Airstream Rangeline 2023, Owner'S Manual

Page: 82 / 118

Driving
8-6
2023 Rangeline
Loading a Trailer
You should not exceed the permissible GTW (Gross
Tongue Weight) or the trailer GVWR when loading a
trailer�
Maximum permissible values are listed on the safety
compliance certification labels for the vehicle and
trailer� For their location, see the Ram ProMaster
Owner’s Manual� The lowest value listed must be
selected when determining how the vehicle and trailer
are loaded�
The tongue weight must be approximately 10-15
percent of the loaded trailer weight to ensure proper
handling but not to exceed the hitch rating�
Tongue loads can be adjusted by proper distribution
of the load in the trailer and checked by weighing the
loaded trailer separately and then the tongue�
The tongue weight at the hitch must be added to the
GVW to prevent exceeding your ProMaster towed
vehicle’s rear GAWR�
Touring coach tires should be inflated to the highest
pressures shown on the ProMaster Tire Information
Placard when towing trailers� See Ram ProMaster
Owner’s Manual for its location� This vehicle’s Cargo
Carrying Capacity (CCC) is reduced by the amount that
equals the trailer tongue load on the trailer hitch�
Checking Weights of Vehicle and Trailer
To ensure the tow vehicle and trailer are within
weight limits, weigh the vehicle-trailer combination
on a commercial scale (tow vehicle including driver,
passengers, cargo, and trailer fully loaded); see
Weighing on page 8-2�
Also, check the vehicle’s front and rear axle weights
and tongue weight� The values as measured must
not exceed the ProMaster weight ratings listed on
vehicle information placards and in the Ram ProMaster
manual; see Specifications on page 4-3�
NOTE
Check the Ram ProMaster manual for all weights
and tire information placard locations.
Attaching a Trailer
Please observe maximum permitted trailer dimensions
(weight and length)�
Most states and all Canadian provinces require safety
chains between your tow vehicle and trailer� The chains
should be crisscrossed under the trailer tongue� They
must be attached to the hitch receiver and not to the
vehicles bumper or axle� Be sure to leave enough slack
in the chains to permit turning corners�
Most states and all Canadian provinces require a
separate brake system for towing trailers�
WARNING
The towing vehicle’s braking system is rated for
operation at GVWR, NOT at the GCWR. A separate,
functioning brake system is required for any towed
vehicles or trailers weighing more than 1000 lb
(450 kg) when fully loaded. NEVER exceed the
GVWR, or the GAWR specified on a touring coach
certification label. Also, NEVER exceed the weight
ratings of a trailer hitch installed on a touring
coach. Failure to heed any part of this warning
could result in loss of control of the touring coach
and towed vehicle or trailer which may cause an
accident and serious injury. For specified towed
vehicle braking requirements, consult the Ram
ProMaster Owner’s Manual that comes with this
vehicle.
WARNING
Do not connect a trailer brake system (if trailer is
so equipped) directly to the vehicle’s hydraulic
brake system if your vehicle is equipped with anti-
lock brakes. If you do, neither the vehicle’s brakes
nor the trailer’s brakes will function properly.
Property damage, injury, or death to you or others
may be the result.
The provided vehicle electrical wiring harness for trailer
towing has a brake signal wire for hookup to a brake
controller� Most states and all Canadian provinces
require a breakaway switch on trailers with a separate
brake system� The switch activates the trailer brakes
in the possible event that the trailer might separate
from the tow vehicle� Please consider using a trailer
sway control system� For further information, see your
authorized Ram ProMaster or Airstream dealer�