Tongue Weight (TW)
The tongue weight is the downward force exerted on the
hitch ball by the trailer. In most cases it should not be less
than 10% or more than 15% of the trailer load. 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 can be a mechanical telescoping
link that can be installed between the hitch receiver and
the trailer tongue that typically provides adjustable fric-
tion associated with the telescoping motion to dampen
any unwanted trailer swaying motions while traveling.
If equipped, the electronic Trailer Sway Control (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 truck. These kind of
hitches are the most popular on the market today and
they are commonly used to tow small- and medium-
sized trailers.
Weight-Distributing Hitch
A weight-distributing system works by applying lever-
age 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 pro-
vides 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 and a weight distributing (load
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Summary of Contents for 2012 Ram Truck Gas 1500
Page 1: ...R a m T r u c k G a s 1 5 0 0 2 5 0 0 3 5 0 0 O W N E R S MA N UA L 2 0 1 2 3 16 11 4 33 PM ...
Page 4: ......
Page 7: ...INTRODUCTION 5 ...
Page 10: ......
Page 129: ...3 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 127 ...
Page 130: ...128 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE ...
Page 131: ...3 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 129 ...
Page 181: ...Slow Tone Fast Tone 3 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 179 ...
Page 250: ...INSTRUMENT CLUSTER BASE 248 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL ...
Page 251: ...INSTRUMENT CLUSTER PREMIUM 4 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 249 ...
Page 369: ...Operating Tips 4 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 367 ...
Page 370: ......
Page 461: ...Understanding The Features Of Your Winch Winch Components 5 STARTING AND OPERATING 459 ...
Page 503: ...STARTING AND OPERATING 501 ...
Page 581: ...Jack And Tools 1500 Series Jack And Tools 2500 3500 Series 6 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 579 ...
Page 583: ...Folding Flap And Rolling Bag Tying Bag To Jack With Straps 6 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 581 ...
Page 610: ......
Page 688: ......
Page 699: ...INDEX 10 ...
Page 720: ...Chrysler Group LLC 12D241 126 AC 3rd Edition Printed in U S A ...