Chrysler ram 4500 Manual Do Utilizador

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how To choose The righT vehicle for Towing
Ram and Dakota Pickups and Durango and Nitro SUVs all offer an extremely diverse range 
of trailer towing capabilities. A wide variety of powertrain/axle ratio combinations and 
optional trailering packages assure the perfect vehicle for your trailer towing needs. Your 
Dodge Retailer can show you the various Trailer Tow Groups and other Heavy-Duty Groups 
available on Dodge Trucks to help you select the equipment that’s right for your towing 
needs. Careful attention to details up front is the difference between the right towing 
vehicle and one that is not quite what you need to get the job done – a situation which 
could prove extremely dangerous on the road. The first step is to familiarize yourself with 
terms that will be used in this guide when discussing vehicle choices for towing. You’ll find 
the guide easier to use if you take a few moments and review this terminology.
important Trailer Terminology:
Tow rating:
 The maximum amount of weight a 
vehicle can tow, as rated by the manufacturer. 
Maximum tow limits usually have special 
requirements, such as axle ratio, cooling systems, 
types of hitches, etc.
curb weight:
 (vehicle weight) The weight of the 
empty truck (without payload or driver), including 
fuel, coolant, oil and all items of standard or 
optional equipment. 
loaded Trailer weight:
 The weight of the trailer plus 
all cargo in it. Measure Loaded Trailer Weight by 
putting the fully loaded trailer on a vehicle scale. 
maximum Trailer weight:
 Term used on charts 
throughout this brochure. The maximum 
permissible loaded trailer weight.
Trailer Tongue weight:
 The downward force exerted 
on the hitch ball by the trailer coupler with weight 
distributing devices, if any, deactivated. Measure 
Trailer Tongue Weight with the trailer fully loaded 
and on a level surface, and with the coupler at its 
normal towing height. Measure directly with  
a commercial scale. 
gross axle weight rating:
 (GAWR) The maximum 
weight a specific axle is designed to carry safely. 
Includes the weight of the vehicle plus any load that 
must be supported by the axle, including Tongue 
Weight and/or payload. The load on front and rear 
axles should not exceed the GAWR specified on the 
safety certification label for front and rear axles, nor 
should total load exceed GVWR. The GAWR can be 
found on the driver’s side door panel sticker.
gross vehicle weight rating:
 (GVWR) Total 
allowable weight of a fully equipped vehicle with 
driver, passenger(s), cargo, fluids, accessories and 
Tongue Weight. Maximum GVWR and front and rear 
GAWRs must not be exceeded. The GVWR can be 
found on the driver’s side door pillar sticker.
gross combination weight:
 (GCW) A fully equipped 
vehicle with driver, passenger(s), fuel, fluids, standard 
and optional equipment, and a trailer with cargo. 
gross combination weight rating:
 (GCWR)
 
Maximum allowable gross combination weight, 
which includes a fully equipped vehicle with driver, 
passenger(s), fuel, fluids, standard and optional 
equipment, and a trailer with cargo. 
Payload:
 The amount of weight that can be carried 
by a vehicle including driver, passengers, cargo 
and the tongue weight of a trailer, plus any options, 
factory or aftermarket, and the weight of any upfit 
body modifications.
GROSS VEHICLE
WEIGHT OF
TOWING VEHICLE
+
GROSS VEHICLE
WEIGHT OF TRAILER
=
GROSS COMBINATION
WEIGHT
2006 vehicle shown.