Dodge 2008 DH Ram Owner's Manual page 294

292 STARTING AND OPERATING
Truck models with manual transmission are equipped
with a clutch interlocking ignition system. The clutch
pedal must be fully depressed to start the vehicle.
Fully depress the clutch pedal before shifting gears. As
you release the clutch pedal, lightly depress the accelera-
tor pedal.
This transmission has a "creeper" 1st gear (L=low) which
should be used to start from a standing position when
carrying a payload or towing a trailer. Damage to the
clutch can result from starting in 2nd or 3rd gear with a
loaded vehicle. An unloaded vehicle may be launched in
2nd gear. Use each gear in numerical order – do not skip
a gear.
You should use 1st gear when starting from a standing
position if under heavy load or when pulling a trailer.
Recommended Vehicle Shift Speeds
To utilize your manual transmission efficiently for both
fuel economy and performance, it should be upshifted as
listed in recommended shift speed chart. Shift at the
vehicle speeds listed for acceleration. When heavily
loaded or pulling a trailer these recommended up-shift
speeds may not apply.
Maximum Recommended Up-shift Speeds
Gear
Selec- L to 2 2 to 3
tion
Maxi- 7 mph 15 mph
mum (11 (24
Speed km/h) km/h)
3 to 4 4 to 5 5 to 6
25 mph 40 mph 45 mph
(40 (64 (72
km/h) km/h) km/h)