Exaust break required on 3500.....

[jdiebold]

TERMS & CONDITIONS* Direct from the Dodge web site.


Compressed natural gas engines not for towing: Vehicles equipped with compressed natural gas engines should not be used for towing.

Exhaust brake or "Jake Brake" requirement: An exhaust brake or "Jake Brake" is required for Dodge 3500 Pickup and Chassis Cab models pulling a trailer weight of 10,000 pounds or more.

If this is the case, why can't we order the exaust brake from the factory?

Fifth-wheel hitch requirement: DaimlerChrysler Corporation requires that for warranty coverage, vehicles towing trailers with a weight rating of 12,000 pounds or more must be equipped with a fifth-wheel or gooseneck hitch.

Listed GTW ratings The GTW ratings listed in this guide are intended to provide acceptable performance for normal conditions of temperature, grade, and altitude. Extreme conditions will require selection of a higher axle ratio anor a higher powered engine. Dodge trucks equipped with Cummins Intercooled Turbo Diesel engines will have a minimal power loss at high altitude. Maximum trailer weight ratings include cargo and fluids in the trailer, plus 150 pounds for the tow vehicle driver. These ratings must be decreased by the weight of any optional equipment, trailer hitch, cargo in the tow vehicle, and passengers other than the driver. To determine the GTW, subtract the curb weight and 150 pounds (allowance for the driver) from the GCWR. A maximum engine cooling option may be required to achieve the maximum trailer weight rating and GCWR.

Payload: The sum resulting from subtraction of the curb weight from the gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR).

Synthetic axle lubricant with Trailer Tow Group Tow vehicles equipped with the Trailer Tow Group option should use synthetic axle lubricant, which is standard on all 2003 Ram Pickup Trucks.

For all trailer towing or heavy duty applications replace the factory fill rear axle lubricant with an SAE 75W-140 synthetic gear lubricant. Mopar Synthetic Gear Lubricant (MS-8985) is of this type. Perform the maintenance listed in Section 8 of this manual. When towing a trailer, never exceed the Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR).

Caution:
When hauling cargo or towing a trailer, do not overload your vehicle or trailer. Overloading can cause a loss of control, poor performance or damage to brakes, axle, engine, transmission, steering, suspension, body structure or tires.

Tongue weight: To determine the maximum trailer tongue weight, multiply the gross trailer weight (GTW) by 15 percent. The ideal tongue weight should be about 13 percent. For maximum king pin weight on fifth-wheel applications, multiply the GTW by 25 percent.

Engine break-in procedures Caution:
-During the first 805 km (500 miles) your new vehicle is driven, do not tow a trailer. Doing so may damage your vehicle.
-Limit your speed to (80 km/h) 50 mph during the first 805 km (500 miles) of towing.

*Consult your Owner's Manual or your dealer for towing information specific to your Dodge vehicle. Trailer towing is not recommended with a 3.21 axle ratio on Ram Pickup. Dodge trucks used to tow trailers over 2,000-lb loaded weight must be equipped with a Trailer Tow Prep Group AHC, and trailers over 1,000-lb loaded weight must have their own brakes. Trailer tow restrictions may apply. See your retailer for details.