Dodge RAM TRUCK 1500 1995 Service Manual page 55

B R
FLAT BED
J9500-6
Fig. 4 Tow Vehicles With Approved Equipment
A wooden crossbeam may be required for proper
connection when using the sling-type, front-end tow­
ing method.
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
The following safety precautions must be ob­
served when towing a vehicle.
© Secure loose and protruding parts.
• Always use a safety chain system that is indepen­
dent of the lifting and towing equipment.
• Do not allow towing equipment to contact the dis­
abled vehicle's fuel tank.
• Do not allow anyone under the disabled vehicle
while it is lifted by the towing device.
9 Do not allow passengers to ride in a vehicle being
towed.
• Always observe state and local laws regarding tow­
ing regulations.
• Do not tow a vehicle in a manner that could jeop­
ardize the safety of the operator, pedestrians or other
motorists.
• Do not attach tow chains, T-hooks, J-hooks, or a
tow sling to a bumper, steering linkage, drive shafts
or a non-reinforced frame hole.
• Do not tow a heavily loaded vehicle. Damage to
the cab, cargo box or frame may result. Use a flatbed
device to transport a loaded vehicle.
GROUND CLEARANCE AND RAMP ANGLE
- — - LUBRICATION AND MAINTENANCE 0 -19
GROUND CLEARANCE
CAUTION: If vehicle is towed with wheels removed,
install lug nuts to retain brake drums or rotors.
A towed vehicle should be raised until lifted wheels
are a minimum 100 mm (4 in) from the ground. Be
sure there is adequate ground clearance at the oppo­
site end of the vehicle, especially when towing over
rough terrain or steep rises in the road. If necessary,
remove the wheels from the lifted end of the vehicle
and lower the vehicle closer to the ground, to in­
crease the ground clearance at the opposite end of
the vehicle. Install lug nuts on wheel attaching studs
to retain brake drums or rotors.
FLAT-BED TOWING RAMP ANGLE
If a vehicle with flat-bed towing equipment is used,
the approach ramp angle should not exceed 15 de­
grees.
TWO-WHEEL-DRIVE VEHICLE TOWING
Chrysler Corporation recommends that a vehicle be
towed with the rear end lifted, whenever possible.
TOWING-REAR END LIFTED
CAUTION: Do not use steering column lock to se­
cure steering wheel during towing operation.
© Unlock steering column and secure steering wheel
in straight ahead position with a clamp device de­
signed for towing.
© Verify that steering components are in good condi­
tion.
TOWING-FRONT END LIFTED
If a two-wheel-drive vehicle cannot be towed with
the rear wheels lifted, it can be towed with the front
wheels lifted with the transmission in the neutral po­
sition.
FOUR-WHEEL-DRIVE VEHICLE TOWING
Chrysler Corporation recommends that a vehicle be
transported on a flat-bed device. A Wheel-lift or
Sling-type device can be used provided all the wheels
are lifted off the ground using tow dollies.
TOWING WHEN KEYS ARE NOT AVAILABLE
When the vehicle is locked and keys are not avail­
able, use a flat bed hauler. A Wheel-lift or Sling-type
device can be used provided all the wheels are lifted
off the ground using tow dollies.