Towing FAQ and Definitions

Glossary of Terms

Towing terminology can be complex. Find out more below about commonly used terms when it comes to towing.

• Towing Limits

  Your RAM has a maximum allowable Payload, a maximum allowable combined Payload and Trailer Weight, and a maximum allowable Towing Capacity.

  These maximum allowable limits are calculated based on sealed roads. When towing on Unsealed Roads and off-road, strictest adherence to the towing limits, assuming that Weight Distribution is appropriate, as well as careful driving to suit the conditions.

  A maximum limit described as "braked" applies to a trailer that has independently powered brakes that assist in stopping the vehicle with affixed trailer, as opposed to an "unbraked" trailer, that relies on the brakes in the vehicle itself to stop the vehicle and trailer.

• Payload

  The total weight (or mass) a vehicle can safely carry, including passengers, cargo, and any additional accessories. It is crucial for maintaining vehicle performance and safety. You cannot operate the vehicle at maximum Payload capacity and maximum Towing Capacity at the same time, as this will exceed the Gross Combination Mass limit.

• Gross Vehicle Mass (GVM)

  Gross Vehicle Mass (also known as Gross Vehicle Weight Rating in US terminology) includes the total weight of the vehicle, its occupants, luggage, cargo and all vehicle accessories.

  When towing, you must also take into account the weight of the trailer on the tow ball (also known as the Ball Weight or “down weight”) when calculating Gross Vehicle Mass.

  If you attach a trailer to a RAM and the RAM has already been loaded to its maximum Gross Vehicle Mass (before attaching the trailer), the Ball Weight which is the down weight placed on the vehicle through the tow ball, would add additional weight to the vehicle and cause it to exceed the Gross Vehicle Mass. Gross Vehicle Mass limits and axle load limits should not be exceeded. If exceeded, this means that the vehicle is being operated beyond its engineering limits and road legal requirements.

  RAM undertakes rigorous research, development and testing of its vehicles and sets their Towing Limits and maximum operating parameters to allow owners to operate within their limits.

  Non-genuine or “aftermarket” modifications such as Gross Vehicle Mass upgrades, even if independently certified by an engineer, risk exceeding the vehicle’s engineering limits and may adversely impact the engineering integrity of your RAM vehicle.

  Ram Trucks Australia does not recommend vehicles be operated at their maximum Gross Vehicle Mass limit or maximum Gross Combination Mass limit on Unsealed Roads or off-road tracks.

  RAM recommends customers use a Weighbridge to check that Gross Vehicle Mass limits, axle load limits and Gross Combination Mass limits are not exceeded.

  Gross Vehicle Mass maximum specifications are for sealed road use only.

  You must always drive appropriately for the conditions.

• Towing Capacity

  The maximum weight that a vehicle can safely tow using a trailer.

  This includes the weight of the trailer and its cargo. The maximum Towing Capacity takes into consideration the weight of a full tank of fuel and one occupant (driver) at the nominal weight of 68kg (as referenced in the Motor Vehicle Standards & Australian Design Rules).

  You cannot operate the vehicle at maximum Payload capacity and maximum Towing Capacity at the same time, as this will exceed the Gross Combination Mass limit because the Ball Weight must also be factored into the calculation

• Gross Trailer Mass (GTM)

  Gross Trailer Mass (GTM), is the maximum weight of a trailer and its contents that is supported by the trailer's axles.

  This means it excludes the weight that is transferred from the trailer to the tow vehicle through the tow ball or hitch.

• Gross Combination Mass (GCM)

  Gross Combination Mass (also known as Gross Combined Weight Rating in US terminology) is the maximum total weight of the vehicle, its occupants, luggage, cargo, and all vehicle accessories - AS WELL AS THE WEIGHT OF WHAT IS BEING TOWED.

  When towing, you must also take into account the Ball Weight when calculating Gross Combination Mass.

  Ram Trucks Australia does not recommend vehicles be operated at their maximum Gross Vehicle Mass limit or maximum Gross Combination Mass limit on Unsealed Roads or off-road tracks.

  Gross Combination Mass maximum specifications are for sealed road use only.

• Ball Weight (Down Weight, Tow Ball Down Weight)

  The downward force exerted by a trailer on the tow ball of a vehicle.

  As a guide, “ball weight” or “down weight” is commonly equated to 10 per cent of the weight of the loaded trailer. However, this should be measured accurately, to calculate the impact of the “ball weight” or “down weight’” on the payload of the towing vehicle.

  Weight Distribution can also impact the “ball weight” or “down weight”. The “ball weight” or “down 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 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.

• Unsealed Roads

  Roads that are not paved or maintained, often consisting of dirt or gravel. These roads can present additional risks when towing or operating a vehicle.

  Gross Vehicle Mass and Gross Combined Mass maximum specifications are for sealed road use only. Use on Unsealed Roads when approaching or at the Towing Limits increases risk of failure, injury, loss or damage because of the additional stresses that such use may cause on the vehicle (over and above those experienced when towing on sealed roads).

  Ram Trucks Australia does not recommend vehicles be operated at their maximum Gross Vehicle Mass limit or maximum Gross Combination Mass limit on unsealed roads or off-road tracks.

  Ram Trucks Australia recognises some customers may want to tow on unsealed roads or off-road tracks, despite its recommendations, however in such scenarios it is critical the vehicles do not exceed their maximum Gross Vehicle Mass limit or Gross Combination Mass limit. It is also critical to ensure there is balanced Weight Distribution in the trailer, and balanced Weight Distribution across the front and rear axles of the vehicle.

  In such situations, we strongly recommend Weighbridge testing to ensure that the Towing Limits are not exceeded.

• Aftermarket Accessories

  Parts or components not manufactured or approved by the original vehicle manufacturer.

  The genuine Ram Trucks Australia tow bar assembly is the only towing equipment recommended by Ram Trucks Australia.

  Use of 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, which has been designed for use as-is (including the Ram Trucks Australia tow bar assembly, if fitted) and within its Towing Limits.

• Weight Distribution

  The balance of weight across the vehicle's axles and the trailer, which is crucial for safe towing. Balanced Weight Distribution helps prevent loss of control and ensures stability.

  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. The Ball Weight or “down 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 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.

• Weighbridge

  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.

Frequently Asked Questions: Payload and Towing Requirements

• Q1: Why is it important to understand my RAM's Payload and towing capacities?

  Understanding your RAM's Payload and Towing Limits is crucial for ensuring safety and compliance on the road. Each RAM variant has specific limits, and operating within these ensures the vehicle's integrity and minimises the risk of personal injury, vehicle damage, and financial loss.

• Q2: What happens if I exceed the Payload or Towing Limits of my RAM?

  Exceeding the Payload or Towing Limits can lead to serious consequences, including reduced vehicle performance, loss of control, and increased risk of accidents. Additionally, it may negatively impact your rights under the Australian Consumer Law.

• Q3: How do I find out the maximum towing capacity for my RAM?

  The maximum allowable towing capacity (Towing Limits) for your RAM can typically be found on the vehicle's identification label, which is located inside the front door opening. This label provides essential information about your vehicle’s specifications.

• Q4: How can I be sure that my fully loaded vehicle and fully loaded trailer do not exceed towing limits?

  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.

  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. Additionally, 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.

• Q5: What is the difference between Gross Vehicle Mass (GVM) and Gross Combination Mass (GCM)?

  Gross Vehicle Mass (GVM) refers to the total weight of your vehicle, including occupants, cargo, and accessories. Gross Combination Mass (GCM) includes the weight of your vehicle plus the weight of any trailer being towed. Both limits must not be exceeded and appropriate Weight Distribution undertaken for safe operation.

• Q6: Can I operate my RAM on Unsealed Roads while towing?

  While it is possible to operate your RAM on Unsealed Roads, special care should be taken on Unsealed Roads and off-road tracks at slow and safe speeds to avoid severe and unnecessary damage. Unsealed Roads pose a higher risk of vehicle damage, especially when towing. The strict engineering limits set by RAM for Gross Vehicle Mass and Gross Combination Mass are specified for vehicle use on sealed roads. Ram Trucks Australia does not recommend vehicles be operated at their maximum Gross Vehicle Mass limit or maximum Gross Combination Mass limit on Unsealed Roads or off-road tracks.

• Q7: What should I do to ensure safe Weight Distribution while towing?

  To ensure safe Weight Distribution while towing, it is important to accurately calculate the weight of your trailer and its load. The Ball Weight or "down weight" must be included in your vehicle's Gross Vehicle Mass and in calculating your vehicle's Gross Combination Mass. Then you must also ensure that you follow Weight Distribution recommendations to maintain balance and stability.

• Q8: Are Aftermarket Towing Accessories recommended for my RAM?

  Ram Trucks Australia does not recommend the use of non-genuine or aftermarket towing accessories, as they may adversely affect the engineering integrity of your vehicle and could lead to exceeding road legal requirements.

• Q9: How can I maintain my vehicle's safety and performance while towing?

  To maintain safety and performance while towing, adhere to the specified Payload and Towing Limits, ensure proper Weight Distribution, and regularly check your vehicle's condition. Consider completing a towing safety course for further guidance.

• Q10: What resources are available to help me understand towing requirements?

  Ram Trucks Australia offers detailed resources on Payload management, Towing Limits, and Weight Distribution techniques. Explore these resources to empower yourself with the knowledge needed for safe towing practices.

• Q11: Where can I find further information if I have more questions?

  For more information, the full owner’s supplement can be viewed here. Additionally, feel free to reach out to our customer support team for assistance with any specific inquiries, or speak with your local RAM dealer.