trailer RAM CHASSIS CAB 2009 Owner's Manual

•When hauling cargo or towing a trailer, do not over-
load your vehicle or trailer. Overloading can cause a
loss of control, poor performance or damage to brakes,
axle, engine, transmission, steering, suspension, chas-
sis structure or tires.
•Safety chains must always be used between your
vehicle and trailer. Always connect the chains to the
frame or hook retainers of the vehicle hitch. Cross the
chains under the trailer tongue and allow enough
slack for turning corners.
•Vehicles with trailers should not be parked on a grade.
When parking, apply the parking brake on the tow
vehicle. Put the tow vehicle automatic transmission in
PARK. With 4-wheel drive vehicles, make sure the
transfer case is not in NEUTRAL. Always, block or
\6chock\6the 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. 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
\25
Do not attempt to tow a trailer while using a compact
spare tire.
\25Proper tire inflation pressures are essential to the safe
and satisfactory operation of your vehicle. Refer to
“Tires–General Information” in this section.
296 STARTING AND OPERATING

\25Also, check the trailer tires for proper tire inflation
pressures before trailer usage.
\25Check for signs of tire wear or visible tire damage
before towing a trailer. Refer to “Tires–General Infor-
mation” in this section.
\25When replacing tires, refer to “Tires–General Informa-
tion” in this section. Replacing tires with a higher load
carrying capacity will not increase the vehicle’s GVWR
and GAWR limits.
Towing Requirements — Trailer Brakes
\25
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.
\25An 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.
\25Trailer brakes are recommended for trailers over
1,000 lbs (454 kg) and required for trailers in excess of
2,000 lbs (907 kg).
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.
STARTING AND OPERATING 297
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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.
Towing Requirements — Trailer Lights & Wiring
Whenever you pull a trailer, regardless of the trailer size,
stop lights and turn signals on the trailer are required for
motoring safety.
Twelve trailer tow circuits are provided at the rear of the
chassis. These circuits are unterminated and sealed.Seven of the 12 circuits are the standard 7-pin trailer
wiring circuits. Three of the 12 circuits are upfitter
circuits used for aftermarket applications. Two of the 12
circuits are additional trailer circuits. For additional
information about trailer tow circuits or other exterior
lighting capabilities of your vehicle, refer to the Body
Builder’s Guide by accessing “www.dodge.com/
bodybuilder” and choosing the appropriate links.
NOTE:
Do not cut or splice wiring into the vehicles
wiring harness.
WARNING!
Any work done to the vehicle’s electrical system or
wiring should be performed by a qualified automo-
tive technician. If done improperly it may cause
damage to the electrical system wiring and could
result in serious or fatal injury.
298 STARTING AND OPERATING

The following chart identifies the maximum electrical
loads that the trailer tow output circuits are capable of
supporting.
Trailer Tow Additional Lamp Loads
Output
Functions Maximum
Current Additional Bulbs Al-
lowed. Example Only. Other bulb combina-tions can be used as
long as maximum cur- rent is not exceeded.
Stop/Turn
Left 16A2 #3157 bulbs for
stop/turn
Stop/Turn
Right 16A2 #3157 bulbs for
stop/turn
Trailer Park
Lamps 14A2 #1157 bulbs (two
filament park/stop/ turn) plus up to 24
#168 or #194 peanut bulbs.
Towing Tips
Before setting out on a trip, practice turning, stopping
and backing the trailer in an area away from heavy
traffic.
Towing Tips — Automatic Transmission
The “DRIVE” range can be selected when towing. How-
ever, if frequent shifting occurs while in this range, the
“TOW HAUL” or “OD/OFF” range should be selected.
NOTE: Using the “TOW HAUL” or “OD/OFF” range
while operating the vehicle under heavy operating con-
ditions will improve performance and extend transmis-
sion life by reducing excessive shifting and heat build up.
This action will also provide better engine braking.
The automatic transmission fluid and filter should be
changed if you REGULARLY tow a trailer for more than
45 minutes of continuous operation. Refer to the “Main-
tenance Schedule” in Section 8 of this manual for proper
maintenance intervals.
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Cavity CartridgeFuseMini
Fuse Description
12 30 Amp Pink Electric Brake
13 25 Amp NaturalPower-Battery
RWAL/ABS Module
Feed
14 15 Amp BluePark Lights Left
15 20 Amp YellowTrailer Park Lights
16 15 Amp BluePark Lights Right
17 — —
18 40 Amp Green ABS Pump
19 30 Amp Pink Trailer Tow Battery
FeedCavity Cartridge
FuseMini
Fuse Description
20 10 Amp
RedOccupant Restraints
Controller (ORC) 2
21 10 Amp
RedOccupant Restraints/
Pass Disable Switch
22 2 Amp
GrayIGN Switch Feed
23 10 Amp
RedHVAC
24 20 Amp Blue AISIN Relay Feed
(Diesel Only)
25 10 Amp
RedPower Mirror/T-Case
Brake
26 20 Amp
YellowBrake Switch/Center
High Mount Stop
Light (CHMSL)/
Aftermarket CHMSL
366 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

18,000 Miles (30,000 km) or
18 Months Maintenance
Service Schedule
\2Change the engine oil and engine oil
filter.
\2 Rotate tires.
\2 Lube front drive shaft fitting (4x4 only).
\2 Lubricate outer tie rod ends.
\2 Inspect the front & rear axle fluid.
Change if using your vehicle for police,
taxi, fleet, off-road or frequent trailer
towing.
Odometer Reading Date
Repair Order #Dealer Code
Signature Authorized Chrysler Dealer
24,000 Miles (40,000 km) or 24 Months Maintenance Service
Schedule
\2Change the engine oil and engine oil filter.
\2 Rotate tires.
\2 If using your vehicle for any of the following: Dusty or off-road conditions. Inspect the
engine air cleaner filter, replace if necessary.
\2 Inspect the brake linings, replace if necessary.
\2 Lubricate outer tie rod ends.
\2 Inspect the front suspension, tie rod ends, and boot seals, replace if necessary.
\2 Lube front drive shaft fitting (4x4 only).
\2 Inspect the CV joints.
\2 Inspect exhaust system.
Odometer Reading Date
Repair Order #Dealer Code
Signature Authorized Chrysler Dealer
386 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
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30,000 Miles (50,000 km) or
30 Months Maintenance
Service Schedule
\2Change the engine oil and engine oil
filter.
\2 Rotate tires.
\2 Replace the engine air cleaner filter.
\2 Replace the spark plugs (5.7L engine).
\2 Lube front drive shaft fitting (4x4 only).
\2 Lubricate outer tie rod ends.
\2 Inspect the transfer case fluid.
Odometer Reading Date
Repair Order #Dealer Code
Signature Authorized Chrysler Dealer
36,000 Miles (60,000 km) or 36 Months Maintenance Service
Schedule
\2Change the engine oil and engine oil filter.
\2 Rotate tires.
\2 If using your vehicle for any of the following: Dusty or off-road conditions. Inspect the
engine air cleaner filter, replace if necessary.
\2 Inspect the brake linings, replace if necessary.
\2 Lube front drive shaft fitting (4x4 only).
\2 Lubricate outer tie rod ends.
\2 Inspect the front & rear axle fluid. Change if using your vehicle for police, taxi, fleet,
off-road or frequent trailer towing.
Odometer Reading Date
Repair Order #Dealer Code
Signature Authorized Chrysler Dealer
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES 387
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54,000 Miles (90,000 km) or
54 Months Maintenance
Service Schedule
\2Change the engine oil and engine oil
filter.
\2 Rotate tires.
\2 Lube front drive shaft fitting (4x4 only).
\2 Lubricate outer tie rod ends.
\2 Inspect the front & rear axle fluid.
Change if using your vehicle for police,
taxi, fleet, off-road or frequent trailer
towing.
Odometer Reading Date
Repair Order #Dealer Code
Signature Authorized Chrysler Dealer
60,000 Miles (100,000 km) or 60 Months Maintenance Service
Schedule
\2Change the engine oil and engine oil filter.
\2 Rotate tires.
\2 Replace the engine air cleaner filter.
\2 Replace the spark plugs (5.7L engine).
\2 Inspect the brake linings, replace if necessary.
\2 Lube front drive shaft fitting (4x4 only).
\2 Lubricate outer tie rod ends.
\2 Change the automatic transmission fluid & filter(s) if using your vehicle for any of the
following: police, taxi, fleet or frequent trailer towing.
\2 Inspect the transfer case fluid, add if necessary.
\2 Flush and replace the engine coolant at 60 months if not done at 102,000 miles
(170 000 km).
Odometer Reading Date
Repair Order #Dealer Code
Signature Authorized Chrysler Dealer
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES 389
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66,000 Miles (110,000 km) or
66 Months Maintenance
Service Schedule
\2Change the engine oil and engine oil
filter.
\2 Rotate tires.
\2 Lube front drive shaft fitting (4x4 only).
\2 Lubricate outer tie rod ends.
Odometer Reading Date
Repair Order #Dealer Code
Signature Authorized Chrysler Dealer
72,000 Miles (120,000 km) or 72 Months Maintenance Service
Schedule
\2Change the engine oil and engine oil filter.
\2 Rotate tires.
\2 If using your vehicle for any of the following: Dusty or off-road conditions. Inspect the
engine air cleaner filter, replace if necessary.
\2 Inspect the brake linings, replace if necessary.
\2 Lubricate outer tie rod ends.
\2 Inspect the front suspension, tie rod ends, and boot seals, replace if necessary.
\2 Lube front drive shaft fitting (4x4 only).
\2 Inspect the front & rear axle fluid. Change if using your vehicle for police, taxi, fleet,
off-road or frequent trailer towing.
\2 Inspect the CV Joints.
\2 Inspect exhaust system.
Odometer Reading Date
Repair Order #Dealer Code
Signature Authorized Chrysler Dealer
390 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
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90,000 Miles (150,000 km) or 90 Months Maintenance Service
Schedule
\2Change the engine oil and engine oil filter.
\2 Rotate tires.
\2 Replace the engine air cleaner filter.
\2 Replace the spark plugs (5.7L engine).
\2 Inspect and replace PCV valve if necessary. †
\2 Lube front drive shaft fitting (4x4 only).
\2 Lubricate outer tie rod ends.
\2 Inspect the front & rear axle fluid. Change if using your vehicle for police, taxi, fleet,
off-road or frequent trailer towing.
\2 Inspect the transfer case fluid.
Odometer Reading Date
Repair Order #Dealer Code
Signature Authorized Chrysler Dealer
392 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
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