weight Ram 5500 Chassis Cab 2012 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 warranty coverage, follow the requirements
and recommendations in this manual concerning ve-
hicles 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 notexceed 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 equipment (permanent or tem-
porary) loaded in or on the trailer in itsloaded and
ready for operationcondition.
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 permissible weight of your vehicle
and trailer when weighed in combination.
NOTE:The GCWR rating includes a 150 lbs (68 kg)
allowance for the presence of a driver.
350 STARTING AND OPERATING

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 Certifica-
tion Label” in “Starting and Operating” for further
information.
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.
Tongue Weight (TW)
The tongue weight is the downward force exerted on the
hitch ball by the trailer. In most cases it should not be less
than 10% or more than 15% of the trailer load. You must
consider this as part of the load on your vehicle.
Frontal Area
The frontal area is the maximum height multiplied by the
maximum width of the front of a trailer.
Trailer Sway Control
The trailer sway control can be a mechanical telescoping
link that can be installed between the hitch receiver and
the trailer tongue that typically provides adjustable fric-
tion associated with the telescoping motion to dampen
any unwanted trailer swaying motions while traveling.
Weight-Carrying Hitch
A weight-carrying hitch supports the trailer tongue
weight, just as if it were luggage located at a hitch ball or
some other connecting point of the truck. These kind of
hitches are the most popular on the market today and
they are commonly used to tow small- and medium-
sized trailers.
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STARTING AND OPERATING 351

Weight-Distributing Hitch
A weight-distributing system works by applying lever-
age through spring (load) bars. They are typically used
for heavier loads to distribute trailer tongue weight to the
tow vehicle’s front axle and the trailer axle(s). When used
in accordance with the manufacturer’s directions, it pro-
vides for a more level ride, offering more consistent
steering and brake control, thereby enhancing towing
safety. The addition of a friction/hydraulic sway control
also dampens sway caused by traffic and crosswinds and
contributes positively to tow vehicle and trailer stability.
Trailer sway control and a weight distributing (load
equalizing) hitch are recommended for heavier Tongue
Weights (TW) and may be required depending on vehicle
and trailer configuration/loading to comply with GAWR
requirements.WARNING!
•An improperly adjusted weight distributing hitch
system may reduce handling, stability and braking
performance and could result in a collision.
•Weight distributing systems may not be compat-
ible with surge brake couplers. Consult with your
hitch and trailer manufacturer or a reputable Rec-
reational Vehicle dealer for additional
information.
Fifth-Wheel Hitch
The fifth-wheel hitch is a special high platform with a
coupling that mounts over the rear axle of the tow vehicle
in the truck bed. It connects a vehicle and fifth-wheel
trailer with a coupling king pin.
352 STARTING AND OPERATING

Gooseneck Hitch
The gooseneck hitch employs a pivoted coupling arm
which attaches to a ball mounted in the bed of a pickup
truck. The coupling arm connects to the hitch mounted
over the rear axle in the truck bed.
Trailer Hitch Classification
The following chart provides the industry standard for
the maximum trailer weight a given trailer hitch class can
tow and should be used to assist you in selecting the
correct trailer hitch for your intended towing condition.
Trailer Hitch Classification Definitions
Class Max. Trailer Hitch Industry
Standards
ClassI-LightDuty 2,000lbs(907 kg)
Class II - Medium
Duty3,500 lbs (1587 kg)
Class III - Heavy Duty 5,000 lbs (2268 kg)
Class IV - Extra
Heavy Duty10,000 lbs (4540 kg)
Fifth Wheel/
GooseneckGreater than 10,000 lbs
(4540 kg)
Refer to the “Trailer Towing Weights (Maximum
Trailer Weight Ratings)” for the Maximum Gross
Trailer Weight (GTW) towable for your given drive-
train.
All trailer hitches should be professionally installed on
your vehicle.
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STARTING AND OPERATING 353

Trailer Towing Weights
(Maximum Trailer Weight Ratings)
Refer to the following website address for your specific
vehicle’s “BASE WEIGHTS/GCW/PAYLOAD/TRAILER
TOW” information and restrictions based on the type of
trailer hitch:
•http://www.dodge.com/bodybuilder
Trailer And Tongue Weight
Always load a trailer with 60% to 65% of the weight in
the front of the trailer. This places 10% to 15% of the GTW
on the tow hitch of your vehicle. Loads balanced over the
wheels or heavier in the rear can cause the trailer to sway
severelyside to side which will cause loss of control of
the vehicle and trailer. Failure to load trailers heavier in
front is the cause of many trailer collisions.
Never exceed the maximum tongue weight stamped on
your trailer hitch.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.
354 STARTING AND OPERATING

WARNING! (Continued)
•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 dam-
age to brakes, axle, engine, transmission, steering,
suspension, 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.
(Continued)
WARNING! (Continued)
•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 orchockthe 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. 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).
356 STARTING AND OPERATING

Before Plowing
•
Check the hydraulic system for leaks and proper fluid
level.
•Check the mounting bolts and nuts for proper tight-
ness.
•Check the runners and cutting edge for excessive wear.
The cutting edge should be 1/4 to 1/2 in (6 cm to
1.2 cm) above ground in snow plowing position.
•Check that snowplow lighting is connected and func-
tioning properly.
Snowplow Prep Package Model Availability
For Information about snowplow applications visit
www.dodge.com or refer to the current Dodge Body
Builders Guide.
1. The maximum number of occupants in the truck
should not 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
system, all aftermarket accessories, driver, passengers,
options, and cargo, must not exceed either the Gross
Vehicle Weight (GVWR) or Gross Axle Weight (GAWR)
ratings. These weights are specified on the Safety Com-
pliance Certification Label on the driver’s side door
opening.
NOTE:Detach the snowplow when transporting pas-
sengers.
Vehicle front end wheel alignment was set to specifica-
tions at the factory without consideration for the weight
of the plow. Front end toe-in should be checked and reset
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Grocery Bag Retainer..................... 180
Gross Axle Weight Rating.................. 351
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating................ 350
Guide, Body Builders...................... 6
GVWR ............................... 348
Hands-Free Phone (Uconnect™).............. 93
Hazard
Driving Through Flowing, Rising, or Shallow
Standing Water...................... 306
Hazard Warning Flasher................... 380
Head Restraints......................... 139
Headlights............................ 447
Automatic......................... 148
Cleaning........................... 439
High Beam......................... 154
High Beam/Low Beam Select Switch...... 154
Lights On Reminder.................. 152
Passing............................ 154Switch ............................ 148
Heated Mirrors....................... 91,180
Heated Seats........................... 133
Heater............................... 263
Heater, Engine Block..................... 281
High Beam/Low Beam Select (Dimmer) Switch . . 154
Hitches
TrailerTowing ....................... 353
Hoisting .............................. 392
Hood Release.......................... 145
Hub Caps............................. 387
Ignition............................... 14
Key ............................. 12,14
Ignition Key Removal..................... 14
Illuminated Entry........................ 20
Immobilizer (Sentry Key)................... 16
Infant Restraint.......................... 65
Inflation Pressure Tires.................... 336
492 INDEX

Supplemental Tire Pressure Information........ 336
Synthetic Engine Oil...................... 412
System, Remote Starting.................... 26
Tachometer............................ 190
Temperature Control, Automatic (ATC)........ 267
Temperature Gauge, Engine Coolant.......... 190
Tether Anchor, Child Restraint............. 69,74
Tilt Steering Column..................... 157
Tip Start.............................. 280
Tire and Loading Information Placard......320,336
Tire Identification Number (TIN)............. 318
Tire Markings.......................... 315
Tire Safety Information.................... 315
Tires ............................ 82,324,483
Aging(LifeofTires) .................. 334
Air Pressure........................ 324
Chains............................ 336
Compact Spare...................... 331Dual...........................340,388
General Information.................. 324
High Speed......................... 329
Inflation Pressures.................... 325
LifeofTires ........................ 334
Load Capacity....................320,321
Quality Grading..................... 483
Radial............................ 330
Replacement........................ 334
Rotation........................... 339
Safety..........................315,324
Sizes ............................. 316
Snow Tires......................... 338
Spinning ........................... 333
Steel Carcass Ply..................... 327
Tread Wear Indicators................. 333
Wheel Nut Torque.................... 386
Tongue Weight/Trailer Weight.............. 354
Torque Converter Clutch.................. 293
500 INDEX

Tow Hooks, Emergency................... 397
Towing ............................350,399
24-Hour Towing Assistance............. 108
Disabled Vehicle..................... 399
Guide ............................. 354
Recreational........................ 368
Weight ............................ 354
Towing Assistance....................... 108
Traction.............................. 305
TrailerTowing .......................... 350
Cooling System Tips.................. 364
Hitches............................ 353
Minimum Requirements................ 355
Mirrors ............................ 92
Trailer and Tongue Weight.............. 354
Wiring ............................ 362
TrailerTowingGuide ..................... 354
TrailerWeight .......................... 354Transfer Case........................... 431
ElectronicallyShifted .................. 298
Fluid ............................. 455
Transmission
Automatic.......................284,432
Fluid ............................. 455
Maintenance........................ 432
Shifting ........................... 282
Transmitter Battery Service
(Remote Keyless Entry).................... 25
Transmitter Programming
(Remote Keyless Entry).................... 20
Transmitter, Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)........ 20
Tread Wear Indicators.................... 333
Trip Odometer.......................193,194
Turn Signals......................153,190,447
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INDEX 501