2004 Dodge Ram 3500 Pickup Owner Manual Diesel - Page 275

STARTING AND OPERATING 275 • Use an approved wiring harness connector on the trailer. Standard equipment on all RAM pickup models provides a 4-way trailer tow connector located under the bumper. This connector contains the following vehicle circuits: park/tail lamps, left stop/turn lamp, right stop/turn lamp, and ground. With the optional Trailer Tow Prep package a 7-way connector is provided with the following additional circuits: backup lamp, trailer battery and electric brake. NOTE: Connect trailer lighting and brakes using factory harnesses only. Do not cut or splice wiring to the brake circuits. • Be sure the trailer is loaded heavier in front, with 60% to 65% of the weight in front of the axle(s). Loads balanced over the wheels or heavier in the rear can cause the trailer to sway severely side to side which will cause loss of control of vehicle and trailer. Failure to load trailers heavier in front is the cause of many trailer accidents. (For a Љ5th WheelЉ style trailer, this range of loading on the ЉKing PinЉ should be between 15% and 25%.) • Make certain that the load is secured in the trailer and will not shift during travel. When towing cargo such as livestock, dynamic load shifts can occur that require the driver to maintain attention. Trailer Towing - Hitches With a Class I Hitch, your vehicle can be equipped to tow trailers with a Gross Trailer Weight (GTW) of 2,000 lbs (907 kg) maximum. With a Class II Hitch, your vehicle can be equipped to tow trailers with a Gross Trailer Weight (GTW) of 3,500 lbs (1 587 kg) maximum. Tongue weight must be equal to at least 10% of GTW, but no more than 15% of GTW. 5