2009 Dodge Ram 1500 Pickup Owner Manual - Page 402

400 STARTING AND OPERATING WARNING! It is important that you do not exceed the maximum front or rear GAWR. A dangerous driving condition can result if either rating is exceeded. You could lose control of the vehicle and have an accident. that typically provides adjustable friction associated with the telescoping motion to dampen any unwanted trailer swaying motions while traveling. Weight-Carrying Hitch A weight-carrying hitch supports the trailer tongue weight, just as if it were luggage located at a hitch ball or some other connecting point of the truck. These kind of Tongue Weight (TW) hitches are the most popular on the market today and The tongue weight is the downward force exerted on the they're commonly used to tow small- and medium-sized hitch ball by the trailer. In most cases it should not be less trailers. than 10% or more than 15% of the trailer load. You must Weight-Distributing Hitch consider this as part of the load on your vehicle. A weight-distributing system works by applying leverFrontal Area age through spring (load) bars. They are typically used The frontal area is the maximum height and maximum for heavier loads to distribute trailer tongue weight to the width of the front of a trailer. tow vehicle's front axle and the trailer axle(s). When used in accordance with the manufacturer's directions, it proTrailer Sway Control The trailer sway control is a telescoping link that can be vides for a more level ride, offering more consistent installed between the hitch receiver and the trailer tongue steering and brake control, thereby enhancing towing