Airing Down For Off-Road Driving - RAM 1500 Owner's Manual

• Crossing Ditches, Streams, Shallow Rivers Or Other
Flowing Water – Flowing water can be extremely dan-
gerous. Never attempt to cross a fast running stream or
river even in shallow water. Fast moving water can easily
push your vehicle downstream sweeping it out of control.
Even in very shallow water, a high current can still wash
the dirt out from around your tires putting you and your
vehicle in jeopardy. There is still a high risk of personal
injury and vehicle damage with slower water currents in
depths greater than the vehicle's running ground clear-
ance. You should never attempt to cross flowing water
which is deeper than the vehicle's running ground clear-
ance. Even the slowest current can push the heaviest
vehicle downstream out of control if the water is deep
enough to push on the large surface area of the vehicle's
body. Before you proceed determine the speed of the
current, the water's depth, approach angle, bottom con-
dition and if there are any obstacles, then cross at an angle
heading slightly upstream using the low and slow tech-
nique.
WARNING!
Never drive through fast moving deep water. It can
push your vehicle downstream, sweeping it out of
control. This could put you and your passengers at
risk of injury or drowning.

Airing Down For Off-Road Driving

Running lower tire pressure off-road can improve your
ride comfort and vehicle traction. Reducing the tire air
pressure allows the tire to bulge slightly, improving its
surface area for better flotation and ability to mold or
form to the ground contour. Different terrain, tires, and
vehicles require different tire pressure. Hard surfaces like
rock and heavier vehicles require higher pressures than
softer surfaces such as sand and lighter vehicles. You will
need to experiment to determine what is right for your
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