inflation pressure RAM CHASSIS CAB 2011 User Guide

WARNING!Tires and spare tire should be replaced after six years,
regardless of the remaining tread. Failure to follow
this warning can result in sudden tire failure. You
could lose control and have an accident resulting in
serious injury or death.
Keep dismounted tires in a cool, dry place with as little
exposure to light as possible. Protect tires from contact
with oil, grease, and gasoline. Replacement Tires
The tires on your new vehicle provide a balance of many
characteristics. They should be inspected regularly for
wear and correct cold tire inflation pressure. The manu-
facturer strongly recommends that you use tires equiva-
lent to the originals in size, quality and performance
when replacement is needed (refer to the paragraph on
“Tread Wear Indicators”). Refer to the Tire and Loading
Information placard for the size designation of your tire.
The service description and load identification will be
found on the original equipment tire. Failure to use
equivalent replacement tires may adversely affect the
safety, handling, and ride of your vehicle. We recommend
that you contact your original equipment or an autho-
rized tire dealer with any questions you may have on tire
specifications or capability.
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SUPPLEMENTAL TIRE PRESSURE
INFORMATION — IF EQUIPPED
A light load vehicle condition is defined as two passen-
gers [150 lbs (68 kg) each] plus 200 lbs (91 kg) of cargo.
Cold tire inflation pressures for a lightly loaded vehicle
will be found on the face of the driver’s door.
TIRE CHAINS
Use “Class U” chains or other traction aids that meet SAE
Type “U” specifications.
NOTE: Chains must be the proper size for the vehicle,
as recommended by the chain manufacturer.
CAUTION!To avoid damage to your vehicle, tires or chains,
observe the following precautions:
(Continued) CAUTION! (Continued)• Because of limited chain clearance between tires
and other suspension components, it is important
that only chains in good condition are used. Bro-
ken chains can cause serious vehicle damage. Stop
the vehicle immediately if noise occurs that could
suggest chain breakage. Remove the damaged
parts of the chain before further use.
• Install chains as tightly as possible and then
retighten after driving about 1/2 mi (0.8 km).
• Do not exceed 45 mph (72 km/h).
• Drive cautiously and avoid severe turns and large
bumps, especially with a loaded vehicle.
• Do not install tire chains on front wheels of 4x2
vehicles.
• Do not drive for a prolonged period on dry pave-
ment.
(Continued)5 STARTING AND OPERATING 313

SNOW TIRES
Snow tires should be of the same size and type construc-
tion as the front tires. Consult the manufacturer of the
snow tire to determine any maximum vehicle speed
requirement associated with the tire. These tires should
always be operated at the vehicle maximum capacity
inflation pressures under any load condition.
While studded tires improve performance on ice, skid
and traction capability on wet or dry surfaces may be
poorer than that of non-studded tires. Some states pro-
hibit studded tires; therefore, local laws should be
checked before using these tire types. TIRE ROTATION RECOMMENDATIONS
Tires on the front and rear axles of vehicles operate at
different loads and perform different steering, driving,
and braking functions. For these reasons, they wear at
unequal rates. These effects can be reduced by timely
rotation of tires. The benefits of rotation are especially
worthwhile with aggressive tread designs such as those
on On/Off Road type tires. Rotation will increase tread
life, help to maintain mud, snow, and wet traction levels,
and contribute to a smooth, quiet ride.
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Tire Size
The tire size on the Label represents the actual tire size on
your vehicle. Replacement tires must be equal to the load
capacity of this tire size.
Rim Size
This is the rim size that is appropriate for the tire size
listed.
Inflation Pressure
This is the cold tire inflation pressure for your vehicle for
all loading conditions up to full GAWR.
Curb Weight
The curb weight of a vehicle is defined as the total weight
of the vehicle with all fluids, including vehicle fuel, at full
capacity conditions, and with no occupants or cargo
loaded into the vehicle. The front and rear curb weight
values are determined by weighing your vehicle on a
commercial scale before any occupants or cargo are
added. Loading
The actual total weight and the weight of the front and
rear of your vehicle at the ground can best be determined
by weighing it when it is loaded and ready for operation.
The entire vehicle should first be weighed on a commer-
cial scale to insure that the GVWR has not been exceeded.
The weight on the front and rear of the vehicle should
then be determined separately to be sure that the load is
properly distributed over front and rear axle. Weighing
the vehicle may show that the GAWR of either the front
or rear axles has been exceeded but the total load is
within the specified GVWR. If so, weight must be shifted
from front to rear or rear to front as appropriate until the
specified weight limitations are met. Store the heavier
items down low and be sure that the weight is distributed
equally. Stow all loose items securely before driving.
5 STARTING AND OPERATING 325

WARNING! (Continued)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).
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.
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.
5 STARTING AND OPERATING 333

Guide, Body Builders ...................... 6
GVWR ............................... 324
Hands-Free Phone (Uconnect™) .............. 88
Hazard
Driving Through Flowing, Rising,
or Shallow Standing Water ............... 285
Hazard Warning Flasher ................... 356
Head Restraints ......................... 126
Headlights ............................ 416
Automatic ........................... 141
Cleaning ............................ 408
High Beam .......................... 146
High Beam/Low Beam Select Switch ........ 146
Lights On Reminder .................... 144
Passing ............................. 146
Switch .............................. 141
Heated Mirrors ....................... 85,171
Heated Seats ........................... 130 Heater ............................... 248
Heater, Engine Block ..................... 265
High Beam/Low Beam Select (Dimmer) Switch . . 146
Hitches
Trailer Towing ........................ 329
Hoisting .............................. 366
Hood Release .......................... 138
Hub Caps ............................. 362
Ignition ............................... 14
Key ............................... 12,14
Ignition Key Removal ..................... 14
Illuminated Entry ........................ 19
Immobilizer (Sentry Key) ................... 16
Infant Restraint ........................ 60,61
Inflation Pressure Tires .................... 313
Information Center, Vehicle ................. 192
Inside Rearview Mirror .................... 81
Instrument Cluster .................... 177,179460 INDEX

Tip Start .............................. 263
Tire and Loading Information Placard ...... 300,313
Tire Identification Number (TIN) ............. 298
Tire Markings .......................... 294
Tire Safety Information .................... 294
Tires ............................ 76,304,451
Aging (Life of Tires) .................... 310
Air Pressure .......................... 304
Chains .............................. 313
Dual ............................ 316,363
General Information .................... 304
High Speed .......................... 308
Inflation Pressures ..................... 305
Life of Tires .......................... 310
Load Capacity ..................... 300,301
Quality Grading ....................... 451
Radial .............................. 309
Replacement ......................... 311
Rotation ............................ 315 Safety ........................... 294,304
Sizes ............................... 296
Snow Tires ........................... 315
Spinning ............................ 309
Steel Carcass Ply ...................... 306
Tread Wear Indicators ................... 310
Wheel Nut Torque ..................... 361
Tongue Weight/Trailer Weight .............. 330
Torque Converter Clutch .................. 273
Tow Hooks, Emergency ................... 371
Towing ............................... 326
24-Hour Towing Assistance ............... 102
Disabled Vehicle ....................... 372
Guide .............................. 330
Recreational .......................... 344
Weight .............................. 330
Towing Assistance ....................... 102
Traction .............................. 285
Trailer Towing .......................... 326468 INDEX