load capacity Ram ProMaster City 2017 User Guide

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. Refer to “Vehicle Loading/Vehicle Certification
Label” in “Starting And Operating” for further informa-
tion.
Gross Trailer Weight (GTW)
The GTW is the weight of the trailer plus the weight of all
cargo, consumables and equipment (permanent or tempo-
rary) loaded in or on the trailer in itsloaded and ready for
operation condition.
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 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. Refer to “Vehicle Loading/Vehicle Certifica-
tion Label” in “Starting And Operating” for further infor-
mation.
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.
Tongue Weight (TW)
The tongue weight is the downward force exerted on the
hitch ball by the trailer. You must consider this as part of
the load on your vehicle.
Frontal Area
The frontal area is the maximum height multiplied by the
maximum width of the front of a trailer.
Trailer Sway Control
The trailer sway control is supported by 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.
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STARTING AND OPERATING 233

•When replacing tires, refer to “Tires – General Informa-
tion” in “Starting And Operating” for the 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 per-
sonal injury.
• An electronically actuated trailer brake controller is
required when towing a trailer with electronically actu-
ated brakes. When towing a trailer equipped with a
hydraulic surge actuated brake system, an electronic
brake controller is not required.
• Trailer brakes are recommended for trailers over
1,000 lbs (453 kg) and required for trailers in excess of
2,000 lbs (907 kg).
WARNING!
• Do not connect trailer brakes to your vehicle’s hy-
draulic brake lines. It can overload your brake sys-
tem and cause it to fail. You might not have brakes
when you need them and could have a collision.
• Towing any trailer will increase your stopping dis-
tance. When towing you should allow for additional
space between your vehicle and the vehicle in front
of you. Failure to do so could result in a collision.
CAUTION!
If the trailer weighs more than 1,000 lbs (453 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.
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.
238 STARTING AND OPERATING

Automatic Transmission....................178
Cold Weather .......................... .178
Engine Fails To Start ..................... .179
Steering Power ............................... .191
Tilt Column .............................95
Wheel, Tilt ..............................95
Steering Wheel Audio Controls .................159
Steering Wheel Mounted Sound System Controls . . . .159
Storage ................................. .307
Storage, Vehicle ....................... .166, 307
Storing Your Vehicle ....................... .307
Supplemental Restraint System - Air Bag ...........38
Synthetic Engine Oil ....................... .281
Telescoping Steering Column ...................95
Tie Down Hooks, Cargo ..................... .109
Tilt Steering Column .........................95
Tire And Loading Information Placard ........206, 207
Tire Markings ............................ .200
Tires.......................... .71, 209, 214, 220
Aging (Life Of Tires) ..................... .218
Air Pressure ........................... .209
Chains ............................... .219
Compact Spare ......................... .214General Information
...................209, 214
High Speed .............................211
Inflation Pressures ........................211
Life Of Tires ........................... .218
Load Capacity ...................... .206, 207
Pressure Monitor System (TPMS) .............222
Pressure Warning Light ....................139
Quality Grading ........................ .220
Radial ............................... .212
Replacement ........................... .218
Rotation .............................. .220
Safety ............................ .200, 209
Sizes ................................ .202
Snow Tires ............................ .213
Spar

e Tire ......................... .214, 216
Spinning .............................. .216
Trailer Towing .......................... .237
Tread Wear Indicators .....................217
Tire Safety Information ...................... .200
Tire Service Kit ........................... .247
Tongue Weight/Trailer Weight .................235
Towing ................................. .232
Disabled Vehicle ........................ .268
Guide ................................ .235
Recreational ........................... .241
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