weight RAM CHASSIS CAB 2023 Owners Manual

5
ENGINE BREAK-IN RECOMMENDATIONS —
DIESEL ENGINE .................................................... 128
PARKING BRAKE ................................................ 128

DIESEL EXHAUST BRAKE (ENGINE BRAKING) .. 129
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION.............................. 130 Ignition Park Interlock ................................... 131Brake/Transmission Shift Interlock (BTSI)
System .......................................................... 131
8-Speed Automatic Transmission —
If Equipped .................................................... 132
6-Speed Automatic Transmission —
If Equipped .................................................... 135
AUXILIARY SWITCHES — IF EQUIPPED ............. 139
FOUR-WHEEL DRIVE OPERATION —
IF EQUIPPED ........................................................ 140
Electronically Shifted Transfer Case
(8-Speed Transmission) — If Equipped ....... 140Electronically Shifted Transfer Case
(6-Speed Transmission) —
If Equipped..................................................... 143
Manually Shifted Transfer Case —
If Equipped..................................................... 145
LIMITED-SLIP DIFFERENTIAL ............................ 147
POWER TAKE OFF (PTO) OPERATION —
IF EQUIPPED ........................................................ 147
HYDRAULIC POWER STEERING .........................148
Power Steering Fluid Check .......................... 148

CRUISE CONTROL SYSTEMS — IF EQUIPPED .... 148

Cruise Control ............................................... 149
Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) ...................... 150 PARKSENSE FRONT/REAR PARK ASSIST —
IF EQUIPPED ....................................................... 159
ParkSense Sensors ....................................... 159
ParkSense Warning Display ......................... 159
ParkSense Display ........................................ 159Enabling And Disabling ParkSense .............. 162
Service The ParkSense Park Assist System ...162

Cleaning The ParkSense System ................. 162
ParkSense System Usage Precautions........ 162
LANESENSE — IF EQUIPPED ............................. 163
LaneSense Operation ................................... 163Turning LaneSense On Or Off ....................... 164
LaneSense Warning Message ...................... 164Changing LaneSense Status ........................ 166
Turn Signal Activated Blind Spot Assist —
If Equipped..................................................... 166
PARKVIEW REAR BACK UP CAMERA............... 166
SURROUND VIEW CAMERA SYSTEM —
IF EQUIPPED ........................................................ 168
TRAILER CAMERAS — IF EQUIPPED ................. 173 Trailer Surround View Camera System —
If Equipped..................................................... 173AUX Camera — If Equipped ........................... 176
ENGINE RUNAWAY ............................................. 176
REFUELING THE VEHICLE—
GASOLINE ENGINE ............................................. 177
Loose Fuel Filler Cap Message ................... 177
REFUELING THE VEHICLE — DIESEL ENGINE... 177
Diesel Exhaust Fluid...................................... 178 VEHICLE LOADING .............................................. 180
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) ......... 180
Payload .......................................................... 180Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR)................ 180Tire Size ......................................................... 181
Rim Size ......................................................... 181
Inflation Pressure .......................................... 181Curb Weight ................................................... 181
Loading .......................................................... 181
TRAILER TOWING ................................................ 181
Common Towing Definitions......................... 181
Trailer Hitch Type and Maximum Trailer
Weight ............................................................ 185
Trailer Towing Weights (Maximum Traile
r Weight Ratings) .......................................... 186Trailer And Tongue Weight .......................... 186
Towing Requirements .................................. 186Towing Tips ................................................... 192
SNOWPLOW — IF EQUIPPED.............................. 192
Before Plowing .............................................. 192

Snowplow Prep Package Model Availability....193

Over The Road Operation With Snowplow
Attached......................................................... 193
Operating Tips ............................................... 193General Maintenance ................................... 193

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66GETTING TO KNOW YOUR VEHICLE
If equipped with a covered upper glove
compartment, push the release button to open.
To open the lower glove compartment, pull the
release handle.
Door Storage
Front Door Storage — If Equipped
Storage areas and bottle holders (driver’s side
only) are located in the door trim panels.
Rear Door Storage — If Equipped
Storage compartments are located in both the
driver and passenger rear door trim panels.
Center Console Storage — If Equipped
The center storage compartment is located
between the driver and passenger seats. The
storage compartment provides an armrest and
contains both an upper and lower storage area.
Center Storage Compartment

Pull the upper handle on the front of the armrest to
raise the cover.
Center Storage Compartment

With the upper lid closed, pull the lower handle to
open the lower storage bin. The lower bin contains
a power inverter. There is also a “fill line” located
along the rear inside wall of the lower bin. Contents
above the “fill line” may interfere with cupholder
placement if equipped with a premium center
console.
WARNING!
Do not operate this vehicle with a glove
compartment in the open position. Driving with
the glove compartment open may result in injury
in a collision.
WARNING!
This armrest is not a seat. Anyone seated on
the armrest could be seriously injured during
vehicle operation, or a collision.
In a collision, the latch may open if the total
weight of the items stored exceeds about
10 lb (4.5 kg). These items could be thrown
about endangering occupants of the vehicle.
Items stored should not exceed a total of
10 lb (4.5 kg).
1 — Upper Console Handle
2 — Lower Console Handle

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128STARTING AND OPERATING
ENGINE BREAK-IN RECOMMENDATIONS —
DIESEL ENGINE
The Cummins® Turbo Diesel engine does not
require a break-in period due to its construction.
Normal operation is allowed, providing the
following recommendations are followed:
Warm up the engine before placing it under
load.
Do not operate the engine at idle for prolonged
periods.
Use the appropriate transmission gear to
prevent engine lugging.
Observe vehicle oil pressure and temperature
indicators.
Check the coolant and oil levels frequently.
Vary throttle position at highway speeds when
carrying or towing significant weight.
NOTE:Light duty operation such as light trailer towing or
no load operation will extend the time before the
engine is at full efficiency. Reduced fuel economy
and power may be seen at this time.
For additional vehicle break-in requirements
Úpage 186. Because of the construction of the Cummins®
Turbo Diesel engine, engine run-in is enhanced by
loaded operating conditions which allow the
engine parts to achieve final finish and fit during
the first 6,000 miles (10,000 km).
PARKING BRAKE
Before leaving the vehicle, make sure that the
parking brake is fully applied. Also, be certain to
leave the transmission in PARK.
The foot operated parking brake is located below
the lower left corner of the instrument panel. To
apply the parking brake, firmly push the parking
brake pedal fully. To release the parking brake, pull
the parking brake release handle.

Parking Brake Release
When the parking brake is applied with the ignition
switch ON, the Brake Warning Light in the
instrument cluster will illuminate.
NOTE:
When the parking brake is applied and the
transmission is placed in gear, the Brake
Warning Light will flash. If vehicle speed is
detected, a chime will sound to alert the driver.
Fully release the parking brake before
attempting to move the vehicle.
This light only shows that the parking brake is
applied. It does not show the degree of brake
application.
When parking on a hill, it is important to turn the
front wheels toward the curb on a downhill grade
and away from the curb on an uphill grade. Apply
the parking brake before placing the gear selector
in PARK, otherwise the load on the transmission
locking mechanism may make it difficult to move
the gear selector out of PARK. The parking brake
should always be applied whenever the driver is
not in the vehicle.

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180STARTING AND OPERATING
(Continued)
Refilling With Containers
Proceed as follows:
Check the expiration date.

Read the advice for use on the label before
pouring the content of the bottle into the DEF tank.

After the indication appears on the instrument
cluster display
Úpage 89 fill the DEF tank with
no more than 6 gal (22 L).
Stop filling the DEF tank immediately if DEF
splashes or wells back in the filler neck.
Reinstall cap onto DEF filler tube.
Filling The Def Tank In Cold Climates
Since DEF will begin to freeze at 12°F (-11°C),
your vehicle is equipped with an automatic DEF
heating system. This allows the DEF injection
system to operate properly at temperatures below
12°F (-11°C). If your vehicle is not in operation for
an extended period of time with temperatures
below 12°F (-11°C), the DEF in the tank may
freeze. If the tank is overfilled and freezes, it could
be damaged. Therefore, do not overfill the DEF
tank. Extra care should be taken when filling with
portable containers to avoid overfilling. Note the
level of the DEF gauge in your instrument cluster.
You may safely add a maximum of 2 gal (7.5 L) of
DEF from portable containers when your DEF
gauge is reading ½ full.VEHICLE LOADING
GROSS VEHICLE WEIGHT RATING
(GVWR)
The GVWR is the total permissible weight of your
vehicle including driver, passengers, vehicle,
options and cargo. The label also specifies
maximum capacities of front and rear axle systems
(GAWR). Total load must be limited so GVWR and
front and rear GAWR are not exceeded.
PAYLOAD
The payload of a vehicle is defined as the allowable
load weight a truck can carry, including the weight
of the driver, all passengers, options and cargo.
GROSS AXLE WEIGHT RATING (GAWR)
The GAWR is the maximum permissible load on the
front and rear axles. The load must be distributed
in the cargo area so that the GAWR of each axle is
not exceeded.
CAUTION!
To avoid DEF spillage, and possible damage to
the DEF tank from overfilling, do not “top off”
the DEF tank after filling.
DO NOT OVERFILL. DEF will freeze below 12ºF
(-11ºC). The DEF system is designed to work in
temperatures below the DEF freezing point,
however, if the tank is overfilled and freezes,
the system could be damaged.
When DEF is spilled, clean the area immedi -
ately with water and use an absorbent mate -
rial to soak up the spills on the ground.
Do not attempt to start your engine if DEF is
accidentally added to the diesel fuel tank as it
can result in severe damage to your engine,
including but not limited to failure of the fuel
pump and injectors.

Never add anything other than DEF to the
tank – especially any form of hydrocarbon
such as diesel fuel, fuel system additives,
gasoline, or any other petroleum-based
product. Even a very small amount of these,
less than 100 parts per million or less than
1 oz. per 78 gal (295 L) will contaminate the
entire DEF system and will require replace -
ment. If owners use a container, funnel or
nozzle when refilling the tank, it should either
be new or one that has only been used for
adding DEF. Mopar® provides an attachable
nozzle with its DEF for this purpose.

CAUTION!

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STARTING AND OPERATING181
Each axle GAWR is determined by the components
in the system with the lowest load carrying capacity
(axle, springs, tires or wheels). Heavier axles or
suspension components sometimes specified by
purchasers for increased durability does not
necessarily increase the vehicle's GVWR.
TIRE SIZE
The tire size on the Vehicle Certification 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
commercial scale to ensure 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 the front
and rear axles. Weighing the vehicle may show that the
GAWR of either the front or rear axle 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.

Improper weight distributions can have an adverse
effect on the way your vehicle steers and handles
and the way the brakes operate.
TRAILER TOWING
In this section you will find safety tips and
information on limits to the type of towing you can
reasonably do with your vehicle. Before towing a
trailer, carefully review this information to tow your
load as efficiently and safely as possible.
To maintain the New Vehicle Limited Warranty
coverage, follow the requirements and
recommendations in this manual concerning
vehicles used for trailer towing.
COMMON TOWING DEFINITIONS
The following trailer towing related definitions will
assist you in understanding the following
information:
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR)
The GVWR is the total allowable weight of your
vehicle. This includes driver, passengers, cargo
and tongue weight. The total load must be limited
so that you do not exceed the GVWR Ú page 180.
Gross Trailer Weight (GTW)
The GTW is the weight of the trailer plus the weight
of all cargo, consumables and equipment
(permanent or temporary) loaded in or on the
trailer in its "loaded and ready for operation"
condition.WARNING!
Do not load your vehicle any heavier than the
GVWR, maximum Payload or maximum front and
rear GAWR. If you do, parts on your vehicle can
break, or it can change the way your vehicle
handles. This could cause you to lose control.
Overloading can shorten the life of your vehicle.
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182STARTING AND OPERATING
The recommended way to measure GTW is to put
your fully loaded trailer on a vehicle scale. The
entire weight of the trailer must be supported by
the scale.
Gross Combination Weight Rating (GCWR)
The GCWR is the total allowable weight of your
vehicle and trailer when weighed in combination.
Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR)
The GAWR is the maximum capacity of the front
and rear axles. Distribute the load over the front
and rear axles evenly. Make sure that you do not
exceed either front or rear GAWR Ú page 180.
Tongue Weight (TW)
The TW is the downward force exerted on the hitch
ball by the trailer. You must consider this as part of
the load on your vehicle.
Trailer Frontal Area
The frontal area is the maximum height multiplied
by the maximum width of the front of a trailer.
Trailer Sway Control (TSC)
The TSC can be a mechanical 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. If equipped, the electronic 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 commonly used to tow
small and medium sized trailers.
Weight-Distributing Hitch
A weight-distributing hitch system works by
applying leverage 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). 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
(TSC) 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 GAWR requirements.
WARNING!
If the gross trailer weight is 5,000 lb (2,267 kg)
or more, it is recommended to use a
weight-distributing hitch to ensure stable
handling of your vehicle. If you use a standard
weight-carrying hitch, you could lose control of
your vehicle and cause a collision.
WARNING!
It is important that you do not exceed the
maximum front or rear GAWR. A dangerous
driving condition can result if either rating is
exceeded. You could lose control of the vehicle
and have a collision.

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STARTING AND OPERATING183

Without Weight-Distributing Hitch (Incorrect) With Weight-Distributing Hitch (Correct)
Improper Adjustment Of Weight-Distributing Hitch (Incorrect)

RECOMMENDED DISTRIBUTION HITCH
ADJUSTMENT

1. Position the truck to be ready to connect to the trailer (do not connect the trailer).

2. Measure the height from the top of the front wheel opening on the fender to the ground,
this is height H1.

Measuring Height (H)

WARNING!
An improperly adjusted weight-distributing
hitch system may reduce handling, stability
and braking performance and could result in a
collision.
Weight-distributing systems may not be
compatible with surge brake couplers. Consult
with your hitch and trailer manufacturer or a
reputable Recreational Vehicle dealer for
additional information.
4

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184STARTING AND OPERATING
3. Attach the trailer to the vehicle without the weight-distribution bars connected.
4. Measure the height from the top of the front wheel opening on the fender to the ground,
this is height H2.
5. Install and adjust the tension in the weight-distributing bars per the manufac -
turers’ recommendations so that the height of
the front fender is approximately (H2-H1)/
2+H1 (about 1/2 the difference between H2
and H1 above standard ride height [H1]).
6. Perform a visual inspection of the trailer and weight-distributing hitch to confirm manufac-
turers’ recommendations have been met.
NOTE:For all towing conditions, we recommend towing
with TOW/HAUL mode engaged.
Fifth-Wheel Hitch
The fifth-wheel hitch is a special high platform with
a coupling that mounts over the rear axle of the tow
vehicle in the truck bed. It connects a vehicle and
fifth-wheel trailer with a coupling king pin.
Your truck may be equipped with a fifth-wheel hitch
option. Refer to the separately provided fifth-wheel
hitch safety, care, assembly, and operating
instructions.
Gooseneck Hitch
The gooseneck hitch employs a pivoted coupling
arm which attaches to a ball mounted in the bed of
a pickup truck. The coupling arm connects to the
hitch mounted over the rear axle in the truck bed.
Measurement
Example Example Height (mm)
H1
1,030
H2 1,058
H2-H1 28
(H2-H1)/2 14
(H2-H1)/2 + H1 1,044

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STARTING AND OPERATING185
TRAILER HITCH TYPE AND MAXIMUM TRAILER WEIGHT
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 Definitions
Class Max. Trailer Hitch Industry Standards
Class I - Light Duty 2,000 lb (907 kg)
Class II - Medium Duty 3,500 lb (1,587 kg)
Class III - Heavy Duty 6,000 lb (2,722 kg)
Class IV - Extra Heavy Duty 10,000 lb (4,535 kg)
Fifth-Wheel/Gooseneck Greater than 10,000 lb (4,535 kg)
Refer to the “Trailer Towing Weights (Maximum Trailer Weight Ratings)” for the Maximum Gross Trailer Weight (GTW) towable for your given drivetrain.
All trailer hitches should be professionally installed on your vehicle.
4

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186STARTING AND OPERATING
(Continued)
TRAILER TOWING WEIGHTS (MAXIMUM
T
RAILER WEIGHT RATINGS)
NOTE:For trailer towing information (maximum trailer
weight ratings) refer to the following website
addresses:
ramtrucks.com/en/towing_guide/
ramtruck.ca (Canada)
rambodybuilder.com
TRAILER AND TONGUE WEIGHT
Never exceed the maximum tongue weight
stamped on your bumper or trailer hitch.

Weight Distribution
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 equip
-
ment put in or on your vehicle.
The weight of the driver and all passengers.
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. For the maximum combined weight of
occupants and cargo for your vehicle Úpage 394.
TOWING REQUIREMENTS
To promote proper break-in of your new vehicle
drivetrain components, the following guidelines
are recommended.
Perform the maintenance listed in the “Scheduled
Servicing” Ú page 342. When towing a trailer,
never exceed the GAWR or GCWR ratings.
WARNING!
Always load a trailer with 60% of the weight in
the front of the trailer. This places 10% of the
GTW on the tow hitch of your vehicle. Loads
balanced over the wheels or heavier in the rear
can cause the trailer to sway severely side 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.
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.
WARNING!
Make certain that the load is secured in the
trailer and will not shift during travel. When
trailering cargo that is not fully secured,
dynamic load shifts can occur that may be
difficult for the driver to control. You could lose
control of your vehicle and have a collision.

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