2004 CHRYSLER TOWN AND COUNTRY Owners Manual

WARNING!
²Remove the fuel tank filler tube cap (gas cap) slowly
to prevent fuel spray from the filler neck which may
cause injury.
²The volatility of some gasolines may cause a buildup
of pressure in the fuel tank that may increase while
you drive. This pressure can result in a spray of
gasoline and/or vapors when the cap is removed
from a hot vehicle. Removing the cap slowly allows
the pressure to vent and prevents fuel spray.
²Never have any smoking materials lit in or near the
vehicle when the gas cap is removed or the tank
filled.
²Never add fuel to the vehicle when the engine is
running.
²A fire may result if gasoline is pumped into a
portable container that is inside of a vehicle. You
could be burned. Always place gas containers on the
ground while filling.
VEHICLE LOADING
The load carrying capacity of your vehicle is shown in the
charts that follow. This information should be used for
passenger and luggage loading as indicated.
If seats are removed for carrying cargo, do not exceed the
specified GVWR and GAWR.
Vehicle Certification Label
Your vehicle has a certification label attached to the
driver's door pillar.
The label contains the following information:
²Name of manufacturer
²Month and year of manufacture
²Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR)
²Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) front
²Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) rear
STARTING AND OPERATING 281
5

²Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
²Type of Vehicle
²Month Day and Hour of Manufacture (MDH)
The bar code allows a computer scanner to read the
Vehicle Identification Number (VIN).
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR)
The GVWR is the total allowable weight of your vehicle.
This includes driver, passengers, and cargo. The total
load must be limited so that you do not exceed the
GVWR.
Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR)
The GAWR is the maximum capacity of the front and rear
axles. Distribute the load over the front and rear axles
evenly. Make sure that you do not exceed either front or
rear GAWR.
WARNING!
Because the front wheels drive and steer the vehicle, it is
important that you do not exceed the maximum front or
rear GAWR. A dangerous driving condition can result if
either rating is exceeded. You could lose control of the
vehicle and have an accident.
Overloading
The load carrying components (axle, springs, tires,
wheels, etc.) of your vehicle will provide satisfactory
service as long as you do not exceed the GVWR and
front and rear GAWR.
The best way to figure out the total weight of your
vehicle is to weigh it when it is fully loaded and ready
for operation. Weigh it on a commercial scale to insure
that it is not over the GVWR.
Figure out the weight on the front and rear of the vehicle
separately. It is important that you distribute the load
evenly over the front and rear axles.
282 STARTING AND OPERATING

Overloading can cause potential safety hazards and
shorten useful service life. Heavier axles or suspension
components do not necessarily increase the vehicle's
GVWR.
Loading
To load your vehicle properly, first figure out its empty
weight, axle by axle and side by side. Store heavier items
down low and be sure you distribute their weight as
evenly as possible. Stow all loose items securely before
driving. If weighing the loaded vehicle shows that you
have exceeded either GAWR, but the total load is within
the specified GVWR, you must redistribute the weight.
Improper weight distribution can have an adverse effect
on the way your vehicle steers and handles and the way
the brakes operate.
A loaded vehicle is shown in the illustration. Note that
neither the GVWR or the GAWR capacities have been
exceeded.
Front
AxleRear Axle
Empty Weight 2140 lbs 1470 lbs
Load (Including driver, pass-
sengers and cargo)360 lbs 980 lbs
Total 2500 lbs 2450 lbs
GAWR 2544 lbs 2544 lbs
STARTING AND OPERATING 283
5

TRAILER TOWING
In this section you will find safety tips and information
on limits to the type of towing you can reasonably do
with your vehicle. Before towing a trailer carefully re-
view this information to tow your load as efficiently and
safely as possible.
To maintain warranty coverage, follow the requirements
and recommendations in this manual concerning ve-
hicles used for trailer towing.
Perform maintenance services as prescribed in the main-
tenance schedules manual. When your vehicle is used for
trailer towing, never exceed the gross axle weight rating
(GAWR) by the addition of:
²The tongue weight of the trailer.
²The weight of any other type of cargo or equipment
put in or on your vehicle.
²Remember that everything put in or on the trailer adds
to the load on your vehicle.
Warranty Requirements
The Manufacturer's Passenger Vehicle Warranty will
apply to vehicles used to tow trailers for non-commercial
use. However the following conditions must be met:
²The maximum frontal area of the trailer cannot exceed
20 square feet (1.86 square meters).
²The trailer tongue load must be considered as part of
the combined weight of occupants and cargo, and
should never exceed the weight referenced on the Tire
and Loading Information placard. Refer to the Tire±
Safety Information Section in this manual.
²The ªDº range can be selected when towing. However,
if frequent shifting occurs while in this range, the ª3º
range must be selected.
284 STARTING AND OPERATING

NOTE:Using the ª3º range while operating the vehicle
under heavy operating conditions will improve perfor-
mance and extend transaxle life by reducing excessive
shifting and heat build up.
WARNING!
Connecting trailer brakes to your vehicle's hydraulic
brake lines can overload your brake system and
cause it to fail. You might not have brakes when you
need them and could have an accident.
²Do not attempt to tow a trailer while using a compact
spare tire.
²Whenever you pull a trailer, regardless of the trailer
size, stop lights and turn signals on the trailer are
recommended for motoring safety.
²The automatic transaxle fluid and filter should be
changed if you REGULARLY tow a trailer for more
than 45 minutes of continuous operation. See Schedule
ªBº in section 8 of this manual for transaxle fluid
change intervals.
NOTE:Check the automatic transaxle fluid level before
towing. Fluid discoloration, or a burnt odor, shows the
need for a transmission fluid and filter change.
STARTING AND OPERATING 285
5

TRAVEL CONDI-
TIONMAXIMUM TRAILER WEIGHT (TRAILER FRONTAL AREA NOT TO EXCEED 32
SQ. FT.)
3.3L,& 3.8L EN-
GINES WITH
4-SPEED AUTO-
MATIC TRANS-
AXLE3.3L & 3.8L EN-
GINES WITH
HEAVY DUTY
TRAILER TOW
PACKAGE3.8L ENGINES
WITH 4-SPEED AU-
TOMATIC TRANS-
AXLE3.8L ENGINES
WITH HEAVY
DUTY TRAILER
TOW PACKAGE
MAX. COMBINED
WEIGHT OF VE-
HICLE AND
TRAILER NOT TO
EXCEED 6,600 lbs
(2993 kg)MAX. COMBINED
WEIGHT OF VE-
HICLE AND
TRAILER NOT TO
EXCEED 8,600 lbs
(3900 kg)MAX. COMBINED
WEIGHT OF VE-
HICLE AND
TRAILER NOT TO
EXCEED 6,600 lbs
(2993 kg)MAX. COMBINED
WEIGHT OF VE-
HICLE AND
TRAILER NOT TO
EXCEED 8,600 lbs
(3900 kg)
FWD FWD AWD AWD
UP TO 2 PERSONS
& LUGGAGE1,800 lbs(816 kg ) 3,800 lbs (1723 kg) 1,550 lbs (703 kg) 3,550 lbs (1610 kg)
3 TO 5 PERSONS &
LUGGAGE1,350 lbs (612 kg) 3,350 lbs (1519 kg) 1,100 lbs (498 kg) 3,100 lbs (1406 kg)
6 TO 7 PERSONS &
LUGGAGE1,000 lbs (454 kg) 3,000 lbs (1360 kg) 750 lbs (340 kg) 2,750 lbs (1247 kg)
286 STARTING AND OPERATING

A load equalizing hitch is recommended for loaded
trailer weights above 1,000 lbs (454 kg) and required for
weights above 2,000 lbs (907 kg).
CAUTION!
If the trailer weighs more than 1,000 lbs (454 kg)
loaded, it should have its own brakes and they
should be of adequate capacity. Failure to do this
could lead to accelerated brake lining wear, higher
brake pedal effort, and longer stopping distances.
WARNING!
Connecting trailer brakes to your vehicle's hydraulic
brake lines can overload your brake system and
cause it to fail. You might not have brakes when you
need them and could have an accident.
STARTING AND OPERATING 287
5