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2021 RAM 1500 Owners Manual - TOWING A DISABLED VEHICLE



TOWING A DISABLED VEHICLE

This section describes procedures for towing a disabled vehicle using a commercial towing service.

If the transmission and drivetrain are operable, disabled vehicles may also be towed as described on page 230.

Vehicles equipped with the Active-Level Four Corner Air Suspension System must be placed in Transport mode, before tying them down (from the body) on a trailer or flatbed truck

page 165. If the vehicle cannot be placed in

Transport mode (for example, engine will not run), tie-downs must be fastened to the axles (not to the body). Failure to follow these instruc- tions may cause fault codes to be set and/or cause loss of proper tie-down tension.

Towing Condition

Wheels OFF The Ground

2WD Models

4WD Models

Flat Tow

NONE

If transmission is operable:

    Transmission in NEUTRAL
    30 mph (48 km/h) max speed
    30 miles (48 km) max distance

Detailed instruction on page 230

    Automatic Transmission in PARK
    Transfer Case in NEUTRAL (N)
    Tow in forward direction

Wheel Lift Or Dolly Tow

Front

NOT ALLOWED

Rear

OK

NOT ALLOWED

Flatbed

ALL

BEST METHOD

BEST METHOD

Proper towing or lifting equipment is required to prevent damage to your vehicle. Use only tow bars and other equipment designed for this purpose, following equipment FCA’s instructions. Use of safety chains is mandatory. Attach a tow bar or other towing device to main structural members of the vehicle, not to fascia/bumpers or associated brackets. State and local laws regarding vehicles under tow must be observed.

If you must use the accessories (wipers, defrosters, etc.) while being towed, the ignition must be in the ON/RUN mode, not the ACC mode.

If the key fob is unavailable or the vehicle's battery is discharged, find Instructions on shifting the transmission out of PARK

page 390.

TWO-WHEEL DRIVE MODELS

FCA recommends towing your vehicle with all four wheels OFF the ground using a flatbed.

If flatbed equipment is not available, and the transmission is operable, the vehicle may be towed (with rear wheels on the ground) under the following conditions:

The transmission must be in NEUTRAL (N). Instructions on shifting the transmission to NEUTRAL (N) when the engine is off

page 390.

The towing speed must not exceed 30 mph (48 km/h).

The towing distance must not exceed 30 miles (48 km).

If the transmission is not operable, or the vehicle must be towed faster than 30 mph (48 km/h) and farther than 30 miles (48 km), tow with the rear wheels OFF the ground.

Acceptable methods to tow the vehicle on a flatbed are as follows:

The front wheels raised and the rear wheels on a towing dolly

Using a suitable steering wheel stabilizer to hold the front wheels in the straight position with the rear wheels raised when and the front wheels ON the ground.

FOUR-WHEEL DRIVE MODELS

FCA recommends towing with all wheels OFF the ground. Acceptable methods are to tow the

vehicle on a flatbed or with one end of vehicle 7

raised and the opposite end on a towing dolly.

(Continued)

EMERGENCY TOW HOOKS — IF EQUIPPED

Your vehicle may be equipped with emergency tow hooks.

NOTE:

For off-road recovery, it is recommended to use both of the front tow hooks to minimize the risk of damage to the vehicle.


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