Study Guide with Verified Questions & Answers | 2026/2027
Latest Update | RAM Sales Certification Exam Preparation |
Graded A+
Section 1: Towing Fundamentals and Hitch Systems (Questions 1–20)
1. For calculating the tongue weight, what percent of a conventional trailer's maximum weight rating
does the Ram brand recommend?
A. 5%
B. 10%
C. 15%
D. 20%
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: RAM recommends that tongue weight for a conventional trailer be approximately 10% of the
trailer's maximum weight rating. This ensures proper weight distribution and stable towing. Insufficient
tongue weight can cause trailer sway, while excessive tongue weight can overload the tow vehicle's rear
axle .
2. Which type of hitch allows the ball platform to be removed from the hitch receiver?
A. Weight-distributing hitch
B. Fixed-drawbar hitch
C. Fifth-wheel hitch
D. Gooseneck hitch
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: A fixed-drawbar hitch allows the ball platform to be removed from the hitch receiver,
providing flexibility for different towing applications. This design is common on receiver-style hitches
where the ball mount can be interchanged .
3. What is the amount of weight that a truck will carry, including driver, passengers, cargo, options,
and tongue or king pin weight called?
A. Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR)
B. Curb weight
C. Payload
D. Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR)
Correct Answer: C
,Rationale: Payload is the amount of weight a truck can carry, including the driver, passengers, cargo,
options, and tongue or king pin weight. It is calculated by subtracting the curb weight from the GVWR.
Understanding payload is critical for safe towing and hauling .
4. For the vehicle you've selected, which of the following statements is true if the Gross Combination
Weight (GCW) of a vehicle and trailer exceeds the Gross Combination Weight Rating (GCWR)?
A. The vehicle can still tow the trailer if speed is reduced
B. The vehicle is overloaded, and a more capable model should be selected
C. The trailer weight should be reduced by 10%
D. Additional cooling is the only requirement
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: If the GCW exceeds the GCWR, the vehicle is overloaded and a more capable model should
be selected. Exceeding GCWR can cause premature wear, brake failure, and unsafe handling. This is a
critical safety and liability issue .
5. A trailer with a Gross Trailer Weight Rating (GTWR) up to what weight is considered a light-duty
trailer?
A. 5,000 lb
B. 7,500 lb
C. 10,000 lb
D. 12,000 lb
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: A trailer with a GTWR up to 7,500 lb is considered a light-duty trailer. This classification helps
determine the appropriate hitch class and towing equipment required for safe towing .
6. Which type of hitch applies leverage between the tow vehicle and trailer, sharing tongue weight
among all wheels of the vehicle and trailer?
A. Weight-distributing hitch
B. Fixed-drawbar hitch
C. Fifth-wheel hitch
D. Bumper hitch
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: A weight-distributing hitch applies leverage between the tow vehicle and trailer, distributing
tongue weight across all wheels of both the vehicle and trailer. This improves stability and reduces rear-
end sag, making it ideal for heavier conventional trailers .
, 7. What are trailer hitch classes defined by the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE)?
A. Classes I–III
B. Classes I–IV
C. Classes I–V
D. Classes A–D
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Trailer hitch classes are defined by SAE as Classes I–IV, each with specific weight ratings and
applications. Class I is for light-duty towing, while Class IV is for heavy-duty towing. Understanding hitch
classes is essential for matching trailers to vehicles .
8. The Ram 3500 HD's Class V hitch/receiver supports up to how many pounds in hitch capacity and
2,300 pounds in tongue weight?
A. 10,000 lb
B. 15,000 lb
C. 20,000 lb
D. 25,000 lb
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The Ram 3500 HD's Class V hitch/receiver supports up to 20,000 pounds in hitch capacity and
2,300 pounds in tongue weight. This heavy-duty capacity makes it suitable for the most demanding
towing applications .
9. What type of hitch mounts a platform in the bed of the truck between the rear axle and cab?
A. Weight-distributing hitch
B. Fifth-wheel hitch
C. Gooseneck hitch
D. Bumper hitch
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: A fifth-wheel hitch mounts a platform in the bed of the truck between the rear axle and cab.
This design provides superior stability and weight distribution for heavy trailers, making it ideal for
towing large RV and commercial trailers .
10. One thing that often surprises first-time truck buyers is that towing and payload weights _______
each other.