RAM 3500 HD Truck 2WD L6-6.7L DSL Turbo (2008)
Always load a trailer with 60% to 65% of the weight in the front of the trailer. This places 10% to 15% of the Gross Trailer Weight (GTW) on the tow
hitch of your vehicle. Loads balanced over the wheels or heavier in the rear can cause the trailer to swayseverely side to side which will cause loss of
control of vehicle and trailer. Failure to load trailers heavier in front is the cause of many trailer accidents.
Never exceed the maximum tongue weight stamped on your bumper or trailer hitch.
Consider the following items when computing the weight on the rear axle of the vehicle:
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The tongue weight of the trailer.
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The weight of any other type of cargo or equipment put in or on your vehicle.
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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.
Towing Requirements
To promote proper break-in of your new vehicle drivetrain components the following guidelines are recommended:
CAUTION:
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Avoid towing a trailer for the first 500 miles (805 km) of vehicle operation. Doing so may damage your vehicle.
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During the first 500 miles (805 km) of trailer towing, limit your speed to 50 mph (80 km/h).
WARNING:
Your vehicle may require special axle lubricant.
Perform the maintenance listed of this manual. When towing a trailer, never exceed the GAWR, or GCWR, ratings.
WARNING:
Improper towing can lead to an injury accident. Follow these guidelines to make your trailer towing as safe as possible:
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 an accident.
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When hauling cargo or towing a trailer, do not overload your vehicle or trailer. Overloading can cause a loss of control, poor performance or
damage to brakes, axle, engine, transmission, steering, suspension, chassis structure or tires.
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Safety chains must always be used between your vehicle and trailer. Always connect the chains to the frame or hook retainers of the vehicle hitch.
Cross the chains under the trailer tongue and allow enough slack for turning corners.
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Vehicles with trailers should not be parked on a grade. When parking, apply the parking brake on the tow vehicle. Put the tow vehicle automatic
transmission in P for Park. With a manual transmission, shift the transmission into reverse. And with four-wheel-drive vehicles, make sure the
transfer case is not in neutral. Always, block or "chock" the trailer wheels.
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GCWR must not be exceeded.
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Total weight must be distributed between the tow vehicle and the trailer such that the following four ratings are not exceeded:
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GVWR
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GTW
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GAWR
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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
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Do not attempt to tow a trailer while using a compact spare tire.
