inflation pressure Ram 5500 Chassis Cab 2011 User Guide

When adjusting inflation pressure to a tire and wheel
assembly mounted on a vehicle, use a Remote Mount
Automatic Inflation Kit or see your authorized dealer.
NOTE:Never attempt to re-inflate a tire and wheel
assembly which has been run flat or is extremely under-
inflated without first removing the tire from the wheel
assembly for inspection.
Personnel trained, supervised, and equipped according
to Federal Occupational Safety and Health Administra-
tion (OSHA) should perform this work.
Inflation Pressure Adjustment When Not Mounted to
Vehicle
When adjusting inflation pressure to a tire and wheel
assembly not mounted on a vehicle, use a Remote Mount
Automatic Inflation Kit and a Tire Inflation Cage or see
your authorized dealer.Tire Pressures for High Speed Operation
The manufacturer advocates driving at safe speeds
within posted speed limits. Where speed limits or condi-
tions are such that the vehicle can be driven at high
speeds, maintaining correct tire inflation pressure is very
important. Increased tire pressure and reduced vehicle
loading may be required for high-speed vehicle opera-
tion. Refer to original equipment or an authorized tire
dealer for recommended safe operating speeds, loading
and cold tire inflation pressures.
WARNING!
High speed driving with your vehicle under maxi-
mum load is dangerous. The added strain on your
tires could cause them to fail. You could have a
serious accident resulting in serious injury or death.
Don’t drive a vehicle loaded to the maximum capac-
ity at continuous speeds above 75 mph (120 km/h).
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WARNING!
Tires and spare tire should be replaced after six years,
regardless of the remaining tread. Failure to follow
this warning can result in sudden tire failure. You
could lose control and have an accident resulting in
serious injury or death.
Keep dismounted tires in a cool, dry place with as little
exposure to light as possible. Protect tires from contact
with oil, grease, and gasoline.
Replacement Tires
The tires on your new vehicle provide a balance of many
characteristics. They should be inspected regularly for wear and correct cold tire inflation pressure. The manu-
facturer strongly recommends that you use tires equiva-
lent to the originals in size, quality and performance
when replacement is needed (refer to the paragraph on
“Tread Wear Indicators”). Refer to the Tire and Loading
Information placard for the size designation of your tire.
The service description and load identification will be
found on the original equipment tire. Failure to use
equivalent replacement tires may adversely affect the
safety, handling, and ride of your vehicle. We recommend
that you contact your original equipment or an autho-
rized tire dealer with any questions you may have on tire
specifications or capability.
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SUPPLEMENTAL TIRE PRESSURE INFORMATION
— IF EQUIPPED
A light load vehicle condition is defined as two passen-
gers [150 lbs (68 kg) each] plus 200 lbs (91 kg) of cargo.
Cold tire inflation pressures for a lightly loaded vehicle
will be found on the face of the driver’s door.
TIRE CHAINS
Use “Class U” chains or other traction aids that meet SAE
Type “U” specifications.
NOTE:Chains must be the proper size for the vehicle,
as recommended by the chain manufacturer.
CAUTION!
To avoid damage to your vehicle, tires or chains,
observe the following precautions:
(Continued)
CAUTION! (Continued)
•Because of limited chain clearance between tires
and other suspension components, it is important
that only chains in good condition are used. Bro-
ken chains can cause serious vehicle damage. Stop
the vehicle immediately if noise occurs that could
suggest chain breakage. Remove the damaged
parts of the chain before further use.
•Install chains as tightly as possible and then
retighten after driving about 1/2 mi (0.8 km).
•Do not exceed 45 mph (72 km/h).
•Drive cautiously and avoid severe turns and large
bumps, especially with a loaded vehicle.
•Do not install tire chains on front wheels of 4x2
vehicles.
•Do not drive for a prolonged period on dry pave-
ment.(Continued)
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SNOW TIRES
Snow tires should be of the same size and type construc-
tion as the front tires. Consult the manufacturer of the
snow tire to determine any maximum vehicle speed
requirement associated with the tire. These tires should
always be operated at the vehicle maximum capacity
inflation pressures under any load condition.
While studded tires improve performance on ice, skid
and traction capability on wet or dry surfaces may be
poorer than that of non-studded tires. Some states pro-
hibit studded tires; therefore, local laws should be
checked before using these tire types.
TIRE ROTATION RECOMMENDATIONS
Tires on the front and rear axles of vehicles operate at
different loads and perform different steering, driving,
and braking functions. For these reasons, they wear at
unequal rates, and develop irregular wear patterns.
These effects can be reduced by timely rotation of tires.
The benefits of rotation are especially worthwhile with
aggressive tread designs such as those on On/Off Road
type tires. Rotation will increase tread life, help to main-
tain mud, snow, and wet traction levels, and contribute to
a smooth, quiet ride.
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Tire Size
The tire size on the Label represents the actual tire size on
your vehicle. Replacement tires must be equal to the load
capacity of this tire size.
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 commer-
cial 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 front and rear axle. Weighing
the vehicle 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.
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WARNING! (Continued)
4. Trailer tongue weight rating for the trailer hitch
utilized (This requirement may limit the ability to
always achieve the 10% to 15% range of tongue
weight as a percentage of total trailer weight).
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 pres-
sures before trailer usage.
•Check for signs of tire wear or visible tire damage
before towing a trailer. Refer to “Tires–General Infor-
mation” 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
replacement procedures. Replacing tires with a higher
load carrying capacity will not increase the vehicle’s
GVWR and GAWR limits.
Towing Requirements – Trailer Brakes
•
Donot 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
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Headlights............................ 420
Automatic ........................... 139
Cleaning ............................ 412
High Beam .......................... 145
High Beam/Low Beam Select Switch ........ 145
Lights On Reminder .................... 143
Passing ............................. 144
Switch .............................. 139
Heated Mirrors ....................... 85,170
Heated Seats ........................... 129
Heater ............................... 249
Heater, Engine Block ..................... 267
High Beam/Low Beam Select (Dimmer) Switch . . 145
Hitches Trailer Towing ........................ 333
Hoisting .............................. 370
Hood Release .......................... 136
Hub Caps ............................. 365 Ignition
............................... 14
Key ............................... 12,14
Ignition Key Removal ..................... 14
Illuminated Entry ........................ 19
Immobilizer (Sentry Key) ................... 15
Infant Restraint ........................ 61,62
Inflation Pressure Tires .................... 317
Information Center, Vehicle ................. 194
Inside Rearview Mirror .................... 81
Instrument Cluster .................... 178,180
Instrument Panel and Controls .............. 177
Instrument Panel Lens Cleaning ............. 413
Integrated Power Module (Fuses) ............ 414
Integrated Trailer Brake Controls ............. 338
Interior Appearance Care .................. 412
Interior Lights .......................... 141
Intermittent Wipers (Delay Wipers) ........... 146
Introduction ............................. 4
Inverter Outlet (115V) ..................... 160
464 INDEX

High Speed.......................... 312
Inflation Pressures ..................... 308
Life of Tires .......................... 314
Load Capacity ..................... 303,304
Quality Grading ....................... 454
Radial .............................. 313
Replacement ......................... 315
Rotation ............................ 319
Safety ........................... 297,307
Sizes ............................... 299
Snow Tires ........................... 319
Spinning ............................ 313
Steel Carcass Ply ...................... 310
Tread Wear Indicators ................... 314
Wheel Nut Torque ..................... 364
Tongue Weight/Trailer Weight .............. 334
Torque Converter Clutch .................. 276
Tow Hooks, Emergency ................... 375
Towing ............................... 330 24-Hour Towing Assistance
............... 102
Disabled Vehicle ....................... 376
Guide .............................. 334
Recreational .......................... 347
Weight .............................. 334
Towing Assistance ....................... 102
Traction .............................. 288
Trailer Towing .......................... 330
Cooling System Tips .................... 344
Hitches ............................. 333
Minimum Requirements ................. 335
Mirrors .............................. 86
Trailer and Tongue Weight ............... 334
Wiring .............................. 342
Trailer Towing Guide ..................... 334
Trailer Weight .......................... 334
Transfer Case ........................... 405
Electronically Shifted ................... 280
Fluid ............................... 428
472 INDEX