Loading, Trailer towing – Ram Trucks 2015 ProMaster - Owner Manual User Manual

Page 276

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The best way to figure out the total weight of your

vehicle is to weigh it when it is fully loaded and ready for

operation. Weigh it on a commercial scale to ensure that

it is not over the GVWR.
Figure out the weight on the front and rear of the vehicle

separately. It is important that you distribute the load

evenly over the front and rear axles.
Overloading can cause potential safety hazards and

shorten useful service life. Heavier axles or suspension

components do not necessarily increase the vehicle’s

GVWR.
Loading
To load your vehicle properly, first figure out its empty

weight, axle-by-axle and side-by-side. Store heavier items

down low and be sure you distribute their weight as

evenly as possible. Stow all loose items securely before

driving. If weighing the loaded vehicle shows that you

have exceeded either GAWR, but the total load is within

the specified GVWR, you must redistribute the weight.

Improper weight distribution can have an adverse effect

on the way your vehicle steers and handles and the way

the brakes operate.
NOTE:

Refer to the “Vehicle Certification Label” affixed

to the rear of the driver’s door for your vehicle’s GVWR

and GAWRs.

TRAILER TOWING
In this section you will find safety tips and information

on limits to the type of towing you can reasonably do

with your vehicle. Before towing a trailer, carefully

review this information to tow your load as efficiently

and safely as possible.
To maintain the New Vehicle Limited Warranty coverage,

follow the requirements and recommendations in this

manual concerning vehicles used for trailer towing.

274 STARTING AND OPERATING

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