2009 Dodge Ram 1500 Pickup Owner Manual - Page 408

406 STARTING AND OPERATING WARNING! (Continued) • Make certain that the load is secured in the trailer and will not shift during travel. When trailering cargo that is not fully secured, dynamic load shifts can occur that may be difficult for the driver to control. You could lose control of your vehicle and have an accident. Vehicles with trailers should not be parked on a grade. When parking, apply the parking brake on the tow vehicle. Put the tow vehicle transmission in PARK. With fourwheel-drive vehicles, make sure the transfer case is not in NEUTRAL. Always, block or ЉchockЉ the trailer wheels. GCWR must not be exceeded. Total weight must be distributed between the tow vehicle and the trailer so that the following four ratings When hauling cargo or towing a trailer, do not overload are not exceeded: your vehicle or trailer. Overloading can cause a loss of control, poor performance or damage to brakes, axle, 1. GVWR engine, transmission, steering, suspension, chassis struc- 2. GTW ture or tires. 3. GAWR Safety chains must always be used between your vehicle and trailer. Always connect the chains to the frame or 4. Tongue weight rating for the trailer hitch utilized (This hook retainers of the vehicle hitch. Cross the chains requirement may limit the ability to always achieve the under the trailer tongue and allow enough slack for 10% to 15% range of tongue weight as a percentage of total trailer weight). turning corners.