Towing Tips

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Towing Tips

This info is from the official Dodge website.

Before you select a towing vehicle you need to determine the weight of the trailer being towed as well as the weight the vehicle will carry while towing. To make things easier and provide a good margin of safety, Dodge has created five classifications for trailer weights and hitches. Take a look at the breakdown of maximum weights for each class, typical trailer loads, and hitch requirements below.

2,000-pound maximum

Folding camping trailers and trailers for small boats, motorcycles, and snowmobiles

Load-carrying (non-equalizing) hitch

3,500-pound maximum

Single-axle, small to medium length (up to 18 feet) trailers

5,000-pound maximum

Dual-axle or large single-axle trailers

Weight-distributing hitch not required, unless specified for a particular vehicle

12,000-pound maximum

Largest travel trailers made for recreation

Weight-distributing hitch is required; as indicated by each weight classification, there are
three types of hitches that are required

Over 12,000-pounds

Must be fifth-wheel or gooseneck

Before hitching up

Keep trailer load as low as possible for a low center of gravity
If the trailer/load exceeds 1,000 pounds, the trailer should have its own brake system
Never overload a trailer - trailers have a gross vehicle or trailer weight rating which is usually found on a manufacturer's plate on the tongue. The total weight of trailer and load should be about 13 percent less than the gross vehicle or trailer weight rating for the trailer
Load must be balanced from side to side, while 60 percent of the load should be in the front half and 40 percent in the rear half for a slight weight-forward bias
Tongue weight, the amount of weight the trailer and its load will put on the hitch, should be at least 10 percent and less than 15 percent of the gross trailer weight
King pin weight, the amount of weight the trailer and its load will put on a fifth wheel hitch, should be at least 15 percent and less than 25 percent of the gross trailer weight
Trailer wiring should be in good working condition and the connection must match that of the tow vehicle
Correct trailer and tow vehicle tire pressures are vital. Make sure trailer tire pressures conform to the manufacturer's recommendation on the plate located on the trailer tongue. Tow vehicle tire pressure recommendations are found on the tire inflation pressure chart in the information package with your Owner's Manual, or ask your dealer
Make sure the trailer's hitch connection is in proper working order
Make sure the tow vehicle's hitch, hitch receiver, and ball are in proper working order and fastened tightly
Make sure your tow vehicle mirrors meet legal requirements and provide you with as much rearward vision as possible

Hitching up

Make sure all hitch, electrical, and brake system connections (if appropriate) are tight and locked
Lock down the hitch coupler and secure with a bolt or locking pin
Properly attach safety chains to the hitch receiver
Check tow vehicle and trailer lights
Check brakes by starting and stopping several times
Adjust tow vehicle mirrors for the best possible view of the trailer's outside edges

Going down the road

Starting up, accelerate slowly and surely
When moving, avoid sudden moves that may cause the trailer to yaw from side to side
When making turns, allow more room on the inside of turns for the trailer to clear
When passing …

Pass only on level road surfaces
Allow extra room to clear passed vehicles
Again, don't make abrupt moves when passing
Tow vehicle performance and trailer load may make it necessary to downshift to a lower gear when passing for better acceleration

Downshifting adds power on upgrades and control on downgrades by using engine compression for additional braking power

When you have an automatic transmission with overdrive

In hilly areas and with heavy loads, it is recommended you lock the transmission "out" of overdrive to prevent excessive gear shifting
Overdrive can be locked out to promote engine braking on downgrades
Use overdrive with lighter loads and in flat terrain to increase fuel efficiency

With Electronic Speed Control

Don't use in hilly terrain or with heavy loads
When using the speed control, if you experience speed drops greater than 10 mph, disengage until you can get back to cruising speed
Use speed control in flat terrain and with light loads to maximize fuel efficiency

Parking

Avoid parking on grades
When parking, lock the tow vehicle down with the parking brake, put the tow vehicle automatic transmission in P for Park, with a manual transmission, shift the transmission into reverse and with four-wheel-drive vehicles, make sure the transfer case is not in neutral, and always, block or "chock" the trailer wheels
Have a guide
Whenever possible, have an observer outside of the vehicle and trailer and visible to you at the wheel, especially when backing and parking

98 Ram Engine Availability & Trailer Tow Ratings

(scanned from 98 Ram brochure)

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