Key Precautions for Towing with Your Ram Truck

When towing, consider the weight of the trailer and its cargo, as well as the Ball Weight, when calculating the Gross Vehicle Mass (GVM) and Gross Combination Mass (GCM). Gross Vehicle Mass and Gross Combined Mass maximum specifications are for sealed road use only. RAM recommends customers use a Weighbridge to check their fully loaded vehicle and fully loaded trailer do not exceed the Gross Combination Mass limit – and the front and/or rear axle limits.

Do not exceed the GVM or GCM, as overloading can compromise vehicle performance, safety and control, increasing the risk of vehicle damage, vehicle malfunction, and the risk of accidents. Gross Vehicle Mass and Gross Combined Mass maximum specifications are for sealed road use only. RAM recommends customers use a Weighbridge to check their fully loaded vehicle and fully loaded trailer do not exceed the Gross Combination Mass limit – and the front and/or rear axle limits.

Avoid operating at maximum weight limits on Unsealed Roads. Adjust your speed and be aware of road conditions to minimise damage risks. Towing weights and Payload may need to be lowered, depending on your driving terrain, in particular on unsealed roads. Gross Vehicle Mass and Gross Combined Mass maximum specifications are for sealed road use only. Use on unsealed roads increases risk of failure, injury, loss or damage. For further limitations and recommendations, all RAM owners should thoroughly read their Warranty & Service Information Booklet RAM Australia & New Zealand Supplement and Owner's Manual.

Refer to the tow bar information label for details on maximum unbraked/braked towing weights and Ball Weight. RAM’s specified vehicle limits are for sealed road use only. This label is usually located inside the driver’s door.

Use of Aftermarket Towing Accessories, such as a non-genuine or “aftermarket” tow bar assembly can adversely impact the engineering integrity of the vehicle – due to the structure and/or mounting of the non-genuine parts and may adversely impact the engineering integrity of your RAM. Ram Trucks Australia does not recommend any non-genuine or “aftermarket” towing accessories be fitted to a RAM because such modifications can adversely impact the engineering integrity of the vehicle and exceed road legal requirements. The genuine Ram Trucks Australia tow bar assembly is the only towing equipment recommended by Ram Trucks Australia.

Maintain a safe distance from other vehicles and approach descents at slow speeds to prevent brake overheating and loss of control. It is your responsibility to maintain control of your vehicle, including maintain adequate distance from vehicles in front and ensuring appropriate braking points to stop within legal requirements. Special care should be taken on Unsealed Roads and off-road tracks at slow and safe speeds to avoid severe and unnecessary damage. Always refer to your local authorities where your vehicle and trailers are registered in relation to local towing and licence regulations as these may vary by State.

Familiarise yourself with your RAM’s maximum allowable Payload, Towing Capacities, and combined Towing Limits. RAM’s Gross Vehicle Mass and Gross Combined Mass maximum specifications are for sealed road use only. Understanding your vehicle’s limitations is crucial for safe operation. 

Always operate within the specified Towing Limits to avoid abnormal use of your vehicle, which can affect your rights under the Australian Consumer Law. RAM’s specified vehicle limits are for sealed road use only. To get the most out of your RAM, we recommend all RAM owners thorougly read and observe their Warranty & Service Information Booklet RAM Australia & New Zealand Supplement and Owner's Manual.

A Weighbridge is a platform used to determine the weight of large vehicles and trailers, ensuring compliance with weight and road regulations. It's essentially a giant scale designed to accurately weigh the contents and weight of these vehicles, and can also be used to measure axle weights. 

To ensure your vehicle (when not towing) remains within engineering limits and road legal requirements, RAM recommends customers use a weighbridge to check that the fully loaded vehicle does not exceed the Gross Vehicle Mass limit and the front and/or rear axle limits.

To ensure your vehicle and trailer (when towing) remain within engineering limits and road legal requirements, RAM recommends customers use a weighbridge to check their fully loaded vehicle and fully loaded trailer (including its Ball Weight) do not exceed the Gross Combination Mass limit – and the front and/or rear axle limits. 

It is important to understand that the driving terrain can impact the maximum vehicle specifications and that Gross Vehicle Mass and Gross Combined Mass maximum specifications are for sealed road use only.

Understanding, and managing, weight distribution over the front and rear axles of the vehicle (and weight distribution over the trailer axle or axles) is of particular importance.

To ensure your vehicle (when not towing) remains within engineering limits and road legal requirements, RAM recommends customers use a weighbridge to check that the fully loaded vehicle does not exceed the Gross Vehicle Mass limit and the front and/or rear Axle Limits.  

Weight distribution can also impact the Ball Weight or “down weight” when calculating Gross Combined Mass. The ball weight can substantially increase if the trailer is not attached correctly or not loaded evenly. If there is too much weight on the tow ball, there is a risk the Gross Vehicle Mass limit, Gross Combined Mass and axle load limits will be exceeded. This would mean that the vehicle is being operated beyond its engineering limits and road legal requirements, and there is risk of exceeding its front or rear axle limits.

There are specialised portable devices that can measure Ball Weight or “down weight” when used in accordance with their instructions and within their tolerances. Alternatively, this service may be provided by a weighbridge or by an independent towing expert.