Towing Tips
Before setting out on a trip, practice turning, stopping and
backing the trailer up in an area away from heavy traffic.
Automatic Transmission
The DRIVE range can be selected when towing. The
transmission controls include a drive strategy to avoid
frequent shifting when towing. However, if frequent shift-
ing does occur while in DRIVE, select TOW/HAUL mode
or select a lower gear range (using the Electronic Range
Select (ERS) shift control).
NOTE:
Using TOW/HAUL mode or selecting a lower
gear range (using the ERS shift control) while operating the
vehicle under heavy loading conditions will improve per-
formance and extend transmission life by reducing exces-
sive shifting and heat build up. This action will also
provide better engine braking.
When towing a loaded trailer up steep grades at low
speeds (20 mph [32 km/h] or below), holding your vehicle
in first gear (using the ERS shift control) can help to avoid
transmission overheating.
If you regularly tow a trailer for more than 45 minutes of
continuous operation, then change the automatic transmis-
sion fluid and filter(s) as specified for
⬙
police, taxi, fleet, or
frequent trailer towing.
⬙
Refer to the “Maintenance Sched-
ule” for the proper maintenance intervals.
NOTE:
Check the automatic transmission fluid level be-
fore towing (6-speed automatic only).
Tow/Haul Mode
To reduce potential for automatic transmission overheat-
ing, activate TOW/HAUL mode when driving in hilly
areas, or select a lower gear range (using the Electronic
Range Select (ERS) shift control) on more severe grades.
Speed Control — If Equipped
•
Do not use in hilly terrain or with heavy loads.
•
When using the speed control, if you experience speed
drops greater than 10 mph (16 km/h), disengage until
you can get back to cruising speed.
•
Use speed control in flat terrain and with light loads to
maximize fuel efficiency.
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STARTING AND OPERATING
Summary of Contents for RAM 1500 2017
Page 4: ......
Page 7: ...1 INTRODUCTION 5 ...
Page 10: ......
Page 157: ...Slow Tone Fast Tone 3 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 155 ...
Page 228: ......
Page 332: ...8 4 8 4 NAV With Manual Temperature Controls 330 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL ...
Page 333: ...8 4 8 4 NAV With Automatic Temperature Controls 4 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 331 ...
Page 560: ......
Page 612: ......
Page 681: ...MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES CONTENTS 䡵 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE 680 Maintenance Chart 681 8 ...
Page 693: ...INDEX 10 ...