RAM 2015 1500, Operating Information Manual, Page: 303 / 998

WARNING!
Never use tow straps with end hooks or link
two straps with a clevis pin. These heavy
metal objects could become projectiles if a
strap breaks, which could cause severe in-
jury. Never leave more than two or three feet
of slack in the strap. More slack than this
greatly increases the risk of injury and ve-
hicle damage. Always keep everyone at least
30 feet away from a strapping or winching
situation.
•
Winching (Refer To “Winch Operation”
For Additional Information) – Winching is
most commonly used in the following situa-
tions: there is no support vehicle available, a
high controlled force is required to recover the
vehicle, there is a high risk of environmental or
vehicle damage, or where nothing else seems
to work. A winch can deliver a high pulling force
with a great deal of control. It allows you to
walk the vehicle out of the situation in a slow
controlled manner. This control works well for
avoiding further vehicle damage. Once you
decide it is time to use the winch look for a
good anchor point. It needs to be strong
enough to hold more than the vehicle’s weight
and provide a direction of pull as straight as
possible. Use block and tackle if necessary to
improve the angle of pull or increase the
winch’s pulling force. If the anchor point is a
tree use a strap around its base and hook the
cable to the strap. If it is another vehicle, then
place that vehicle in PARK and block the front
tires. If you cannot find an anchor point within
reach try using your spare tire by burying it.
Once you have determined an anchor point
hook up the cable, ensuring there are a least
five wraps of cable left on the drum, and place
a floor mat or something else over the strung
out cable. Placing something over the strung
out cable helps keep the cable on the ground if
it breaks. Next, place the vehicle in first gear
and apply a very light throttle as you power the
winch in. Be careful not to allow slack in the
cable as you recover the vehicle. Do not try to
guide the cable into the drum. If it starts to
bunch up on one end, let it. You can re-spool
the cable afterwards. Never use a winch cable
as a tow strap and always stand back while
winching.
WARNING!
Winch cables are under high tension when in
use and can become a projectile if they fail.
Never stand over or straddle the winch
cable. Never jerk or overload the winch
cable. Never stand in front of the vehicle
while winching. Failure to follow these in-
structions can result in serious or fatal injury.
After Driving Off-Road
Off-road operation puts more stress on your
vehicle than does most on-road driving. After
going off-road, it is always a good idea to check
for damage. That way you can get any problems
taken care of right away and have your vehicle
ready when you need it.
•
Completely inspect the underbody of your ve-
hicle. Check tires, body structure, steering,
suspension, and exhaust system for damage.
•
Inspect the radiator for mud and debris and
clean as required.
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