Ram 1500/2500/3500 Owners & Service Manuals

Ram 1500/2500/3500: Off-Road Driving Tips

Care should be taken when attempting to climb steep hills or driving diagonally across a hill or slope. If natural obstacles force you to travel diagonally up or down a hill, choose a mild angle and keep as little side tilt as possible.

Keep the vehicle moving and make turns slowly and cautiously.

If you must back down a hill, back straight down using REVERSE gear. Never back down in NEUTRAL or diagonally across the hill.

When driving over sand, mud, and other soft terrain, shift to low gear and drive steadily. Apply the accelerator slowly to avoid spinning the wheels.

Do not reduce the tire pressures for this type of driving.

After Driving Off-Road

Off-road operation puts more stress on your vehicle than does most on-road driving. After going off-road, it is always a good idea to check for damage. That way you can get any problems taken care of right away and have your vehicle ready when you need it.

  • Completely inspect the underbody of your vehicle.

    Check tires, body structure, steering, suspension, and exhaust system for damage.

  • Inspect the radiator for mud and debris and clean as required.
  • Check threaded fasteners for looseness, particularly on the chassis, drivetrain components, steering, and suspension.

    Retighten them, if required, and torque to the values specified in the Service Manual.

  • Check for accumulations of plants or brush. These things could be a fire hazard. They might hide damage to fuel lines, brake hoses, axle pinion seals, and propeller shafts.
  • After extended operation in mud, sand, water, or similar dirty conditions, have the radiator, fan, brake rotors, wheels, brake linings, and axle yokes inspected and cleaned as soon as possible.

WARNING! Abrasive material in any part of the brakes may cause excessive wear or unpredictable braking. You might not have full braking power when you need it to prevent a collision. If you have been operating your vehicle in dirty conditions, get your brakes checked and cleaned as necessary.

  • If you experience unusual vibration after driving in mud, slush or similar conditions, check the wheels for impacted material. Impacted material can cause a wheel imbalance and freeing the wheels of it will correct the situation.

    READ NEXT:

     Winch Usage - Power Wagon Only - (If Equipped)

     Things To Know Before Using Your Winch

    General Winch Information Your vehicle is equipped with an electric vehicle recovery winch. This winch uses the electrical power from the vehicle charging system to power a motor that winds wire rope

     Understanding The Features Of Your Winch

    Winch Components Motor: The winch motor is powered by the vehicle charging system and features a thermal protection switch that automatically stops motor function in the power-in direction if th

    SEE MORE:

     Locking And Unlocking RamBox

    Press and release the LOCK or UNLOCK button on the RKE transmitter to lock and unlock all doors, the tailgate and the RamBox (if equipped). Refer to "Remote Keyless Entry" for further details. The RamBox storage bins can be locked using the vehicle key. To lock and unlock the storage bin, insert the

     Electronic Speed Control

    When engaged, the Electronic Speed Control takes over accelerator operations at speeds greater than 25 mph (40 km/h). The Electronic Speed Control buttons are located on the right side of the steering wheel. Electronic Speed Control Switches ON/OFF RES + SET - CANCEL NOTE: In order to ensure

    © 2020-2025 Copyright www.ram-manuals.com