RAM 2015 1500, Operating Information Manual, Page: 296 / 998

Do not shift to a lower gear than necessary to
maintain headway. Over-revving the engine
can spin the wheels and traction will be lost.
If you start to slow to a stop, try turning your
steering wheel no more than a ¼ turn quickly
back and forth, while still applying throttle.
This will allow the tires to get a fresh
" bite "
and help maintain your momentum.
CAUTION!
On icy or slippery roads, do not downshift at
high engine RPMs or vehicle speeds be-
cause engine braking may cause skidding
and loss of control.
•
Mud – Deep mud creates a great deal of
suction around the tires and is very difficult to
get through. You should use 4L (Low Range)
with a gear low enough to maintain your
momentum without shifting. If you start to
slow to a stop, try turning your steering wheel
no more than a ¼ turn quickly back and forth
for additional traction. Mud holes pose an
increased threat of vehicle damage and get-
ting stuck. They are normally full of debris
from previous vehicles getting stuck. As a
good practice before entering any mud hole,
get out and determine how deep it is, if there
are any hidden obstacles and if the vehicle
can be safely recovered if stuck.
•
Sand – Soft sand is very difficult to travel
through with full tire pressure. When crossing
soft sandy spots in a trail maintain your
vehicle’s momentum and do not stop. The
key to driving in soft sand using the appro-
priate tire pressure, accelerating slowly,
avoiding abrupt maneuvers and maintaining
the vehicle’s momentum. If you are going to
be driving on large soft sandy areas or
dunes, reduce your tire pressure to a mini-
mum of 15 psi (103 kPa) to allow for a greater
tire surface area. Reduced tire pressure will
drastically improve your traction and han-
dling, while driving on the soft sand, but you
must return the tires to normal air pressure
before driving on pavement or other hard
surfaces. Be sure you have a way to air the
tires back up prior to reducing the pressure.
CAUTION!
Reduced tire pressures may cause tire un-
seating and total loss of air pressure. To
reduce the risk of tire unseating, while at a
reduced tire pressure, reduce your speed
and avoid sharp turns or abrupt maneuvers.
Crossing Obstacles (Rocks And
Other High Points)
While driving off road, you will encounter many
types of terrain. These varying types of terrain
bring different types of obstacles. Before pro-
ceeding review the path ahead to determine the
correct approach and your ability to safely re-
cover the vehicle if something goes wrong.
Keeping a firm grip on the steering wheel, bring
the vehicle to a complete stop and then inch the
vehicle forward until it makes contact with the
object. Apply the throttle lightly while holding a
light brake pressure and ease the vehicle up
and over the object.
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