Decoding a Used Ram 1500 Door Jamb Sticker

September 10, 2021 · 6 min read

A white 2020 Ram 1500 is shown from the front parked in front of a barn.

View Used RAM 1500 If you're in the market for a used Ram 1500, that's a good thing because they're durable and rugged vehicles. However, if you are purchasing one for towing and trailering or other specific work or recreational purposes, you'll want to read the door jamb sticker to understand the specifications of the vehicle and ensure it'll meet your needs. Luckily, we'll help you decipher the meaning of the codes and numbers hidden in the door jamb sticker. But, if you have questions, just contact us at Dan Cummins Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram right here in the heart of Paris, Kentucky, and we'll walk you through the details as we have the experts on staff to put your mind at ease when buying your next used Ram 1500.

Value in a Used Ram 1500

If you're in the market for a used truck, the Ram 1500 is an excellent choice. These trucks are known for their performance, power, and towing capabilities. When you need to depend on your truck, this one will put in the work mile after mile. Buying a used Ram 1500 doesn't mean you need to sacrifice what you want in it. At Dan Cummins, we will match your purchase criteria with the right truck in our inventory or our broader network. We'll ensure the truck will have the cargo space, towing and trailering weight, cabin comfort, engine power, and performance you need, whether it is for work or play. Our team will get creative to ensure the financing fits your budget and cash flow. We'll provide top dollar on your trade-in to minimize your purchase price. We'll also take care of the pesky paperwork to ensure title, registration, and doc fees are done properly and in accordance with laws and regulations. So let's dive into the details of the door jamb dilemma. A red 2020 used Ram 1500 is shown parked in the mountains.

A red 2020 used Ram 1500 is shown parked in the mountains.

Details in the Door Jamb

If you get a chance to look at the inner frame of your drivers' door and you'll likely notice a sticker better known as the door jamb sticker. You might even find a few stickers depending on the year, make, and model. Regardless, the information on the door jamb stickers is critical in helping you understand some highly relevant data points about the Ram 1500's tires, towing, trailering, and performance information. VIN Details – You'll likely see the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) and complementary details. The VIN is the unique number that only this specific Ram 1500 has, and it can be used to look up important details such as title and ownership information. You'll also find some related numbers or names on this sticker, such as the paint type and the trim type. The paint type is important so you can do an exact match for any touch-ups or repairs to the Ram 1500's exterior finish. The trim level is also displayed to show you the version of your Ram 1500 and the features that were on it at the time of manufacture, so you know what was original. Weight Details – An important number you'll find on a door jamb decal is going to be numbers that describe the Ram 1500's gross vehicle weight rating, likely listed as the GVWR on the sticker. This weight factors in a full tank of gas, the maximum number of passengers, and the maximum amount of cargo. Exceeding the maximum GVWR can result in mechanical failures that could put everyone in the truck and on the road at risk, so pay attention to this data point. Tire Details – The door jamb stickers will also tip you to important facts about the tires you should use when operating your Ram 1500. You'll see information about the size and dimensions of the tires and the proper PSI level that each tire should be inflated to so your truck will drive safe and smooth. Trailering Details – In addition to the GVWR described above, which is an overall figure for the vehicle, there are additional numbers worthy of your attention when using the Ram 1500 for serious towing and trailering. One is the Gross Axle Weighing Rating (GAWR). GAWR represents the maximum weight an individual axle can support. Other items that may be apparent in the door jamb would be the payload, which is how much additional cargo weight you can add beyond what the truck weighs on its own. This is a simple yet useful number to approximate what you can safely carry as payload. The Towing Capacity is another number that will be super useful and is specific to trailering. This is the maximum pounds the truck can safely tow behind it. It is a factor of the aforementioned GVWR and GAWR numbers. Finally, there is the Gross Combined Weight Rating or GCWR. This is the largest number you'll likely see on the door jamb or in Ram 1500 specs. This is the maximum weight when the truck is at its maximum payload and maximum towing capacities. So, don't exceed GCWR; that's pretty important. The official Ram 1500 specs will tell you a lot of the basics. For example, a 2021 Ram 1500 Tradesman has a GVWR of 7,100 pounds, a payload capacity of 2,320 pounds, a towing capacity of 7,740 pounds, and a GCWR of 12,900 pounds. However, those are maximum specs for the model, and your particular used truck will have different numbers depending on how it was options. So look in the door jamb instead of just reading the official manufacturer specs. A blue 2020 Ram 1500 is shown from the front parked in a city after looking at a used Ram 1500 dealer.

A blue 2020 Ram 1500 is shown from the front parked in a city after looking at a used Ram 1500 dealer.

Does the Door Seal the Deal?

While the door jamb has a wealth of information, Ram also recognizes that the average truck buyer may not have the time or expertise to decipher all of this information. Given information about tire pressure and towing weight are pretty important to vehicle and people safety, Ram created a cool website where you can simply type in the VIN and find the specific payload and towing ratings for that specific Ram 1500. Just go to the Ram Towing Capacity Guide, and there will be a pop-up box to enter the specific VIN when clicking "look up my vehicle." This site also has tons of general information about towing and trailering with a Ram, including towing technologies you can use and the engine performance when towing. If you plan to do some serious hauling, such as a boat, RV, or camper, be sure to check out this useful site.

Be Confident, Ask Our Experts

As you can tell, there is an overload of information on the door jamb and elsewhere. That is why you should lean on our friendly and knowledgeable team at Dan Cummins for your used Ram 1500. Depending on your needs, we'll likely tell you that your tires should be between 35 and 80 PSI depending on the tow weight, terrain and weather. We'll also let you know that your Ram 1500 should tow about 10% under the maximum GCWR because we want you to be conservative and safe when on the road with your family and friends. Our staff will educate you on what it means to have an E10 tire which is the likely tire you'll need for the distance and cargo you'll tow. So check out the door jamb in a used Ram 1500, but then stop by and see us. We'll figure it all out together - that's who we are and what we do.

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A silver 2015 used Ram 1500 is driving down the road.

Nov 12, 2020 in Used Ram 1500

Everything Old is New Again - To You

Ram owners are America's most-loyal half-ton and heavy-duty pickup owners, according to the IHS Markit Study. If you're a long-time Ram fan or are new to the brand, at Dan Cummins Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram, we have plenty of used Ram 1500 trucks available for purchase. However, you might find yourself wondering just how to use all the advanced tech available in your new Ram? How do you set up the UConnect infotainment system on your used Dodge Ram? Why do I want it, anyway? Buckle up, and we'll explore the Uconnect System. At a full 12 inches, the available Uconnect 12.0 offers the largest touchscreen in its class. Its customizable home screen has the split-screen capability and pinch-and-zoom technology, just like your favorite smartphone. You can access a variety of apps with it, including navigation and SiriusXM satellite radio. When you pair your smartphone with Uconnect, you can start your vehicle remotely, lock and unlock the doors, and even beep the horn all from your pocket. Siriusly Capable The Uconnect version of SiriusXM is more than just streaming radio. With SiriusXM Guardian, you can also call roadside assistance and receive alerts to your smartphone if someone sideswipes your parked Ram or tries to break in. By starting your Ram remotely with SiriusXM, you can also warm it up in the winter and cool it down in the summer. While sounding the horn and flashing the lights are impressive to ward off thieves or just to find your truck in a crowded parking lot, SiriusXM Guardian is also super practical for sending directions from your smartphone to the available navigation system. Both Uconnect navigation and SiriusXM's Traffic Plus can help you get to where you're going as smoothly as possible. You can also use SiriusXM Guardian to reach emergency services, contact roadside assistance, and troubleshoot your system. With Uconnect, you can receive a monthly vehicle health report to learn how your truck's mechanical and electrical systems are working and communicating. Vehicle health alerts will let you know when it's time to head to the garage. If someone attempts something nefarious with your Ram, Uconnect can send text, email alerts, and even push notifications. If the worst happens, Stolen Vehicle Assistance can help the police locate your vehicle in a snap, thanks to GPS data. You can personalize your SiriusXM subscription with up to five listener profiles, each of which will adapt based on your listening history. You can even access over 5,000 hours of On Demand content and search with voice commands for whatever will scratch your listening itch. Because the Uconnect system will also connect with your smartphone, you don't have to leave that song behind when you park your Ram - it will still be available as you walk to your destination. There are five different levels of SiriusXM Guardian packages. The Security Package includes theft alarm notification and stolen vehicle assistance, while the Assist Package offers SOS Call, Roadside Assistance Call, and SiriusXM Guardian Assistance. You can combine these two with the Assist + Security Package. For more functionality, the Convenience Package offers everything in the Assist + Security Package, plus remote start and remote door locking and unlocking. All the possible SiriusXM Guardian perks are contained in the Convenience + Security Package. More than One Way to Play and Pay Besides SiriusXM Guardian options, UConnect offers full Apple AirPlay and Android Auto functionality. It will also allow up to 10 smartphones to connect via Bluetooth. So whoever travels with you, you'll be able to reach everyone's favorite playlist. Of course, all this connectivity is no good without access. With Uconnect, you can even use your vehicle's antenna to create a 4G WiFi Hotspot. Besides smartphone app connectivity, you can also link your home Alexa device from UConnect. Then you're able to start your vehicle, check the fuel level, and even send directions to the navigation with voice commands. Also available is the Uconnect Market. When this is enabled, you can find and pay for fuel, food, parking, and even make dinner reservations from the comfort of your driver's seat. OK, I'm Sold - Just Tell Me How it Works Already There are multiple ways to connect your Ram 1500 to Uconnect. The most hands-off way to set up your Uconnect system is to push the assist button located on the rearview mirror. Next, you'll select the UConnect icon on the touchscreen, and from there, a customer service agent will walk you through the process. If you want to register online when you're in your Ram 1500, access Unconnect through the button at the bottom of your touchscreen. From there, you'll enter your email to receive a link to register your vehicle for Uconnect access. Next, you'll want to check your email on your smartphone and click that link to activate your Unconnect connection. Once you open that link, you will create a new account, or if you're lucky enough to have already owned a vehicle with Uconnect, log in to access your saved preferences. Once you have set up your Uconnect account, it's time to pair your smartphone. After pressing the Uconnect button in your vehicle, you'll receive a voice prompt. Follow the prompt trial by saying "setup" and then "phone pairing" - the system will then prompt you to say "pair a phone" and ask for a PIN. You can find this four-digit PIN in your vehicle manual. After confirming your PIN, you'll give your phone a name and assign it a priority number. Be sure Bluetooth is enabled on your smartphone and open that setting to search for Uconnect. It should simply show up as "Uconnect" under available devices. Choose Uconnect in your phone's Bluetooth settings, enter that vehicle manual PIN once more, and your vehicle should announce a successful pairing. If all else fails, don't forget that you can always just come back to the Dan Cummins dealership, and we'll be happy to help you out. What's in a Name If you're looking for a used Ram 1500, you may notice that some are listed as Dodge Rams, while others are just Rams. What gives? Like most automotive relationships, it's complicated. The original Dodge brand, formerly known as the Dodge Brothers Company, began making trucks in the early part of the 20th century. During the 1920s, Chrysler bought the brand but continued to let it operate as an independent division. Multiple years and mergers later, the Ram name was applied to Dodge's new full-size truck in 1980. Three decades later, further corporate maneuvering resulted in Ram Trucks being split off as its own brand, allowing Dodge to focus on its cars and vans. Any Ram made after 2010 has no branding connection to Dodge, although the two divisions continue to share technology and features such as the Uconnect infotainment system. And Away We Go There are many reasons to purchase a used Ram 1500 - whether it bears the Dodge branding or not. Even used, these rugged trucks still have a lot of life left and can easily last for 200,000 or 300,000 miles. The Ram 1500 has often received accolades for its reliability, although 2018 trucks are often considered the best value as they were the final year of 4th generation production. Whichever year of the Ram 1500 you choose, you'll be set with a truck that has the potential to work hard for years to come. And with the user-friendly Uconnect infotainment system, you'll have the muscle of Ram plus the power of the internet, all from your driver's seat. If you have any questions on these excellent trucks, feel free to reach out to the team here at Dan Cummins CDJR for the answers you need. We offer the best inventory of new and used Ram trucks in the Lexington area.

Oct 31, 2022 in Car Tips

How To Prepare Your Home For An Electric Vehicle

Electric vehicles increase in popularity every year. They offer significant advantages, such as low operating costs and less pollution. However, purchasing an electric vehicle isn’t a straightforward process. You must prepare your home for this new vehicle, as it requires an electric charge to operate. Therefore, you’ll need a charging station at home to avoid going to a public charging station every time your battery is low. Below, we’ll outline the steps to prepare your home for an electric vehicle. View New Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe Know the Different Types of Chargers 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe The first thing to know about preparing your home for an electric vehicle is that you can get two types of chargers: Level 1 and Level 2. A Level 1 charger is your most basic charger, as it delivers the standard household current output of 110 or 120 volts. You'll be able to recognize a Level 1 charger as it looks like the other plugs in your home, with three prongs that go into the outlet. When you buy an electric vehicle, you'll likely get one of these chargers included with the purchase. A Level 2 charger is more complex but charges the vehicle faster. For example, a Level 1 charger provides around three to five miles of range per hour. So, it can take an entire day to fully charge an electric vehicle with a Level 1 charger. A Level 2 charger provides around 25 miles of range per hour, making it a much faster option. A Level 2 charger uses about 240 volts, double that of a Level 1 charger. It is ideal for people who plan on driving their vehicles frequently. From this, it would seem to make sense to opt for the Level 2 charger. However, a Level 2 charging station requires a more complex setup and a more significant energy requirement from your home. It could overload your home's electrical consumption capability if you don't properly prepare for it. Therefore, you'll want to carefully consider whether a Level 2 charger is the right option for you. Installing a Charging Station Installing a Level 1 charging station within your home is typically easy. All you need to do is plug the vehicle into an available outlet. Check your garage area for an accessible standard 120-volt outlet. Most homes can accommodate the energy requirements of a Level 1 charger, so you don't need to worry about overloading the system. Going with a Level 2 charging station requires a bit more planning. Here is what you need to do if you decide to go with this system: Determine Your Power Consumption Before purchasing a Level 2 charger, you want to ensure your home can handle the increased energy consumption. To do this, you can perform an energy audit on your home. An easy way to do this is by installing an electricity usage monitor, which will tell you how much electricity your major appliances use. You can then add them up to determine your power consumption level. Once you know this, you'll want to compare it with the maximum energy rating of your home. You can find this information on your circuit breaker or energy panel. For example, energy panels installed before 1965 typically have a rating of 60 amps, while later systems are around 100 amps. Newer panels can have ratings of 150 to 200 amps, sometimes even more. Once you know your home's rating, you'll want to take 80% of this number, as you typically don't want to go over 80% of the maximum allowed amount. All these calculations should give you an idea of how much power your home typically uses and how much you have available based on your energy panel's rating. You can then determine whether you have enough energy left over to get a Level 2 charger, and if so, what kind. Get the Right Vehicle Charger When it comes time to buy the charger, you'll have a few options. You'll want to carefully consider your vehicle’s battery capacity, as higher-capacity batteries need more powerful chargers. However, the most popular choice is a 30-amp, 240-volt Level 2 charger. As long as 30 amps of energy are available within your home, this charger should provide enough power to fully charge your electric vehicle overnight. Install the New Charger After getting the proper charger, you then need to install it properly. To do this, you'll need to hardwire your new charger into your home's power station. While it's possible to do this on your own, for most people, it's wiser to hire a professional. A professional is best suited to install the charging station safely, and you don't have to risk injury. Talk to a local electrician and ask for a cost estimate. Explore This Alternative Option If you want to get a Level 2 charger but don't want to go through the complicated installation process, there may be an alternative solution. Some garages come equipped with a 240-volt outlet, typically used for your home's dryer. If you have one of these outlets, you can purchase a 30-amp charger and plug it into this outlet. If you're using this outlet for a heavy appliance already, you would need to unplug that appliance every time you want to charge your vehicle. This solution won't work for everyone, but it's worth exploring to see if it works for you. Finding Your New Electric Vehicle at Dan Cummins Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram of Paris Setting up your home for a new electric vehicle may take a little work, but it's often worth it in the long run. By spending a little time and money now, you can have a great charging setup at home that provides energy for your electric vehicle for years to come. If you're interested in getting your first electric vehicle, check out some of our available new options or even our pre-owned vehicles. You can also contact us anytime to learn more about how to prepare your home for your new electric vehicle.

Oct 05, 2022 in Jeep Dealer

2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee Overview

The Jeep Grand Cherokee is one of the most popular SUVs on the market. It's been around for over two decades, and each new model is better than the last. The 2023 model is no exception — it's packed with features sure to please drivers and passengers alike. We discuss everything you need to know about the Jeep Grand Cherokee 2023, going over its specs, features, and price. Keep reading to learn all about the 2023 Grand Cherokee. View New Jeep Grand Cherokee Trim Options and Prices 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee The Jeep Grand Cherokee has six trim levels: the Laredo, Altitude, Limited, Overland, Summit, and Summit Reserve. Whether you're looking for something sporty and sleek or luxurious and comfortable, there's a Grand Cherokee trim that's perfect for you. Here, we break down the different trims and what they have to offer. Laredo: With a starting MSRP of $39,395, the Laredo is Jeep's entry-level model, but it's far from basic. This puppy comes standard with slim LED horizontal headlights, an 8.4-inch Uconnect 5 infotainment system, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and more. Altitude: The Altitude starts at $44,105 MSRP and builds on the Laredo with leather upholstery, Satellite Radio, Wi-Fi Hotspot, keyless entry, power steering, and other features. Limited: With a starting MSRP of $46,215, the Limited trim is where things start to get really luxurious. For example, while the Laredo comes with cloth seats, the Limited is upholstered in Capri leather. You also get Quadra-Trac I all-wheel drive and heated seats in the first and second rows to keep everyone toasty. Overland: The Overland has a starting MSRP of $56,305 and is the sportiest and most capable of the bunch. It features a 5.7-liter V8 engine and the advanced Quadra-Trac II four-wheel-drive system. You also get a sport-tuned suspension, which offers some serious off-roading capability. Summit: The Summit is the luxurious top-of-the-line model, starting at $60,070 MSRP. It benefits from massaging front seats, quad-zone automatic climate control, lane-centering assist, traffic sign recognition, driver-attention monitoring, and a surround-view parking camera system. Summit Reserve: The Summit Reserve is the range-topping model and starts at $66,550 MSRP. As the name suggests, this trim is all about luxury and comfort. It offers the ultimate list of features and amenities, including a 19-speaker McIntosh premium audio system, Palermo leather upholstery, and ventilated rear seats. Interior and Cargo Capacity The Jeep Grand Cherokee has always been a comfortable and practical SUV, and the 2023 model is no different. The interior is spacious and comfortable, with plenty of room for five adults to sit comfortably. The seats are well-cushioned and offer good support. The front seats are particularly comfortable, with plenty of adjustability to help you find the perfect driving position. There's also a generous amount of headroom and legroom, even in the back seats. Creature comforts abound in the 2023 Grand Cherokee, with standard features such as dual-zone automatic climate control, a power-adjustable driver's seat, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel. Higher trims add even more luxury features, such as heated and ventilated front seats, massaging front and back seats, and a 19-speaker premium audio system for the ultimate sound quality. Regarding cargo space, the Grand Cherokee offers 46.9 cubic feet with the rear seats up and a whopping 84.6 cubic feet of space when you fold them down. That's more than enough room for weekend getaways or hauling around large items. If you need even more space, the Grand Cherokee is also available with a trailer-tow package that can tow up to 7200 pounds. Whether you're headed to the mountains or the beach, the Jeep Grand Cherokee has the space and comfort you need to enjoy the ride. Performance and Fuel Economy While most automakers only offer a single engine in their SUVs, the 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee has multiple engine options to choose from. While Grand Cherokee fans will be familiar with two of them, there's also a newly available plug-in hybrid in the lineup. The base engine is a 3.6-liter V6 engine that generates 293 horsepower and 257 lb-ft of torque, which is plenty of power for most driving situations. For something more powerful, there's also a 5.7-liter V-8 engine with 357 horsepower and 390 lb-ft of torque, which is surprisingly the only midsize SUV in the mainstream segment that’s powered by a V-8. For those wanting the best in fuel efficiency, a new plug-in hybrid 4xe model pairs a turbocharged 2-liter four-cylinder engine with an electric motor. This powertrain is suitable for a combined output of 375 horsepower and 470 lb-ft of torque. The plug-in hybrid electric vehicle model has an estimated electric-only range of 25 miles and can tow up to 6000 pounds. As you can see, there's an engine option to suit every driver in the Grand Cherokee lineup. So, no matter your needs, there's a Jeep Grand Cherokee that's perfect for you. Safety and Driver-Assistive Features As with most new cars today, the 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee comes standard with a host of safety and driver-assistive features, including blind spot monitoring, lane keep assist, and a rear cross-traffic alert system. Higher trims boast a full suite of advanced safety features, such as traffic-sign recognition, parallel and perpendicular park assist, and a surround-view parking camera system. No matter which trim level you choose, the Jeep Grand Cherokee has your safety covered. While the 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee hasn't been fully crash-tested by either the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration or the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety yet, it's safe to say it will score well in both tests because it's built on a solid foundation with high-strength steel and aluminum. Combined with the advanced safety features mentioned above, the Jeep Grand Cherokee is sure to be one of the safest SUVs on the road. So, there you have it. Everything you need to know about the 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee. Whether you're looking for a comfortable and practical family SUV or a powerful and efficient off-roader, the Jeep Grand Cherokee has something to offer everyone. Dan Cummins Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram of Paris is your one-stop shop for all things Jeep. From our financing department to scheduled service, we can help you with every step of your Jeep ownership experience. Contact us today, or visit us to experience the Jeep Grand Cherokee for yourself. You won't be disappointed.