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How to Drive Safely Towing a Trailer

When it comes to loading your trailer and hitting the road, we might forget that there's a right way to do it. Everything, from the way you put your cargo on the trailer, to the way you drive while the trailer is connected, is important for keeping you and other drivers safe on the road. Check out these tips for how to drive safely while towing a trailer and how to load your cargo so it stays put! 

How to Properly Load Your Cargo Trailer

Tip 1: Check your trailer's weight capacity, and be sure not to load more than you should. Close to 60% of your cargo's weight should be in the front half of your trailer, with the other 40% in the rear half (Unless otherwise is stated on your trailer). Tip 2: Balance the weight of the cargo as evenly as possible between the two sides so that the trailer does not sway from side-to-side. The center of gravity should be low to the ground and over the axles. Tip 3: Once the cargo is placed and balanced, you'll need to secure it. This helps to avoid shifting while you drive, which can result in making your trailer unstable and unsafe. Nylon rope and towing straps are both great options for securing cargo in your trailer. 

Read More: How to Connect a Trailer to Your Ram 1500 Pickup

Safety Tips for Driving with a Trailer

  • Go Slow – You need more time to accelerate and to brake.
  • Maintain Control -- Take your foot off the gas when you feel yourself losing control.
  • Longer Trailer = Wider Turns
  • Only Pass When Necessary
  • Slow Down When Going Downhill
  • Bring a Full-Size Spare Tire
  • Always Park on a Flat Surface

Pickup Trucks for Sale Racine WI

If you are interested in driving a pickup truck to take advantage of the capability and versatility that comes with the powerful build and engine, check out the Ram 1500. We've got an up-to-date online inventory just waiting for you, so check it out and schedule your test drive appointment today!
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How far can my RAM 1500 go on a single tank of gas?

For pickup truck drivers, fuel economy isn't always a top concern. If you wanted a highly efficient vehicle, a pickup shouldn't be your first option. However, that's not to say that some trucks can't be more efficient than others. The RAM 1500, for instance, is remarkably efficient for its size and power. A single tank of gas (23 gallons) can take you about 414 miles, depending on how often you drive on the highway. Check out more efficiency numbers below. more You might also be interested in: 2019 RAM 1500 performance features 2019 RAM 1500 fuel economy When it comes to trucks, drivers are generally happy to average close to 20 MPG. Pickups are meant to get things done, but wouldn't it be perfect if you could get things done at an efficient rate? Well, the 2019 RAM 1500 averages up to 22 highway MPG, 15 in the city, and 18 combined. See how we got that number of miles before? With a 23-gallon tank, and an average combined MPG of 18, you just multiply 23 by 18 and you get 414 miles. If you mostly drive on the highway, you will be able to drive your RAM 1500 for about 506 miles on one tank. Strict city drivers can go for about 345 miles. View our RAM 1500 inventory 2019 RAM 1500 engine options The base engine featured on the RAM 1500 is, as you may have predicted, impressive. Drivers can start off with a 3.6-liter V6 engine powered by 305 horses. That alone contributes to a near-7,000 lb. towing capacity, and that figure can get to nearly 9,000 lbs. when the truck is properly equipped. The second engine options is a 5.7-liter, eight-cylinder motor with 395 horsepower. Regardless of the engine you go with, you ought not to be disappointed. Schedule a test drive

How powerful is the 2019 Ram 1500?

2019 Ram 1500 Performance Features The 2019 Ram 1500 is capable and versatile. With exterior and interior updates, the Ram 1500 is more stylish, comfortable and durable than ever before. Let's take a closer look at the performance features in the 2019 Ram 1500! more Read More: What's new on the 2019 Ram 1500? 2019 Ram 1500 Engine Options The 2019 Ram 1500 offers two available engine options for drivers to choose from. The first is a 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 engine that reaches 305 horsepower and 269 pound-feet of torque. This engine has been upgraded to provide more efficiency, with new technologies like wide-range variable valve timing and two-step variable valve lift. The second engine option is a 5.7-liter HEMI V8 engine that offers 395 horsepower and 410 pound-feet of torque. This brawny engine provides a smooth, powerful ride. It features Fuel Saver Technology to enhance efficiency without sacrificing power. Each of these engine options is paired with a fully electronic TorqueFlite eight-speed automatic transmission that has a wide spread of gear ratios and use a new generation of computer controllers that process data faster to provide a fluid shift between gears and improve fuel economy, performance and drivability. 2019 Ram 1500 Performance Capabilities The 2019 Ram 1500 has best-in-class V8 engine towing, reaching up to 12,750 pounds. It also offers an increased payload, maxing out at 2,300 pounds. The Ram 1500 has available Class-Exclusive Active-Level™ Four Corner Air Suspension System with automatic load leveling so that no matter what you are hauling, you can do it with confidence. The automatic leveling system also lowers the vehicle at highway speeds to increase efficiency, and the newly sculpted exterior leads to increased aerodynamics. The Ram 1500 uses extensive amounts of high-strength steel in the frame, cab and box to make it the strongest Ram model ever. The 2019 Ram 1500 will be available at the dealership later this year. In the meantime, browse our current inventory and set up a test drive for your favorite Ram model online!

What's new on the 2019 Ram 1500?

2019 Ram 1500 Updates and Features The Ram 1500 is all-new for the 2019 model year. With plenty of updates inside and out, this new model is more stylish and more capable than ever before. Let’s take a closer look at the updates on the 2019 Ram 1500! more Read More: What's inside the Ram 1500? 2019 Ram 1500 Design Features While some of the classic Ram details are still in place, the 1500 has many updated features, like new signature LED headlamps and new available 22-inch aluminum wheels. High-strength steel was used throughout the body of the truck, making it the strongest generation of Ram 1500 ever. Advanced aerodynamics allow the Ram 1500 to have the lowest frontal drag coefficient in its class, thanks to a sculpted exterior and a class-exclusive active air dam that deploys automatically at higher speeds. Inside the Ram 1500, best-in-class rear legroom makes this the most spacious Ram 1500 interior ever, and background noise dampening ensures that everyone enjoys a quiet ride. An available dual-pane sunroof features electronically operated controls to make it easier than ever to let in more light and fresh air, and smart storage includes a fold-down rear center console with cup holders, armrest comfort, and added storage. 2019 Ram 1500 Capabilities Towing capabilities have been improved in the Ram 1500, offering best-in-class V8 engine towing. The Ram 1500 can tow up to 12,750 pounds and has a maximum payload of 2,300 pounds. The new available Active-Level™ Four Corner Air Suspension System with automatic load leveling gives you more confidence in your towing and hauling capabilities, and a new available 5.7-liter HEMI® V8 engine with eTorque technology gives you plenty of power while also improving fuel efficiency. Drivers looking for more information about the new 2019 Ram 1500 can contact a member of the Palmen of Racine sales team today!