tow bar RAM CHASSIS CAB 2009 Owners Manual

Trailer Sway Control
The trailer sway control is a telescoping link that can be
installed between the hitch receiver and the trailer tongue
that typically provides adjustable friction 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’re 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 axle(s). Whenused in accordance with the manufacturers’ 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.
WARNING!
An improperly adjusted weight-distributing hitch
system may reduce handling, stability, braking per-
formance, and could result in an accident.
STARTING AND OPERATING 291
5

9. Repeat steps 7 and 8 with the transmission in DRIVE.
10. Shut OFF the engine and place the ignition key in the
unlocked OFF position.
11. Shift transmission into PARK.
12. Apply the parking brake.
13. Attach vehicle to tow vehicle with tow bar.
14. Release the parking brake.
CAUTION!
Damage to the transmission may occur if the trans-
mission is shifted into PARK with the transfer case in
NEUTRAL and the engine running. With the transfer
case in NEUTRAL ensure that the engine is OFF prior
to shifting the transmission into PARK.
Returning to Normal Operation — Manual Shift
Transfer Case
Use the following procedure to prepare your vehicle for
normal usage:
1. Bring the vehicle to a complete stop.
2. Apply the parking brake.
3. Shut OFF the engine.
4. Depress the brake pedal.
5. Shift transmission into NEUTRAL.
6. Shift transfer case lever to desired position.
7. Shift transmission into PARK.
306 STARTING AND OPERATING

WARNING!
You or others could be injured if you leave the
vehicle unattended with the transfer case in the
NEUTRAL position without first fully engaging the
parking brake. The transfer case NEUTRAL position
disengages both the front and rear driveshafts from
the powertrain and will allow the vehicle to move,
regardless of the transmission position. The parking
brake should always be applied when the driver is
not in the vehicle.
CAUTION!
•Do not use a bumper-mounted clamp-on tow bar
on your vehicle. The bumper face bar will be
damaged.(Continued)
CAUTION! (Continued)
•Do not disconnect the rear driveshaft because
fluid will leak from the transfer case and damage
the internal parts.
Recreational Towing Procedure — Electronic Shift
Transfer Case — If Equipped
Use the following procedure to prepare your vehicle for
recreational towing:
CAUTION!
It is necessary to follow these steps to be certain that
the transfer case is fully in NEUTRAL before recre-
ational towing, to prevent damage to internal parts.
1. Bring vehicle to a complete stop.
2. Shut OFF the engine.
STARTING AND OPERATING 307
5

3. Turn the ignition key to the ON position, but do not
start the engine.
4. Depress the brake pedal.
5. Shift transmission into NEUTRAL.
6. Using the point of a ballpoint pen or similar object,
depress the recessed transfer case NEUTRAL button for
four seconds.
7. After shift is completed and the NEUTRAL light
comes on, release the NEUTRAL button.
8. Start engine.
9. Shift transmission into REVERSE.
10. Release brake pedal for five seconds and ensure that
there is no vehicle movement.
11. Repeat steps 9 and 10 with the transmission in
DRIVE.12. Shut engine OFF and place ignition key in the
unlocked OFF position.
13. Shift transmission into PARK.
14. Apply parking brake.
15. Attach vehicle to tow vehicle with tow bar.
16. Release parking brake.
NOTE:
•Steps 1 through 5 are requirements that must be met
prior to depressing the NEUTRAL selection button,
and must continue to be met until the four seconds
elapses and the shift has been completed. If any of
these requirements (with the exception of 3 - Key ON)
are not met prior to depressing the NEUTRAL button
or are no longer met during the four second timer, then
the NEUTRAL indicator light will flash continuously
until all requirements are met or until the NEUTRAL
button is released.
308 STARTING AND OPERATING

CAUTION!
•Do not use a bumper-mounted clamp-on tow bar
on your vehicle. The bumper face bar will be
damaged.
•Do not disconnect the rear driveshaft because
fluid will leak from the transfer case and fluid loss
will damage internal parts.
STARTING AND OPERATING 311
5

WARNING!
•Chains are not recommended for freeing a stuck
vehicle. Chains may break, causing serious injury
or death.
•Stand clear of vehicles when pulling with tow
hooks. Tow straps and chains may break, causing
serious injury.
CAUTION!
Tow hooks are for emergency use only to rescue a
vehicle stranded off-road. Do not use tow hooks for
tow truck hookup or highway towing. You could
damage your vehicle.
TOWING A DISABLED VEHICLE
Proper towing or lifting equipment is required to prevent
damage to your vehicle. Use only tow bars and other
equipment designed for the purpose, following equip-
ment manufacturer’s instructions. Use of safety chains is
mandatory. Attach a tow bar or other towing device to
the main structural members of the vehicle—not to
bumpers or associated brackets. State and local laws
applying to vehicles under tow must be observed.
4-Wheel Drive Vehicles
CAUTION!
To avoid damage to the transfer case while towing,
always use one of the following methods.
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 331
6

Power Door........................... 28
Steering Wheel ......................... 14
Lower Anchors and Tether for CHildren
(LATCH) .............................. 64
Lubrication, Body ....................... 343
Lug Nuts ........................... 320,322
Lumbar Support ........................ 118
Maintenance ........................... 337
Maintenance Free Battery .................. 341
Maintenance Procedures ................... 338
Maintenance Schedule .................382,384
Maintenance Schedules .................... 382
Manual, Service ......................... 405
Manual Transmission Fluid Level Check ..................... 356
Lubricant Selection ..................... 379
Mirrors ................................ 81
Automatic Dimming ..................... 82 Electric Powered
....................... 83
Outside .............................. 82
Rearview ............................. 81
Trailer Towing ......................... 84
Modifications/Alterations, Vehicle ............. 7
Mopar Parts ......................... 337,404
Multi-Function Control Lever ............... 126
Navigation Radio ........................ 194
Navigation System ....................... 194
New Vehicle Break-In Period ................ 72
Occupant Restraints ....................... 35
Octane Rating, Gasoline (Fuel) .............. 281
Odometer .......................... 166,171
Trip ............................. 166,171
Oil Change Indicator ..................... 167
Oil, Engine ............................ 378
Capacity ............................ 377
418 INDEX