When to use low range, Driving in snow, mud and sand – Ram Trucks 2015 3500 - Owner Manual User Manual

Page 540

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WARNING!

Always wear your seat belt and firmly tie down
cargo. Unsecured cargo can become projectiles in an
off-road situation.

When To Use Low Range
When driving off-road, shift into 4L (Low Range) for

additional traction or to improve handling and control on

slippery or difficult terrain. Due to the lower gearing, low

range will allow the engine to operate in a higher power

range. This will allow you to idle over obstacles and

down hills, with improved control and less effort. Also,

use 4L (Low Range) in rain, ice, snow, mud, sand, to get

heavy loads rolling, improve traction, or whenever 4H

(High Range) traction will not do the job.

Driving In Snow, Mud And Sand

There is a drastic reduction in traction when driving in

snow, mud or sand. The vehicle will be less responsive to

steering, acceleration and braking inputs. Therefore you

should accelerate slowly, leave greater stopping distances

and avoid abrupt vehicle maneuvers. You want to keep a

slow constant steady pace. The key is to maintain the

vehicle’s momentum.

Snow – In heavy snow or for additional control and

traction at slower speeds, shift the transmission to a

low gear and shift the transfer case to 4L (Low Range)

if necessary. Do not shift to a lower gear than necessary

to maintain headway. Over-revving the engine can

spin the wheels and traction will be lost. If you start to

slow to a stop, try turning your steering wheel no more

than a ¼ turn quickly back and forth, while still

applying throttle. This will allow the tires to get a fresh
Љ

biteЉ and help maintain your momentum.

538 STARTING AND OPERATING

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