weight Ram C/V 2013 Owner's Guide

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.
If equipped, the electronic Trailer Sway Control (TSC)
recognizes a swaying trailer and automatically applies
individual wheel brakes and/or reduces engine power to
attempt to eliminate the trailer sway.
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 vehicle. These kinds
of hitches are the most popular on the market today and
they are commonly used to tow small and medium sized
trailers.
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’s axle(s). When
used in accordance with the manufacturer’s directions, it
provides 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 gross
axle weight rating (GAWR) requirements.
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WARNING!
•An improperly adjusted weight-distributing hitch
system may reduce handling, stability, braking
performance, and could result in a collision.
• Weight-distributing hitch systems may not be com-
patible with surge brake couplers. Consult with an
authorized hitch and trailer manufacturer or a
reputable authorized Recreational Vehicle dealer
for additional information.
Without Weight-Distributing Hitch (Incorrect)
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With Weight-Distributing Hitch (Correct)Improper Adjustment Of Weight-Distributing Hitch(Incorrect)
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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 DefinitionsClass Max. Trailer Hitch In-
dustry Standards
Class I - Light Duty 2,000 lbs (907 kg)
Class II - Medium Duty 3,500 lbs (1 587 kg)
Trailer Hitch Classification Definitions
Class III - Heavy Duty 5,000 lbs (2 268 kg)
Class IV - Extra Heavy
Duty 10,000 lbs (4 540 kg)
Refer to the “Trailer Towing Weights (Maximum
Trailer Weight Ratings)” chart for the Maximum
Gross Trailer Weight (GTW) towable for your given
drivetrain.
All trailer hitches should be professionally installed
on your vehicle.
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Trailer Towing Weights (Maximum Trailer Weight Ratings)
The following chart provides the maximum trailer weight ratings towable for your given drivetrain.
Engine/
Transmission GCWR (Gross
Combined Weight Rating) Frontal Area
Max. GTW (Gross
Trailer Weight) Max. Tongue
Weight
3.6L/Automatic 8,750 lbs (3 969 kg) 40 sq ft (3.72 sq m) Up to 2 persons &
Luggage 3,600 lbs(1 633 kg)* 360 lbs (163 kg)
8,750 lbs (3 969 kg) 40 sq ft (3.72 sq m) 3 to 5 persons & Luggage 3,350 lbs(1 519 kg)* 335 lbs (152 kg)
8,750 lbs (3 969 kg) 40 sq ft (3.72 sq m) 6 to 7 persons & Luggage 3,000 lbs(1 360 kg)* 300 lbs (136 kg)
* For vehicles equipped with Fold-in-Floor seating, the Gross Trailer Weight must be reduced by 100 lbs (45 kg). Refer to local laws for maximum trailer towing speeds.
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NOTE:The trailer tongue weight must be considered as
part of the combined weight of occupants and cargo, and
should never exceed the weight referenced on the Tire
and Loading Information placard. Refer to “Tire Safety
Information” in “Starting and Operating” for further
information.
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
Gross Trailer Weight (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 bumper or 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.
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NOTE:Remember that everything put into or on the
trailer adds to the load on your vehicle. Also, additional
factory-installed options or dealer-installed options must
be considered as part of the total load on your vehicle.
Refer to the “Tire and Loading Information” placard for
the maximum combined weight of occupants and cargo
for your vehicle.
Towing Requirements
To promote proper break-in of your new vehicle drive-
train components, the following guidelines are recom-
mended.
CAUTION!
• Do not tow a trailer at all during the first 500 miles
(805 km) the new vehicle is driven. The engine, axle
or other parts could be damaged.
• Then, during the first 500 miles (805 km) that a
trailer is towed, do not drive over 50 mph (80 km/h)
and do not make starts at full throttle. This helps
the engine and other parts of the vehicle wear in at
the heavier loads.
Perform the maintenance listed in the “Maintenance
Schedule.” Refer to “Maintenance Schedule” for the
proper maintenance intervals. When towing a trailer,
never exceed the GAWR or GCWR ratings.
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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. Trailer 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 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 the 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
• 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.
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Gasoline, Reformulated.....................538
Gauges Coolant Temperature .....................326
Fuel ................................ .323
Speedometer ......................... .323
Tachometer ........................... .315
Gear Ranges ............................ .473
Gear Select Lever Override ..................597
General Information ........................17
Glass Cleaning .......................... .638
Gross Axle Weight Rating ...................549
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating ..................549
Guide, Body Builders ........................6
GVWR ................................ .549
Hands-Free Phone (Uconnect®) ...............145
Hazard Driving Through Flowing, Rising, or Shallow
Standing Water ........................ .483Hazard Warning Flasher
....................570
Headlights Bulb Replacement ...................... .651
Cleaning ............................ .638
Lights On Reminder .....................223
Passing ............................. .227
Replacing ............................ .651
Time Delay ........................... .222
Washers ............................. .222
Head Restraints ......................... .192
Heated Mirrors .......................... .134
Heater ................................ .437
Heater, Engine Block ...................... .468
High Beam/Low Beam Select (Dimmer) Switch . . . .227
Hill Start Assist .......................... .499
Hitches Trailer Towing ........................ .556
HomeLink® (Garage Door Opener) ............256
Hood Release ........................... .219
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INDEX 685

Life of Tires.......................... .523
Load Capacity ........................ .510
Pressure Monitor System (TPMS) ............528
Pressure Warning Light ...................319
Quality Grading ....................... .675
Radial .............................. .517
Replacement .......................... .523
Rotation ............................. .527
Safety .............................. .502
Sizes ............................... .504
Snow Tires ........................... .519
Spare Tire ............................ .573
Spinning ............................ .522
Trailer Towing ........................ .561
Tread Wear Indicators ....................522
Tire Safety Information .....................502
Tongue Weight/Trailer Weight ................558
Torque Converter Clutch ....................481 Towing
............................... .551
24-Hour Towing Assistance ................159
Disabled Vehicle ....................... .599
Guide .............................. .557
Recreational .......................... .566
Weight .............................. .557
Towing Assistance ........................ .159
Traction ............................... .482
Traction Control ......................... .492
Traction Control Switch .....................492
Trailer Sway Control (TSC) ..................498
Trailer Towing .......................... .551
Cooling System Tips .....................565
Hitches ............................. .556
Minimum Requirements ..................559
Tips................................ .564
Trailer and Tongue Weight .................558
W
iring .............................. .563
Trailer Towing Guide ...................... .557
694 INDEX