RAM 1500 2022 Owner's Manual page 222

220 STARTING AND OPERATING
CAUTION!
Then, during the first 500 miles (805 km) that

a trailer is towed, do not drive over 50 mph
(80 km/h) and do not make starts at full
throttle. This helps the engine and other parts
of the vehicle wear in at the heavier loads.
Perform the maintenance listed in the Scheduled
Servicing section for the proper maintenance
intervals Ú page 393. When towing a trailer, never
exceed the GAWR or GCWR ratings.
WARNING!
Make certain that the load is secured in the

trailer and will not shift during travel. When
trailering cargo that is not fully secured,
dynamic load shifts can occur that may be
difficult for the driver to control. You could lose
control of your vehicle and have a collision.
When hauling cargo or towing a trailer, do not

overload your vehicle or trailer. Overloading
can cause a loss of control, poor performance
or damage to brakes, axle, engine, transmis-
sion, 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.

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.
(Continued)
WARNING!
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.
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.
Replacing tires with a higher load carrying

capacity will not increase the vehicle's GVWR
and GAWR limits.
For further information Ú page 444.

Towing Requirements — Trailer Brakes
Do not interconnect the hydraulic brake system

or vacuum system of your vehicle with that of
the trailer.
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.