Ram 3500 for Ranch Work and Hay Season in Graham, TX

Heavy Duty | Graham, TX The weight numbers, hitch choices and heat habits that matter when a Ram 3500 pulls a big trailer. Pulling a big trailer from Graham to Abilene in July is a different job from pulling it in April. The load is the same, but the heat, the grades and the hours behind the wheel change what the truck has to do. A Ram 3500 is built for that work, and Holiday Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram sells it in Graham. This post explains the numbers that matter, the hitch choices and the simple habits that keep a heavy rig calm in summer. Quick answer: Match the trailer to the truck using three numbers: the trailer's loaded weight, the truck's tow rating and the weight on the hitch. Pick a gooseneck or fifth wheel for heavy trailers, use the factory tow settings and watch temperatures on long grades. Check every rating on the exact truck. At a glance Numbers Loaded weight, tow rating, hitch weight Hitch Gooseneck or fifth wheel for heavy loads Summer Watch temperature on long grades In this post Which numbers matter when you tow with a Ram 3500? Gooseneck, fifth wheel or bumper pull? How does a diesel Ram help under load? What does summer heat change? Questions to ask before you buy for towing Which numbers matter when you tow with a Ram 3500? Three, and they're easy to mix up. The first is the trailer's real loaded weight, which you get from a scale and not from the sales sheet. The second is the truck's tow rating. The third is the weight the trailer puts on the hitch, which counts against the truck's payload. Payload is where many people get surprised. Passengers, tools in the bed and the hitch itself all eat into it before the trailer is counted. A truck can hit its payload limit before it hits its tow limit. Common mistake: reading the tow rating and forgetting payload. Common mistake: using an empty trailer weight instead of a loaded one. Gooseneck, fifth wheel or bumper pull? Heavy trailers usually ride on a gooseneck or fifth wheel hitch in the bed, which puts the load over the rear axle and gives steadier handling. Bumper pull hitches work for lighter trailers but get twitchy as weight climbs. A fifth wheel hitch uses a plate and a kingpin, and a gooseneck uses a ball in the bed. Both need a truck with the right prep and a bed that can accept them, so ask the sales team what the Ram 3500 you like already has. Trailer brakes matter at any weight. Confirm the controller works and the connection is secure before every trip. A gooseneck fits you if You haul livestock or equipment trailers, want a simple ball setup and care about a clean bed when the hitch is out. A fifth wheel fits you if You tow a large camper or toy hauler and want the smooth feel of a kingpin connection. How does a diesel Ram help under load? The Cummins Turbo Diesel makes strong torque at low engine speeds, which keeps the truck from working hard on a grade. Diesels in Ram HD trucks also offer an exhaust brake that helps control speed on long downhills, which saves your service brakes. A gas engine can still do the job on lighter trailers. The right answer depends on trailer weight and miles per year. A truck can hit its payload limit before it hits its tow limit. What does summer heat change? Everything runs hotter. Engine coolant, transmission fluid and brakes all see more heat when a heavy trailer is behind you at 100 degrees. Leave earlier, stop for fuel before the tank gets low and watch the gauges on every long grade. A pre trip service check helps. The Holiday CDJR service department can look at coolant, belts, hoses, brakes and tires. The Express Lane lists coolant and fluid level checks, which is a quick way to start. 1 Before. Check tires, hitch, lights, coolant and brakes. 2 During. Watch temperatures and ease off if they climb. 3 After. Look at the tires and hitch for wear before the next trip. Questions to ask before you buy for towing Ask for the tow and payload numbers on the exact truck, ask what hitch prep it has and ask whether the engine and axle fit your trailer. Bring your trailer's weight and your hitch type to the conversation. Ask about service as well. A truck that tows a lot needs fluids and filters on time, and the shop that knows it matters. Browse the Ram inventory page to see what's on the lot. Schedule a test drive See the Ram 2500 specials Heavy Duty | Graham, TX Order the exact truck Axle ratio, cab and engine all affect towing. If the Ram 3500 you need isn't on the lot, start a preorder and a sales specialist will follow up. Start a preorder Weight and ratings How do I find the tow rating on my truck? + Check the owner's manual and the door jamb stickers. Ratings change by engine, axle ratio and cab. What is hitch weight? + It's the weight the trailer puts on the hitch. It counts against the truck's payload. How do I know my trailer's real weight? + Take it loaded to a public scale. That number beats any estimate. Hitches and brakes What is the difference between a gooseneck and a fifth wheel? + A gooseneck uses a ball in the bed. A fifth wheel uses a plate and kingpin. Both mount over the rear axle. Do I need a trailer brake controller? + If your trailer has electric brakes, yes. Ask the parts department what fits. What is an exhaust brake? + It's a diesel feature that helps slow the truck on downhill grades by adding engine braking. Heat and maintenance Does summer heat hurt towing performance? + It makes cooling harder. Watch your gauges and service coolant on schedule. How often should I service a truck that tows a lot? + Follow the severe service schedule in the manual, and ask the shop about fluids and filters. Can the Express Lane check my fluids before a trip? + It lists coolant and fluid level checks along with a multipoint checkup. Trucks and trade Does Holiday CDJR sell Ram 3500 trucks? + Yes. Check the Ram inventory page to see what's on the lot. Can I finance a heavy duty truck? + The finance department can walk you through options, and you can start online. Can I trade a smaller truck toward a Ram 3500? + Yes. Use the Value Your Trade form and bring it in for a look. Service and contact Who services a Ram 3500 in Graham? + The Holiday CDJR service department works on Ram trucks. Where can I look at a Ram 3500 in person? + At Holiday Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram, 1609 US Highway 380 in Graham, Texas 76450. Who do I call with towing questions? + Call the store at (940) 532-6403 and ask for sales or the service team. Meet the service team See the work the Graham shop does on heavy duty trucks. Service department Check your trade Find out what your current truck could be worth. Value your trade

Service | Graham, TX A short checklist for keeping a Jeep Wrangler dependable through the first freeze of the year. North Texas falls into winter in a hurry. One week you're driving with the doors off, and the next a north wind drops the temperature thirty degrees overnight. A Jeep Wrangler handles a cold morning fine if the basics are ready. This post covers what a freeze does to a Wrangler, which items deserve a look in the last weeks of October and how Holiday Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram in Graham can help. Quick answer: Before the first freeze, test the battery, check tire pressure, look at fluids and wiper blades, and inspect the door and roof seals. Four wheel drive helps you go, not stop, so tires and speed matter on ice. The Express Lane at Holiday CDJR covers a battery test and a multipoint check. At a glance Battery Test before the first freeze Tires Pressure drops as it gets cold Seals Doors and roof panels keep the heater working In this post What does a cold snap do to a Wrangler? Should you test the battery before winter? How do tires and four wheel drive handle ice? Which fluids and wipers matter most? What if you still take the doors off in fall? What does a cold snap do to a Wrangler? Cold makes everything a little harder. A weak battery that started fine in September struggles at 20 degrees. Tire pressure falls, fluids get thicker and rubber seals stiffen. A Wrangler adds one more variable, its removable parts. Doors, panels and fabric roofs all seal against air, and a seal that has been stored or flexed all summer may leak when the wind turns north. Pack for it, too. A blanket, a flashlight, a phone charger and a small shovel live in the back of a smart Wrangler from November through February, and they take up almost no room. Graham tip: Put the roof panels or fabric roof back on before the first cold night, not after. Seals that sit sealed for a few days settle in better than ones forced into place on a freezing morning. Should you test the battery before winter? Yes. Batteries lose strength in the cold, and a battery that is a few years old can fail on the first freezing morning without warning. A test takes a few minutes. The Holiday CDJR Express Lane lists a battery test and replacement, with the note that replacement is for non warranty batteries. Pair it with an oil change and the whole thing is one stop. The service department can also look at the charging system. If the battery tests weak, replace it before the freeze, not after. A dead battery in a cold parking lot on a Monday morning is a worse bargain than a new one in October. Slow crank: the engine turns over slowly on a cold start. Dim lights at idle: a sign the battery or charging system is weak. How do tires and four wheel drive handle ice? Four wheel drive helps a Wrangler accelerate, but it doesn't help it stop or turn on ice. Tires and speed do that work. Drive slower than you think you need to and leave extra distance. Tire pressure drops as temperatures fall, so check it again when the cold arrives. Look at the tread as well. The Express Lane lists a tire wear and pressure check, which covers both. Four wheel drive helps a Wrangler accelerate, but it doesn't help it stop or turn on ice. Which fluids and wipers matter most? Check the washer fluid first, since road spray in cold weather can blind you in seconds. Use a fluid rated for freezing temperatures, and replace worn wiper blades before the first ice storm. Coolant protection matters too. The Express Lane lists coolant and fluid level checks, and a quick test shows whether the mix will survive a hard freeze. Heater and defroster performance also deserve a quick test. Run both on a cool evening and confirm warm air and a clear windshield, since you don't want to find a problem on the first freezing morning. What if you still take the doors off in fall? Plenty of Wrangler owners do, and October can be a great month for it. Just keep the doors and roof close and know how long it takes to put them back. A cold snap can arrive faster than the forecast says. If the Wrangler sits outside, consider a cover and check the interior for moisture after a wet cold spell. Water in the floor can freeze and cause more trouble. One last habit pays off. Walk around the Wrangler once a week in winter, looking at the tires, the lights and the wipers. Ninety seconds of looking prevents most of the surprises. Schedule service See Mopar coupons Service | Graham, TX Book it your way Schedule online, call (940) 532-6403 or add a battery test to an oil change in the Express Lane. Tell the advisor you want a pre freeze check. Go to the Express Lane Battery and starting How long does a car battery last? + It varies with heat, use and the battery itself. Texas summers are hard on batteries, so test one that's a few years old before winter. Does the Express Lane test batteries? + Yes. It lists a battery test and replacement, with replacement for non warranty batteries. Why is my Wrangler slow to start when it's cold? + Cold weakens a battery and thickens oil. A battery test is the first step. Tires and traction Does cold weather lower tire pressure? + Yes. Pressure drops as the air cools, so check it when the weather changes. Is four wheel drive enough on ice? + It helps you go, not stop. Slow down and leave extra distance. Should I carry anything in the Wrangler for winter? + A blanket, a flashlight, water, a phone charger and gloves are smart. Add a small shovel if you drive back roads. Doors, roof and heat Can I leave the doors off in cold weather? + You can, but expect a cold ride. Put them on before the first freeze. How do I stop a roof panel from leaking? + Check the seals and the fit. A shop can look at it if the leak continues. Does the Wrangler heater work well? + Yes, but a good seal on the doors and roof matters. Check them before winter. Service and booking How do I book a pre freeze check? + Use the Schedule Service page or call (940) 532-6403. Where do I find current coupons? + The Mopar Parts Specials page lists them, and the ones shown expire December 31, 2026. Who services a Jeep Wrangler in Graham? + The Holiday CDJR service department works on Jeep vehicles. At the store Where do I take my Wrangler for a pre freeze check? + To the service department at 1609 US Highway 380 in Graham, Texas 76450. What parts does the shop use? + Mopar states original equipment parts are used on Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge and Ram vehicles in its Express Lane. Can I add accessories like floor liners? + Ask the parts department about Mopar accessories for your Wrangler. Look at parts See what the parts department offers for your Jeep. Parts department See service specials Check current service and parts offers. Service and parts specials

Service | Graham, TX What a shake at highway speed or a pull to one side usually means, and when to get it checked. A steering wheel that starts to shimmy at 65 on Highway 380 gets your attention fast. So does a truck that wants to drift toward the ditch when you let go of the wheel. Both are symptoms, and the cause is usually something specific that a tech can find in a short visit. This post walks through the common ones, what you can check yourself and when Holiday Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram's service department should take a look. Quick answer: A shake at speed often points to tire balance, a damaged wheel or worn parts. A pull to one side often points to uneven tire pressure, alignment or a sticking brake. Check pressure first, then book an inspection if it continues. Don't ignore a sudden change. At a glance Shake Often balance, wheel or tire damage Pull Often pressure, alignment or brakes Next Book an inspection if it persists In this post Why does the steering wheel shake at highway speed? Why does my vehicle pull to one side? What does a wheel and steering inspection check? Is it safe to keep driving? What to tell the advisor Why does the steering wheel shake at highway speed? The most common cause is a tire that's out of balance. A small weight falls off a wheel, and at a certain speed the wheel starts to vibrate. It tends to show up between 55 and 70 miles per hour and may fade above that. Other causes include a bent wheel from a pothole, a bulge or separation inside a tire and worn suspension or steering parts. Because the cause changes the fix, it's worth finding before you replace anything. If the shake comes only when you brake, look at the brakes instead. A warped rotor behaves differently. Heat plays a part in North Texas. Hot pavement and long summer drives can leave a tire worn in a way that shows up as a vibration later, which is why a vibration in October may trace back to August. Sudden new shake: stop and look at the tires, since a bulge or lost wheel weight is easier to catch early. Shake plus a clunk: worn suspension parts need a proper inspection. Why does my vehicle pull to one side? Start with the tires. A low tire on one side makes the vehicle drift that way, and mismatched wear can do the same. Check pressure when the tires are cold. If pressure is even, the next suspects are alignment, a sticking brake caliper or worn steering and suspension parts. Alignment shifts when you hit a curb or a deep hole, and Texas roads give plenty of chances. Crowned roads also fool you. Many roads slope toward the shoulder for drainage, so a slight drift on a county road may be normal. Test on a flat stretch. A consistent drift is worth reporting. Graham tip: Find a flat, empty parking lot and roll straight for a few seconds with your hands light on the wheel. A consistent drift is worth reporting. What does a wheel and steering inspection check? A tech looks at tire wear patterns, pressure and condition, then the wheels, lug nuts, brake components and the steering and suspension parts behind them. Pulling a wheel off gives a clear view of what's behind it. Balancing, alignment and parts replacement follow when needed. The advisor explains what's urgent and what can wait. Ask about the lug nuts as well. Wheels that have been removed recently should be torqued to spec, and a loose wheel makes its own kind of noise and shake. A tech can confirm it in a minute. 1 Listen. Tell the advisor when it happens, at what speed and whether braking changes it. 2 Inspect. The tech checks tires, wheels, brakes and suspension. 3 Fix and confirm. After the repair, a road test confirms the symptom is gone. Is it safe to keep driving? Sometimes. A mild balance shake is mostly an annoyance, though it wears parts and tires faster over time. A strong shake, a loud noise or a pull that makes the vehicle hard to control isn't safe to ignore. If you feel something let go, or the wheel shakes violently, pull off when it's safe and call for help. It isn't worth finishing the trip. When in doubt, call. The service team can tell you over the phone whether to drive in or arrange a tow, and a short call is cheaper than a roadside surprise. A consistent drift is worth reporting. What to tell the advisor Be specific. Say what you feel, where you feel it, at what speed and under what conditions. Mention recent events like a pothole hit, new tires or a recent repair. Also check for open recalls on your vehicle. You can look up your VIN at the federal recall lookup, and the service team can take care of any that apply. Schedule service Watch service videos Service | Graham, TX Book it your way Schedule online, call (940) 532-6403 or contact the service team. Describe the shake or pull in the comments so the tech knows where to start. Go to the service department Shaking and vibration Why does my steering wheel shake only on the highway? + Tire imbalance often shows up at certain speeds. A shop can balance the tires and check the wheels. Can a bent wheel cause vibration? + Yes. A pothole can bend a wheel, and the damage can be hard to see. Why does the wheel shake when I brake? + It often points to warped or uneven rotors. A brake inspection will confirm. Pulling and drifting Why does my truck drift to the right? + Low pressure, alignment or brake drag can cause it. Check pressure first. Can low tire pressure make a vehicle pull? + Yes. A tire with less air on one side pulls that way. Could the road be causing the drift? + Possibly. Roads slope for drainage, so test on a flat stretch. Repairs Do I need an alignment? + If the vehicle pulls, wears tires unevenly or the wheel sits off center, ask for an alignment check. How often should tires be balanced? + When they're installed and any time you feel a vibration. A rotation is also a good time to check. What parts wear out and cause a shake? + Tie rods, ball joints, wheel bearings and control arm bushings can all play a part. Safety Is it safe to drive with a shaking wheel? + A mild shake isn't an emergency, but a strong one is. Get it checked soon. What if I hit a pothole and the car feels different? + Have the wheels, tires and alignment inspected. Damage can be hidden. How do I check for recalls? + Use the federal recall lookup with your VIN, and ask the service team about any that apply. Booking an inspection How do I book an inspection? + Use the Schedule Service page or call (940) 532-6403. Which address do I use for an inspection? + It's 1609 US Highway 380 in Graham, Texas 76450. Does the Express Lane check tires? + It lists a tire wear and pressure check with a tire rotation and brake inspection. Add a quick check Pair a rotation and wear check with your visit. Express Lane Plan your visit Get hours and directions for the Graham service department. Hours and directions