RAM 2500 2021, Owner'S Manual

Page: 244 / 504

242 STARTING AND OPERATING
(Continued)
Towing Requirements — Tires

Do not attempt to tow a trailer while using a
compact spare tire.

Do not drive more than 50 mph (80 km/h)
when towing while using a full size spare tire.

Proper tire inflation pressures are essential
to the safe and satisfactory operation of your
vehicle
Ú
page 449.

Check the trailer tires for proper tire inflation
pressures before trailer usage.

Check for signs of tire wear or visible tire
damage before towing a trailer
Ú
page 449.

For the proper tire replacement procedures
Ú
page 449. Replacing tires with a higher
load carrying capacity will not increase the
vehicle's GVWR and GAWR limits.
Towing Requirements — Trailer Brakes

Do not interconnect the hydraulic brake
system or vacuum system of your vehicle
with that of the trailer. This could cause inad -
equate braking and possible personal injury.

An electronically actuated trailer brake
controller is required when towing a trailer
with electronically actuated brakes. When
towing a trailer equipped with a hydraulic
surge actuated brake system, an electronic
brake controller is not required.

Trailer brakes are recommended for trailers
over 1,000 lb (453 kg) and required for
trailers in excess of 2,000 lb (907 kg).

When hauling cargo or towing a trailer, do
not overload your vehicle or trailer. Over -
loading can cause a loss of control, poor
performance or damage to brakes, axle,
engine, transmission, steering, suspension,
chassis structure or tires.

Safety chains must always be used
between your vehicle and trailer. Always
connect the chains to the hook retainers of
the vehicle hitch. Cross the chains under
the trailer tongue and allow enough slack
for turning corners.

Vehicles with trailers should not be parked
on a grade. When parking, apply the
parking brake on the tow vehicle. Put the
tow vehicle transmission in PARK. For
four-wheel drive vehicles, make sure the
transfer case is not in NEUTRAL. Always,
block or "chock" the trailer wheels.

GCWR must not be exceeded.
WARNING! (Continued)

Total weight must be distributed between
the tow vehicle and the trailer such that the
following four ratings are not exceeded:

GVWR

GTW

GAWR

Tongue weight rating for the trailer
hitch utilized.
WARNING! (Continued)
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