Trailer Towing ■ Choosing the Right Vehicle ■ Axle Ratios ■ Hitches
■ Vehicle Dimensions ■ Job Rating Charts
TRAILER TOWING
The purpose of this guide is to assist you in
selecting the exact Dodge Truck you need
for your particular application, and to help
you make the best possible use of its
capabilities.
Did you know that most Dodge Trucks are capable of
towing trailers up to 907 kilograms (2000 pounds)
without added equipment or alterations to standard
equipment?
appropriate vehicle for your requirements is to identify
all the possible ways you’ll be using your truck:
• Will your tow vehicle be used exclusively for
towing, or double as a personal or family vehicle?
• How far are you going to be towing? (Short
distances place less demand on a tow vehicle
than longer distances.)
• How many passengers and what cargo will you be
taking while towing?
• Under what conditions will you be towing?
Mountainous areas? Under extremely hot or
cold temperatures? At high altitudes? The more
extreme conditions you encounter while towing,
the more important it is that your tow vehicle be
optimized to those conditions.
(1)
The first step in selecting the most
• Do you plan to change your trailer during the life
of the tow vehicle? If so, plan ahead and select
a tow vehicle that will meet your future towing
needs as well as your current ones.
The answers to these questions are most helpful
in selecting the right model, engine, transmission,
and axle ratio for optimal towing performance.
However, this is only a guide; personal preference
for “optimal” performance is an important factor
as well. Also, refer to the worksheet on the last
page for a more detailed guide in choosing the
correct vehicle.
(1)
Any trailer weighing more than 454 kilograms (1000 pounds) must have its
own brakes.
TRANSMISSIONS
Transmissions provide various gear ratios that allow
for higher engine rpm relative to road speed. They
also multiply the engine’s torque to provide the
pulling power needed to reach cruising speeds. All
Dodge Truck transmissions feature an overdrive top
gear that reduces engine speed when cruising, for
improved fuel economy.
BREAKING IN YOUR VEHICLE
• Will you be towing in any off-road conditions, such
as elds, boat launches or gravel roads? Will you
park the rig in grass or on soft dirt? Heavy trailers
are difcult to get moving with a rear-wheel-drive
vehicle under some of these conditions. Will you
be towing in winter weather? Is a two-wheel-drive
vehicle adequate, or is a 4x4 required?
• How often are you going to be towing? If towing
is more than 20 percent of your planned vehicle
use, the vehicle should be properly equipped
for performance while towing; if less, the vehicle
should still be adequately equipped for the
towing job.
2
A long break-in period is not required for the
engine in your new vehicle. Towing a trailer is
not recommended for the first 500 kilometres
(300 miles) of your vehicle’s break-in period.
Drive moderately during the first 500 kilometres
(300 miles). After the initial 100 kilometres (60
miles), speeds up to 80 or 90 km/h (50 or 55 mph)
are desirable. While cruising, brief full-throttle
acceleration, within the limits of local traffic laws,
contributes to a good break-in. Avoid wide open
throttle acceleration in low gear. Refer to your
Owner’s Manual for additional information.
HOW TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT VEHICLE FOR TOWING
Ram and Dakota Pickups and Durango and Nitro SUVs all offer an extremely diverse range
of trailer towing capabilities. A wide variety of powertrain/axle ratio combinations and
optional trailering packages assure the perfect vehicle for your trailer towing needs. Your
Dodge Retailer can show you the various Trailer Tow Groups and other Heavy-Duty Groups
available on Dodge Trucks to help you select the equipment that’s right for your towing
needs. Careful attention to details up front is the difference between the right towing
vehicle and one that is not quite what you need to get the job done – a situation which
could prove extremely dangerous on the road. The first step is to familiarize yourself with
terms that will be used in this guide when discussing vehicle choices for towing. You’ll find
the guide easier to use if you take a few moments and review this terminology.
Important Trailer Terminology:
Tow Rating: The maximum amount of weight a
vehicle can tow, as rated by the manufacturer.
Maximum tow limits usually have special
requirements, such as axle ratio, cooling systems,
types of hitches, etc.
Curb Weight: (vehicle weight) The weight of the
empty truck (without payload or driver), including
fuel, coolant, oil and all items of standard or
optional equipment.
Loaded Trailer Weight: The weight of the trailer plus
all cargo in it. Measure Loaded Trailer Weight by
putting the fully loaded trailer on a vehicle scale.
Maximum Trailer Weight: Term used on charts
throughout this brochure. The maximum
permissible loaded trailer weight.
Trailer Tongue Weight: The downward force exerted
on the hitch ball by the trailer coupler with weight
distributing devices, if any, deactivated. Measure
Trailer Tongue Weight with the trailer fully loaded
and on a level surface, and with the coupler at its
normal towing height. Measure directly with
a commercial scale.
Gross Axle Weight Rating: (GAWR) The maximum
weight a specific axle is designed to carry safely.
Includes the weight of the vehicle plus any load that
must be supported by the axle, including Tongue
Weight and/or payload. The load on front and rear
axles should not exceed the GAWR specied on the
safety certification label for front and rear axles, nor
should total load exceed GVWR. The GAWR can be
found on the driver’s side door panel sticker.
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:(GVWR) Total
allowable weight of a fully equipped vehicle with
driver, passenger(s), cargo, fluids, accessories and
Tongue Weight. Maximum GVWR and front and rear
GAWRs must not be exceeded. The GVWR can be
found on the driver’s side door pillar sticker.
Gross Combination Weight: (GCW) A fully equipped
vehicle with driver, passenger(s), fuel, fluids, standard
and optional equipment, and a trailer with cargo.
GROSS VEHICLE
WEIGHT OF
TOWING VEHICLE
+
GROSS VEHICLE
WEIGHT OF TRAILER
=
GROSS COMBINATION
2006 vehicle shown.
Gross Combination Weight Rating: (GCWR)
Maximum allowable gross combination weight,
which includes a fully equipped vehicle with driver,
passenger(s), fuel, fluids, standard and optional
equipment, and a trailer with cargo.
Payload: The amount of weight that can be carried
by a vehicle including driver, passengers, cargo
and the tongue weight of a trailer, plus any options,
factory or aftermarket, and the weight of any upfit
body modifications.
WEIGHT
3
AXLE RATIOS MADE SIMPLE
Definition: The axle ratio is the relationship
between driveshaft revolutions and axle
revolutions. It’s usually expressed as a numerical
ratio, such as 3.00:1. The higher the axle ratio, the
more engine revolutions are applied to move the
load. The concept is similar to that of leverage. The
leverage comes at a cost, however, by decreasing
fuel economy and top-end speed. For optimum
performance with good fuel economy, a truck
requires the proper ratio on its driving axle. Dodge
Trucks are available with a wide range of rear axle
choices, because no single ratio can meet varying
factors such as engine output, tire size, load and
terrain. All these factors must be considered when
selecting an axle ratio to best meet your needs.
Axle ratios: A closer look
The axle ratio is critical in the operation of the
transmission/driveshaft/rear axle system that
transmits engine torque to the driving wheels
and lets the engine develop sufficient revolutions
per minute (rpm) to run efciently. With too few
revolutions per minute, an engine pulling a load
on a grade is likely to “lug” and overheat. Imagine
your vehicle trying to accelerate from low speed
in its highest gear. With too many rpm, an engine
will run noisily, get poor fuel economy and wear
faster. The best rear axle ratio for the intended
application lets the engine operate at its optimum
power range, typically between peak torque and
peak horsepower. This optimum range is different
for each engine and can be determined from the
engine’s torque/rpm chart.
A low numerical rear axle ratio, such as 3.21:1,
is also referred to as a high ratio, because the
road speed is relatively fast for any given engine
speed. The characteristics of this ratio are lower
engine rpm, reduced power output, and higher fuel
economy. A high numerical rear axle ratio, such as
4.10:1, is also referred to as a low ratio, because
the road speed is slow relative to engine speed. The
characteristics of this ratio are higher engine rpm,
more easily available power output, and lower fuel
economy.
Spec the ratio to the need
How will your truck be used? How much will it haul
or tow? Will it be used on steep grades, on at
highways, or both? How important are fuel economy
and acceleration? These are the questions you
should ask yourself when determining the proper
axle ratio for your needs.
A
B
The rear axle ratio is
determined by dividing
the number of teeth on the ring gear (A)
by the number of teeth on the pinion gear (B)
inside the differential. With a ratio of 4.00:1, the
pinion gear on the driveshaft makes four rotations
for each rotation of the larger differential ring gear
on the rear axle driving shaft.
Dodge Truck Axle Ratios
High Numerical Midrange Low Numerical
(“Low Ratio”) (“High Ratio”)
4.88 4.56 4.44 4.10 3.92 3.73 3.55 3.21
More Pulling Power, Faster Acceleration, Lower Fuel
Economy, Higher Engine rpm/Noise, More Engine Fan
Cooling, Less Prone to “Lug,” Slower Top Road Speed
Steep Grades Varied Terrain Flat Terrain
Maximum Towing Moderate Towing Light Towing
Maximum Loads Moderate Loads Light Loads
4
Less Pulling Power, Slower Acceleration, Higher Fuel
Economy, Lower Engine rpm/Noise, Less Engine Fan
Cooling, More Prone to “Lug,” Faster Top Road Speed
HITCH SELECTION
Hitch Terminology
Hitch: Usually custom-designed for a specic model
of towing vehicle. Rated for Loaded Trailer Weight
and Tongue Weight.
Coupler: Part of the trailer. The socket must match
the ball size.
Hitch Ball: Must match trailer coupler size and be
rated to handle Gross Trailer Weight. Attachment
must be compatible with mounting area of hitch.
Safety Chains: Usually provided by the trailer
manufacturer. Strength is based on Gross Trailer
Weight.
Sway Controls: (Optional) Sway controls help
minimize the effects of sudden manoeuvres, wind
gusts, and buffeting caused by other vehicles.
Some are adjustable for varying conditions –
recommended for trailers with a large surface area.
Receiver: Attaches to towing vehicle. Rated for
Gross Trailer and Tongue Weights. Ratings may be
different depending on whether weight-distributing
hitch or weight carrying ball mount is used.
Hitch Selection
Step One: Determine the Loaded Trailer Weight and
Tongue Weight (TW) of trailer.
Step Two: Match trailer and tow vehicle to find the
correct hitch.
Step Three: Choose the right hitch, as well as
additional accessories that may be needed, such as
hitch balls, ball mounts, drawbars, trailer wiring,
safety chains, transmission coolers, locks, trailer
brake controls, ball and receiver tube covers, tow
bars or sway controls. Your Dodge Retailer can
supply you with the authentic Mopar® equipment
specifically designed for your Dodge Truck.
There are Three Basic Types of Hitches:
Weight-Carrying Hitch: Supports Trailer Tongue
Weight as though it were cargo located at the ball or
other connecting point. It is the most popular type
of hitch, and is commonly used to tow small and
medium-size trailers. It is usually custom built for
specific models of towing vehicles, and is rated by
Loaded Trailer Weight and Tongue Weight capacities.
In general, weight-carrying hitches are used for
lightweight (Class I) trailers up to 907 kilograms
(2000 pounds) and 91 kilograms (200 pounds)
Tongue Weight when towed by passenger vehicles
and with medium-duty (Class II) trailers up to
1588 kilograms (3500 pounds) and 159 kilograms
(350 pounds) Tongue Weight when towed by
pickups, vans and sport utility vehicles.
Weight-Distributing Hitch: Rather than merely
supporting the Tongue Weight, a weight-distributing
hitch applies leverage between the towing vehicle
and the trailer, thus distributing Tongue Weight to
all the towing vehicle and trailer wheels. A weight-
distributing hitch allows you to tow trailers with
greater Tongue Weights, typically in Class III
(2268 kilograms [5000 pounds])
(4536 kilograms [10,000 pounds])
(1)
and up to Class IV
(1)
categories,
resulting in a more level ride, reducing stress on the
rear of the vehicle and providing greater steering
and braking control. Please note that air springs,
air shocks and overload springs are not substitutes
for weight-distributing hitches, since they do
not redistribute load to other axles. A weight-
distributing system includes a receiver attached to
the tow vehicle, a removable hitch head and spring-
bar assembly that fits into the receiver opening,
and hook-up brackets that connect the spring bars
to the trailer frame.
(1)
When properly equipped.
Fifth-Wheel Hitch: A fth-wheel hitch is a special
high platform over the rear axle of the tow vehicle that
connects a vehicle and a trailer with a trailer-mounted
coupling pin (kingpin). Fifth-wheel trailers are the
heaviest variety, typically Class IV (4536 kilograms
[10,000 pounds]) and above. Mounting the hitch
over the rear axle improves sway control and makes
long trailers more manoeuvrable. In this case, the
kingpin weight becomes payload in the truck bed
for all calculations.
NOTE: Trailer Tow Group does not include the hitch shank or ball.
Your Dodge Retailer can supply you with the correct hitch set-up at extra
cost to meet your specific needs and arrange to have it installed for you.
Figures shown in kilog rams (pounds) and are bas ed on lowest trim level and with ba se tire.
body, opt ional equipment and in-cab lugg age, etc.
shown include heavy- duty cooling w ith V8 engines.
equipment, trailer hitch, carg o in the truck and pa ssengers other than the driver. Dodge Ram Trucks used to tow trailers over 2268 kg (5000 lb) lo aded weight must be properly equipped
with the available Class IV hitch re ceiver for 1500 and Trailer Tow Group (AHC) for 2500/3500, and trailers over 454 kg (1000 lb) loaded weight must have their own brakes. Trailer tow
restr ictions apply. See your re tailer for details.
diesel e xhaust brake must be used with all diesel equipped vehicles with tr ailer weights over 4536 kg (10,000 lb). A goos eneck or fth-wheel hitch at tached to the vehicle fr ame should be
used if the trailer being towed weig hs more than 4536 kg (10,000 l b) or has more than 454 kg (1000 lb) tongue weight . Note: Base Curb Weight can change.
(3)
Payload (estimated) is rounded to the nearest 4.5 kg (10 lb).
(5)
Maximum trailer weight ratings include cargo and fluids in the trailer and must be decreased by the weight of rear upfit body, optional
(6)
Maximum trailer weights (estimated ) are rounded to the nearest 23 kg (50 lb). Use synt hetic axle lubricant with the Trailer Tow Group. The
(2)
Payload figure shown must be reduced by the weight of the vehicle occupants, rear upfit
(4)
Maximum GCWR and max imum trailer weight gures for 1500 models
Dimensions shown in mm (in.) unless otherw ise specied. F igures based on lowest trim level unle ss otherwise specied.
Wheel (DRW) long box is 2438 mm (96.0 in.).
Figures shown in kilog rams (pounds) and are bas ed on lowest trim level and with ba se tire.
body, opt ional equipment and in-cab lugg age, etc.
shown include heavy- duty cooling w ith V8 engines.
equipment, trailer hitch, carg o in the truck and pa ssengers other than the driver. Dodge Ram Trucks used to tow trailers over 2268 kg (5000 lb) lo aded weight must be properly equipped
with the available Class IV hitch re ceiver for 1500 and Trailer Tow Group (AHC) for 2500/3500, and trailers over 454 kg (1000 lb) loaded weight must have their own brakes. Trailer tow
restr ictions apply. See your re tailer for details.
diesel e xhaust brake must be used with all diesel equipped vehicles with tr ailer weights over 4536 kg (10,000 lb). A goos eneck or fth-wheel hitch at tached to the vehicle fr ame should be
used if the trailer being towed weig hs more than 4536 kg (10,000 l b) or has more than 454 kg (1000 lb) tongue weight . Note: Base Curb Weight can change.
(3)
Payload (estimated) is rounded to the nearest 4.5 kg (10 lb).
(5)
Maximum trailer weight ratings include cargo and fluids in the trailer and must be decreased by the weight of rear upfit body, optional
(6)
Maximum trailer weights (estimated ) are rounded to the nearest 23 kg (50 lb). Use synt hetic axle lubricant with the Trailer Tow Group. The
(2)
Payload figure shown must be reduced by the weight of the vehicle occupants, rear upfit
(4)
Maximum GCWR and max imum trailer weight gures for 1500 models
Figures shown in kilog rams (pounds) and are bas ed on lowest trim level with base tire.
optional equipment and in-cab luggage, etc.
include heavy -duty cooling with V8 engines .
hitch, cargo in the truck and passengers other than the driver. Dodge Ram Trucks used to tow trailers over 2268 k g (5000 lb) loaded weight mu st be properly equipped with the available
Class IV hitch receiver, and t railers over 454 kg (1000 lb) loaded weight must have their ow n brakes. Trailer tow restrictions apply. See your re tailer for details.
(estimated) are rounded to the nearest 23 kg (50 lb.).
(3)
Payload (estimated) is rounded to the nearest 4.5 kg (10 lb).
(5)
Maximum trailer weight ratings include cargo and fluids in the trailer and must be decreased by the weight of optional equipment, t railers
(7)
Late av ailability. Note: Base Curb Weig ht can change.
(2)
Payload figure shown must be reduced by the weight of the vehicle occupants, rear upfit body,
(4)
Maximum GCWR and max imum trailer weight gures for 1500 models shown
Maximum Trailer
(4)
Maximum Trailer
(4)
(6)
Maximum trailer weights
Weight
Weight
(4)(5)(6)
(4)(5)(6)
14
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