trailer RAM CHASSIS CAB 2023 Workshop Manual

STARTING AND OPERATING189
Adjusting GAIN
NOTE:This should only be performed in a traffic-free envi -
ronment at speeds of approximately 20–25 mph
(30–40 km/h).

1. Make sure the trailer brakes are in good working condition, functioning normally and
properly adjusted. See a trailer dealer if
necessary.

2. Hook up the trailer and make the electrical connections according to the trailer
manufacturer's instructions.
3. When a trailer with electric/EOH brakes is plugged in, the trailer connected message
should appear in the instrument cluster
display (if the connection is not recognized by the ITBM, braking functions will not be
available), the GAIN setting will illuminate and
the correct type of trailer must be selected
from the instrument cluster display options.
4. Push the UP or DOWN button on the steering wheel until “TRAILER TOW” appears on the
screen.
5. Push the RIGHT arrow on the steering wheel to enter “TRAILER TOW”.
6. Push the UP or DOWN buttons until the Trailer Brake Type appears on the screen.
7. Push the RIGHT arrow and then push the UP or DOWN buttons until the proper Trailer Brake
Type appears on the screen. 8. In a traffic-free environment, tow the trailer on
a dry, level surface at a speed of 20–25 mph
(30–40 km/h) and squeeze the manual brake
control lever completely.
9. If the trailer wheels lockup (indicated by squealing tires), reduce the GAIN setting; if the
trailer wheels turn freely, increase the GAIN
setting.
Repeat steps 8 and 9 until the GAIN setting is at a
point just below trailer wheel lockup. If towing a
heavier trailer, trailer wheel lockup may not be
attainable even with the maximum GAIN setting
of 10.
* The suggested selection depends and may change depending on the customer preferences for braking performance. Condition of the trailer brakes, driving
and road state may also affect the selection.
Light Electric Heavy Electric Light EOHHeavy EOH
Type of Trailer Brakes Electric Trailer Brakes Electric Trailer Brakes Electric over Hydraulic Trailer
BrakesElectric over Hydraulic Trailer
Brakes
Load *Under 10,000 lb (4,536 kg) *Above 10,000 lb (4,536 kg) *Under 10,000 lb (4,536 kg) *Above 10,000 lb (4,536 kg)
4

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190STARTING AND OPERATING
Display Messages
The trailer brake control interacts with the
instrument cluster display. Display messages,
along with a single chime, will be displayed when a
malfunction is determined in the trailer
connection, trailer brake control, or on the trailer
Ú page 89.
NOTE:
An aftermarket controller may be available for
use with trailers with air or EOH trailer brake
systems. To determine the type of brakes on
your trailer and the availability of controllers,
check with your trailer manufacturer or dealer.
Removal of the ITBM will cause errors and it
may cause damage to the electrical system and
electronic modules of the vehicle. See an autho -
rized dealer if an aftermarket module is to be
installed.
Towing Requirements — Trailer Lights And
Wiring
Whenever you pull a trailer, regardless of the trailer
size, stoplights and turn signals on the trailer are
required for motoring safety.
The Trailer Tow Package may include a four- and
seven-pin wiring harness. Use a factory approved
trailer harness and connector.
NOTE:Do not cut or splice wiring into the vehicle’s wiring
harness.
The electrical connections are all complete to the
vehicle but you must mate the harness to a trailer
connector. Refer to the following illustrations.
NOTE:
Disconnect the trailer wiring connector from the
vehicle (or any other device plugged into
vehicle’s electrical connectors) before
launching a boat into water.
Be sure to reconnect once clear from water
area.

Four-Pin Connector

WARNING!
Connecting a trailer that is not compatible with
the ITBM system may result in reduced or
complete loss of trailer braking. There may be an
increase in stopping distance or trailer instability
which could result in personal injury.
CAUTION!
Connecting a trailer that is not compatible with
the ITBM system may result in reduced or
complete loss of trailer braking. There may be an
increase in stopping distance or trailer instability
which could result in damage to your vehicle,
trailer, or other property.
1 — Ground
2 — Park
3 — Left Stop/Turn
4 — Right Stop/Turn

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STARTING AND OPERATING191

Seven-Pin Connector

Trailer Light Check
This feature will run the trailer lights through a
sequence to check the trailer light function. It is
available in the instrument cluster under the
Trailer Tow menu Ú page 95. When activated the feature will enable all of the
exterior lights sequentially for up to five minutes
allowing time to walk around and verify
functionality. The following exterior lights will
remain on for the entirety of the sequence:
Park/Running Lamps
Side Marker Lamps (if equipped)
License Lamp
Signature Lamp (if equipped)
Low Beams
Fog Lamps (if equipped)
Daytime Running Lamps
During this time the following lights will sequence,
each activating for three seconds:

1. Brake and CHMSL (third brake light)

2. Left turn signal
3. Right turn signal
4. Reverse Lamps
5. High Beam
This light check sequence will continue for a total
of five minutes. The sequence will only activate if the following
conditions are met:
Vehicle is equipped with the Trailer Tow
Package
Vehicle is in PARK
Vehicle is not in motion
Ignition in ACC or RUN
Remote start is inactive
Brakes are not applied
Left turn signal is not applied
Right turn signal not applied
Hazard switch is not applied
The sequence will cancel if any of the following
conditions occur:
Brakes are applied
Vehicle is shifted from PARK
Vehicle is no longer stationary
Left turn signal activated from stalk
Right turn signal is activated from stalk
Hazard switch is activated
Any button on the key fob is pushed
Ignition button is pushed
High Beam stalk position is changed
Sequence is canceled in the instrument cluster
1 — Backup Lamps
2 — Running Lamps
3 — Left Stop/Turn
4 — Ground
5 — Battery
6 — Right Stop/Turn
7 — Electric Brakes
4

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192STARTING AND OPERATING
TOWING TIPS
Before setting out on a trip, practice turning,
stopping, and backing up the trailer in an area
located away from heavy traffic.
Automatic Transmission

The DRIVE range can be selected when towing. The
transmission controls include a drive strategy to
avoid frequent shifting when towing. However, if
frequent shifting does occur while in DRIVE, select
TOW/HAUL mode or select a lower gear range (using
the Electronic Range Select (ERS) shift control).

NOTE:Using TOW/HAUL mode or selecting a lower gear
range (using the ERS shift control) while operating
the vehicle under heavy loading conditions will
improve performance and extend transmission life
by reducing excessive shifting and heat build-up.
This action will also provide better engine braking.
6-Speed Automatic Transmission Only
When towing a loaded trailer up steep grades at
low speeds (20 mph [32 km/h] or below), holding
your vehicle in FIRST gear (using the ERS shift
control) can help to avoid transmission
overheating.

If you regularly tow a trailer for more than 45 minutes
of continuous operation, then change the automatic
transmission fluid and filter(s) as specified for "police,
taxi, fleet, or frequent trailer towing."
Ú
page 344.

NOTE:Check the automatic transmission fluid level
before towing (6-speed automatic only).
Tow/Haul Mode
To reduce potential for automatic transmission
overheating, activate TOW/HAUL mode when
driving in hilly areas, or select a lower gear range
(using the Electronic Range Select (ERS) shift
control) on more severe grades.
Cruise Control — If Equipped
Do not use on hilly terrain or with heavy loads.
When using the Cruise Control, if you experience
speed drops greater than 10 mph (16 km/h),
disengage until you can get back to cruising
speed.
Use Cruise Control in flat terrain and with light
loads to maximize fuel efficiency.
SNOWPLOW — IF EQUIPPED
Snowplow Prep Packages are available as a factory
installed option. These packages include
components necessary to equip your vehicle with a
snowplow.
NOTE:Before installation of a snowplow it is highly recom -
mended that the owner/installer obtain and follow
the recommendations contained within the current
Body Builder’s Guide. See an authorized dealer, installer or snowplow manufacturer for this infor
-
mation. There are unique electrical systems that
must be connected to properly ensure operator
safety and prevent overloading vehicle systems.
BEFORE PLOWING
Check the hydraulic system for leaks and proper
fluid level.
Check the mounting bolts and nuts for proper
tightness.
Check the runners and cutting edge for exces -
sive wear. The cutting edge should be ¼ to ½
inches (6 cm to 1.2 cm) above ground in snow
plowing position.
Check that snowplow lighting is connected and
functioning properly.
WARNING!
Attaching a snowplow to this vehicle could
adversely affect performance of the airbag
system in a collision. Do not expect that the
airbag will perform as described earlier in this
manual.
CAUTION!
The “Lamp Out” indicator could illuminate if
exterior lamps are not properly installed.

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194STARTING AND OPERATING
RECREATIONAL TOWING (BEHIND MOTORHOME)
TOWING THIS VEHICLE BEHIND ANOTHER VEHICLE
NOTE:When towing your vehicle, always follow applicable state and provincial laws. Contact state and provincial Highway Safety offices for additional details.
Towing Condition Wheels OFF The
Ground Two-Wheel Drive
Models Four-Wheel Drive Models
Flat Tow
NONENOT ALLOWED See InstructionsAutomatic transmission in PARK
Transfer case in N (Neutral)
Tow in forward direction
Dolly Tow Front
NOT ALLOWED NOT ALLOWED
Rear OK NOT ALLOWED
On Trailer ALLOK OK

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STARTING AND OPERATING195
(Continued)
RECREATIONAL TOWING — TWO-WHEEL
D
RIVE MODELS
DO NOT flat tow this vehicle. Damage to the
drivetrain will result.
Recreational towing (for two-wheel drive models) is
allowed ONLY if the rear wheels are OFF the
ground. This may be accomplished using a tow
dolly or vehicle trailer. If using a tow dolly, follow
this procedure:

1. Properly secure the dolly to the tow vehicle, following the dolly manufacturer's
instructions.

2. Drive the rear wheels onto the tow dolly.
3. Firmly apply the parking brake. Place automatic transmission in PARK.
4. Properly secure the rear wheels to the dolly, following the dolly manufacturer's instructions.
5. Turn the ignition to the OFF position and remove the key fob.
6. Install a suitable clamping device, designed for towing, to secure the front wheels in the
straight position.
RECREATIONAL TOWING —
F
OUR-WHEEL DRIVE MODELS
NOTE:Both the manual shift and electronically shifted
transfer cases must be shifted into N (Neutral) for
recreational towing. Automatic transmissions must
be shifted into PARK for recreational towing. Refer
to the following for the proper transfer case N
(Neutral) shifting procedure for your vehicle.
CAUTION!
Towing with the rear wheels on the ground will
cause severe transmission damage. Damage
from improper towing is not covered under the
New Vehicle Limited Warranty.
Do not disconnect the driveshaft because
fluid may leak from the transmission, causing
damage to internal parts.
CAUTION!
DO NOT dolly tow any four-wheel drive vehicle.
Towing with only one set of wheels on the
ground (front or rear) will cause severe trans -
mission and/or transfer case damage. Tow
with all four wheels either ON the ground, or
OFF the ground (using a vehicle trailer).
Tow only in the forward direction. Towing this
vehicle backwards can cause severe damage
to the transfer case.
Before recreational towing, the transfer case
must be in N (Neutral). To be certain the
transfer case is fully in N (Neutral), perform
the procedure outlined under “Shifting Into N
(Neutral)”. Internal transmission damage will
result, if the transfer case is not in N (Neutral)
during towing.
The transmission must be placed in PARK for
recreational towing.
Towing this vehicle in violation of the above
requirements can cause severe transmission
and/or transfer case damage. Damage from
improper towing is not covered under the New
Vehicle Limited Warranty.
Do not disconnect the rear driveshaft because
fluid will leak from the transfer case, causing
damage to internal parts.
Do not use a bumper-mounted clamp-on tow
bar on your vehicle. The bumper face bar will
be damaged.
CAUTION!
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MULTIMEDIA207
ParkSense This setting will change the type of ParkSense alert when a close object is
detected and can provide both an audible chime and a visual display.
Front ParkSense Volume This setting adjusts the volume of the Front ParkSense system. The available
settings are “Low”, “Medium”, and “High”.
Rear ParkSense Volume This setting adjusts the volume of the Rear ParkSense system. The available
settings are “Low”, “Medium”, and “High”.
Blind Spot Alert This setting will change the type of alert provided when an object is detected
in a vehicle’s blind spot. The “Off” setting will turn off Blind Spot Alert. The
“Lights” setting will activate the Blind Spot Alert lights on the outside mirrors.
The “Lights & Chime” setting will activate both the lights on the outside
mirrors and an audible chime.
Trailer Length For Blind Spot Alert This setting will auto detect the length of an attached trailer. The “Auto”
setting will have the system automatically set the trailer length. The “Max”
setting will always set the length to the maximum 39.5 ft (12 m).
Hill Start Assist This setting will turn the Hill Start Assist system on or off.
ParkView Backup Camera Delay This setting will add a timed delay to the ParkView Backup Camera when
shifting out of REVERSE.
ParkView Backup Camera Active Guidelines This setting will turn the ParkView Backup Camera Active Guidelines on or off.
ParkView Backup Camera Fixed Guidelines This setting will turn the ParkView Backup Camera Fixed Guidelines on or off.
Tire Fill Assist This setting will turn Tire Fill Assist on or off.
Power Side Steps This setting will raise and lower or stow the Power Side Steps. The available
options are “Automatic” to raise and lower the Power Side Steps and “Stow” to
deactivate the Power Side Steps.
Setting Name
Description
5

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210MULTIMEDIA
Navigation — If Equipped
Trailer Brake/Trailer
Voice Barge-In This setting allows you to respond to a Voice Response before the statement
is completed by the system. The available options are “On” and “Off”.
Show Command List This setting will allow you to turn the Command List on or off. The “Always”
setting will always show the Command List. The “With Help” setting will show
the Command List and provide a brief description of what the command does.
The “Never” setting will turn the Command List off.
Setting Name
Description
When the Navigation button is pressed on the touchscreen, the system displays options related to the vehicle’s built-in Navigation system. These settings can
change which icons display on the map, how “time to arrival is calculated”, and route types.
For more information on Navigation and settings, refer to your Uconnect Owner’s Manual Supplement.
When the Trailer Brake/Trailer button is pressed on the touchscreen, the system will display settings related to trailer towing.
NOTE:Depending on the vehicle’s options, feature settings may vary.
Setting NameDescription
Trailer Select Select from “Trailer 1”, “Trailer 2”, “Trailer 3”, and “Trailer 4”. These trailer
designations can be used to save different trailer settings.
Trailer Brake Type This setting will set the system to a specific trailer type. The available options
are “Light Electric”, “Heavy Electric”, “Light Electric Over Hydraulic”, and
“Heavy Electric Over Hydraulic”.

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MULTIMEDIA211
Camera
Trailer Name This setting will personalize the trailer name depending on the type of trailer
you are hauling. Select the trailer name from the following list: trailer, boat,
car, cargo, dump, equipment, flatbed, gooseneck, horse, livestock,
motorcycle, snowmobile, travel, utility, and 5th wheel.
Setting Name
Description
When the Camera button is pressed on the touchscreen, the system displays the options related to the vehicle’s camera features.
NOTE:Depending on the vehicle’s options, feature settings may vary.
Setting NameDescription
Surround View Camera Delay This setting will add a timed delay to the Surround View Camera when shifting
out of REVERSE.
Surround View Camera Guidelines This setting will turn the Surround View Camera Guidelines on or off.
ParkView Backup Camera Delay This setting will add a timed delay to the ParkView Backup Camera when
shifting out of REVERSE.
ParkView Backup Camera Active Guidelines This setting will turn the ParkView Backup Camera Active Guidelines on or off.
ParkView Backup Camera Fixed Guidelines This setting will turn the ParkView Backup Camera Fixed Guidelines on or off.
Turn Signal Activated Blind Spot View For vehicles not equipped with towing, this setting will allow you to enable or
disable the turn signal blind spot view. For vehicles equipped with towing, the
selectable options are “Off”, “On”, or “Only with Trailer”.
5

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SAFETY271
(Continued)
REAR SEAT REMINDER ALERT (RSRA)
RSRA alerts you through a visual and auditory
notification of the possible presence of an object,
passenger, or pet in the rear seats if a rear door
was opened up to 10 minutes before the ignition
was placed in the ON/RUN position. RSRA does not
directly detect objects, passengers, or pets in the
rear seats. When the previous conditions are met,
RSRA displays the message “Check Rear Seat” on
the instrument cluster display and sounds an
auditory alert upon the driver placing the ignition in
the OFF position to exit the vehicle.
To enable or disable RSRA, see Ú page 199.
ELECTRONIC BRAKE CONTROL (EBC)
S
YSTEM
Your vehicle is equipped with an advanced
Electronic Brake Control (EBC) system. This system
includes Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS), Brake
Assist System (BAS), Electronic Brake Force
Distribution (EBD), Hill Start Assist (HSA),
Electronic Roll Mitigation (ERM), Electronic
Stability Control (ESC), and Traction Control
System (TCS). These systems work together to
enhance both vehicle stability and control in
various driving conditions.
Your vehicle may also be equipped with Trailer
Sway Control (TSC) and Hill Descent Control (HDC).
Brake Assist System (BAS)
The BAS is designed to optimize the vehicle’s
braking capability during emergency braking
maneuvers. The system detects an emergency
braking situation by sensing the rate and amount
of brake application and then applies optimum
pressure to the brakes. This can help reduce
braking distances. The BAS complements the
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS). Applying the brakes
very quickly results in the best BAS assistance. To
receive the benefit of the system, you must apply
continuous braking pressure during the stopping
sequence (do not “pump” the brakes). Do not
reduce brake pedal pressure unless braking is no
longer desired. Once the brake pedal is released,
the BAS is deactivated.
WARNING!
Before exiting a vehicle, always come to a
complete stop, then shift the automatic trans -
mission into PARK and apply the parking
brake.
Always make sure the keyless ignition node is
in the OFF position, key fob is removed from
the vehicle and vehicle is locked.
Never leave children alone in a vehicle, or with
access to an unlocked vehicle. Leaving chil -
dren in a vehicle unattended is dangerous for
a number of reasons. A child or others could
be seriously or fatally injured. Children should
be warned not to touch the parking brake,
brake pedal or the gear selector.
Do not leave children or animals inside parked
vehicles in hot weather. Interior heat buildup
may cause serious injury or death.
WARNING!
WARNING!
The Brake Assist System (BAS) cannot prevent
the natural laws of physics from acting on the
vehicle, nor can it increase the traction afforded
by prevailing road conditions. BAS cannot
prevent collisions, including those resulting from
excessive speed in turns, driving on very slippery
surfaces, or hydroplaning. The capabilities of a
BAS-equipped vehicle must never be exploited in
a reckless or dangerous manner, which could
jeopardize the user's safety or the safety of
others.
6

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