load capacity Ram 5500 Chassis Cab 2015 User Guide

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 uti-
lized.
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 Oper-
ating” 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
Information” in “Starting and Operating” for the
proper inspection procedure.
• When replacing tires, refer to “Tires – General Infor-
mation” 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.
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 439

Towing Requirements — Trailer Brakes
WARNING!
•Do not connect trailer brakes to your vehicle’s
hydraulic brake lines. It can overload your brake
system 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
distance. When towing you should allow for addi-
tional 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 (454 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.
• Do not 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
actuated brakes. When towing a trailer equipped with
a hydraulic surge actuated brake system, an electronic
brake controller is not required.
440 STARTING AND OPERATING

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 truckshould 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
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
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 449

Aging (Life of Tires).....................404
Air Pressure .......................... .394
Chains .............................. .407
Compact Spare ........................ .401
Dual ............................... .410
General Information .....................394
High Speed .......................... .397
Inflation Pressures ...................... .395
Life of Tires .......................... .404
Load Capacity ........................ .389
Pressure Monitor System (TPMS) ............411
Pressure Warning Light ...................207
Quality Grading ....................... .575
Radial .............................. .398
Replacement .......................... .405
Rotation ............................. .409
Safety .............................. .382
Sizes ............................... .383
Snow Tires ........................... .399Spinning
............................ .403
Tread Wear Indicators ....................403
Wheel Nut Torque ..................... .469
Tire Safety Information .....................382
Tongue Weight/Trailer Weight ................436
Torque Converter Clutch ....................347
Tow Hooks, Emergency .....................479
Towing ............................... .430
Disabled Vehicle ....................... .481
Guide .............................. .436
Recreational .......................... .451
Weight .............................. .436
Towing Vehicle Behind a Motorhome ...........451
Traction ............................... .362
Traction Control ......................... .372
Trailer Sway Control (TSC) ..................381
T
railer Towing .......................... .430
Cooling System Tips .....................447
Hitches ............................. .43510
INDEX 593