have been estab -
lished for the tire size equipped on your
vehicle. Undesirable system operation or
sensor damage may result when using
replacement equipment that is not of the
same size, type, and/or style. Aftermarket
wheels can cause sensor damage.
Using aftermarket tire sealants may cause
the Tire Pressure Monitoring System
(TPMS) sensor to become inoperable. After
using an aftermarket tire sealant it is
recommended that you take your vehicle to
an authorized dealership to have your
sensor function checked.
After inspecting or adjusting the tire pres -
sure always reinstall the valve stem cap.
This will prevent moisture and dirt from
entering the valve stem, which could
damage the TPMS sensor.
4

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STARTING AND OPERATING221
NOTE:
Do not attempt to make a shift while only the
front or rear wheels are spinning. This could
cause damage to driveline components.
When operating your vehicle in 4WD LOW, the
engine speed is approximately three times that
of the 2WD or 4WD HIGH positions at a given
road speed. Take care not to overspeed the
engine and do not exceed 25 mph (40 km/h).
Proper operation of four-wheel drive vehicles
depends on tires of equal size, type and circum -
ference on each wheel. Any difference in tire
size can cause damage to the drivetrain.
Because four-wheel drive provides improved
traction, there is a tendency to exceed safe
turning and stopping speeds. Do not go faster
than road conditions permit.
Shifting Procedure
NOTE:
If any of the requirements to select a new
transfer case position have not been met, the
transfer case will not shift. The position indi -
cator light for the previous position will
remain on and the newly selected position
indicator light will continue to flash until all
the requirements for the selected position
have been met.
If all the requirements to select a new
transfer case position have been met, the
current position indicator light will turn off,
the selected position indicator light will flash
until the transfer case completes the shift.
When the shift is complete, the position indi -
cator light for the selected position will stop
flashing and remain on. 2WD To 4WD HIGH
Push the desired position on the 4WD control
switch to shift the transfercase. Shifts between
2WD and 4WD HIGH can be done with the
vehicle stopped or in motion. With the vehicle in
motion, the transfer case will engage/disen
-
gage faster if you momentarily release the
accelerator pedal after turning the control
switch. If the vehicle is stopped, the ignition
switch must be in the ON position with the
engine either running or off. This shift cannot be
completed if the ignition switch is in the ACC
position.
NOTE:
The four-wheel drive system will not allow shifts
between 2WD/4WD HIGH if the front and/or
rear wheels are spinning (no traction). In this
situation, the selected position indicator light
will flash and the original position indicator light
will remain on. At this time, reduce speed and
stop spinning the wheels to complete the shift.
WARNING!
Always engage the parking brake when
powering down the vehicle if the “SVC 4WD
Warning Light” is illuminated. Not engaging
the parking brake may allow the vehicle to roll
which may cause personal injury or death.
5

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224STARTING AND OPERATING
If All Of The Following Shift Conditions Are Met:

1. The current position indicator light will turn off.

2. The selected position indicator light will flash until the transfer case completes the
shift.
3. When the shift is complete, the indicator light for the selected position will stop
flashing and remain on.
If One Or More Of The Following Shift Conditions
Are Not Met:

1. The indicator light for the current position will remain on.

2. The newly selected position indicator light will continue to flash.
3. The transfer case will not shift.
NOTE:
Before retrying a selection, make certain that all
the necessary requirements for selecting a new
transfer case position have been met. To retry
the selection, turn the control switch back to the
current position, wait five seconds, and retry selection. To find the shift requirements, refer
to the "Shifting Procedure" for your transfer
case, located in this section.
The “SVC 4WD Warning Light” monitors the
electronic shift four-wheel drive system. If this
light remains on after engine start up or illumi
-
nates during driving, it means that the
four-wheel drive system is not functioning prop -
erly and that service is required.
NOTE:
Do not attempt to make a shift while only the
front or rear wheels are spinning, as this can
cause damage to driveline components.
When operating your vehicle in 4WD LOW, the
engine speed is approximately three times that
of the 2WD or 4WD HIGH positions at a given
road speed. Take care not to overspeed the
engine and do not exceed 25 mph (40 km/h). Proper operation of four-wheel drive vehicles
depends on tires of equal size, type and circum
-
ference on each wheel. Any difference in tire
size can cause damage to the drivetrain.
Because four-wheel drive provides improved
traction, there is a tendency to exceed safe
turning and stopping speeds. Do not go faster
than road conditions permit.
Shifting Procedure
NOTE:
If any of the requirements to select a new
transfer case position have not been met, the
transfer case will not shift. The position indi -
cator light for the previous position will
remain ON and the newly selected position
indicator light will continue to flash until all
the requirements for the selected position
have been met. To retry a shift: return the
control switch back to the original position,
make certain all shift requirements have
been met, wait five seconds and try the shift
again.
WARNING!
Always engage the parking brake when
powering down the vehicle if the “SVC 4WD
Warning Light” is illuminated. Not engaging
the parking brake may allow the vehicle to
roll, which may cause personal injury.

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226STARTING AND OPERATING
Manually Shifted Transfer Case — If
Equipped
The transfer case provides four mode positions:
Two-Wheel Drive High Range (2H)
Four-Wheel Drive Lock High Range (4H)
N (Neutral)
Four-Wheel Drive Low Range (4L)
For additional information on the appropriate
use of each transfer case mode position, see
the information below:
2H
Two-Wheel Drive High Range — This range is for
normal street and highway driving on dry, hard
surfaced roads.
4H
Four-Wheel Drive Lock High Range — This range
locks the front and rear driveshafts together
forcing the front and rear wheels to rotate at the
same speed. Additional traction for loose, slip -
pery road surfaces only. N (Neutral)
N (Neutral) — This range disengages both the
front and rear driveshafts from the powertrain.
To be used for flat towing behind another
vehicle. Refer to “Recreational Towing” in
“Starting And Operating” for further informa
-
tion.
4L
Four-Wheel Drive Low Range — This range locks
the front and rear driveshafts together forcing
the front and rear wheels to rotate at the same
speed. Additional traction and maximum pulling
power for loose, slippery road surfaces only. Do
not exceed 25 mph (40 km/h).
This transfer case is intended to be driven in the
2H position for normal street and highway
conditions such as dry, hard surfaced roads.
When additional traction is required, the 4H and
4L positions can be used to lock the front and
rear driveshafts together and force the front
and rear wheels to rotate at the same speed.
This is accomplished by simply moving the gear
selector to the desired positions once the
appropriate speed and gear requirements are
met, refer to “Shifting Procedure – Manually
Shifted Transfer Case” in this section for further
information. The 4H and 4L positions are intended for loose,
slippery road surfaces only. Driving in the 4H
and 4L positions on dry, hard surfaced roads
may cause increased tire wear and damage to
the driveline components.
The “Transfer Case Position Indicator Light” in
the instrument cluster will alert the driver that
the vehicle is in four-wheel drive and that the
front and rear driveshafts are locked together.
This light will illuminate when the transfer case
is shifted into either the 4H or 4L position. There
is no light for the 2H or Neutral positions on
some models.
When operating your vehicle in 4L, the engine
speed is approximately three times that of the
2H or 4H positions at a given road speed. Take
care not to overspeed the engine and do not
exceed 25 mph (40 km/h).
Proper operation of four-wheel drive vehicles
depends on tires of equal size, type and circum
-
ference on each wheel. Any difference will
adversely affect shifting and can cause damage
to the drivetrain.
NOTE:
Do not attempt to make a shift while only the
front or rear wheels are spinning, as this can
cause damage to driveline components.

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274STARTING AND OPERATING
TRAILER TOWING
In this section you will find safety tips and infor -
mation 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 recom -
mendations 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
information.
Gross Trailer Weight (GTW)
The GTW is the weight of the trailer plus the
weight of all cargo, consumables and equip -
ment (permanent or temporary) loaded in or on
the trailer in its "loaded 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.
Gross Combination Weight Rating (GCWR)
The GCWR is the total allowable weight of your
vehicle and trailer when weighed in combina -
tion.
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 Certification Label” in
“Starting And Operating” for further informa -
tion.
Tongue Weight (TW)
The tongue weight is the downward force
exerted on the hitch ball by the trailer. You must
consider this as part of the load on your vehicle.
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.
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.
WARNING!
It is important that you do not exceed the
maximum front or rear GAWR. A dangerous
driving condition can result if either rating is
exceeded. You could lose control of the
vehicle and have a collision.

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