2004 DODGE DURANGO load capacity

These cautions apply to all chain traction devices, includ-
ing link and cable (radial) chains.
Tire chain use is permitted only on the rear tires of
Durango trucks.
NOTE:The use of class ªSº chains is permitted on
Durangos with P245/70R17 tires.
CAUTION!
Do not use tire chains on 4x4 Durango trucks
equipped with P265/65R17 tires. There may not be
adequate clearance for the chains and you are risking
structural or body damage to your vehicle. Do not
use tire chains on the 4X2 front wheels of Durango
models. There may not be adequate clearance for the
chains and you are risking structural or body dam-
age to your vehicle.
SNOW TIRES
Snow tires should be of the same size and type construc-
tion as the front tires. Consult the manufacturer of the
snow tire to determine any maximum vehicle speed
requirement associated with the tire. These tires should
always be operated at the vehicle maximum capacity
inflation pressures under any load condition.
While studded tires improve performance on ice, skid
and traction capability on wet or dry surfaces may be
poorer than that of non-studded tires. Some states pro-
hibit studded tires; therefore, local laws should be
checked before using these tire types.
240 STARTING AND OPERATING

Rating (GAWR) front and rear, and Vehicle Identification
Number (VIN). A Month-Day-Hour (MDH) number is
included on this label and shows the Month, Day, and
Hour of manufacture. The bar code that appears on the
bottom of the label is your Vehicle Identification Number
(VIN).
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR)
The GVWR is the total permissible weight of your vehicle
including driver, passengers, vehicle, options, and cargo.
The label also specifies maximum capacities of front and
rear axle systems. Total load must be limited so that
GVWR is not exceeded.
Payload
The payload of a vehicle is defined as the allowable load
weight a truck can carry including the weight of the
driver, all passengers, options, and cargo.
Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR)
The GAWR is the maximum permissible load on the front
and rear axles. The load must be distributed in the cargo
area so that the GAWR of each axle is not exceeded.
Each axle GAWR is determined by the component in the
system with the lowest load carrying capacity (axle,
springs, tires, or wheels).
Heavier axles or suspension components sometimes
specified by purchasers for increased durability do not
necessarily increase the vehicle's GVWR.
Tire Size
This is the minimum allowable tire size for your vehicle.
Replacement tires must be equal to the load capacity of
this tire size.
Rim Size
This is the rim size that is appropriate for the tire size
listed.
STARTING AND OPERATING 251
5

Inflation Pressure (Cold)
This is the cold tire inflation pressure for your vehicle for
all loading conditions up to full GAWR.
Curb Weight
The curb weight of a vehicle is defined as the total weight
of the vehicle with all fluids, including vehicle fuel, at full
capacity conditions, and with no occupants or cargo
loaded into the vehicle. The front and rear curb weight
values are determined by weighing your vehicle on a
commercial scale before any occupants or cargo are
added.
Loading
The actual total weight and the weight of the front and
rear of your vehicle at the ground can best be determined
by weighing it when it is loaded and ready for operation.
The entire vehicle should first be weighed on a commer-
cial scale to insure that the GVWR has not been exceeded.
The weight on the front and rear of the vehicle shouldthen be determined separately to be sure that the load is
properly distributed over front and rear axle. Weighing
the vehicle may show that the GAWR of either the front
or rear axles has been exceeded but the total load is
within the specified GVWR. If so, weight must be shifted
from front to rear or rear to front as appropriate until the
specified weight limitations are met.
Store heavier items down low and be sure that the weight
is distributed equally. Stow all loose items securely before
driving.
Improper weight distribution can have an adverse effect
on the way your vehicle steers and handles and the way
the brakes operate.
252 STARTING AND OPERATING

Jacking............................. 275
Load Capacity.....................226,227
Radial.............................. 234
Replacement......................... 237
Rotation............................. 241
Safety...........................221,230
Sizes............................... 223
Snow Tires........................... 240
Spare Tire........................... 273
Spinning............................ 236
Tread Wear Indicators................... 236
Wheel Mounting....................... 275
Wheel Nut Torque..................... 278
Tongue Weight/Trailer Weight.............. 256
Torque Converter Clutch.................. 207
Towing............................... 254
Disabled Vehicle....................... 282
Guide.............................. 258
Recreational.......................... 262Weight.............................. 258
Traction.............................. 267
Traction Control...................... 112,150
Traction Control Switch................... 112
Trailer Towing.......................... 254
Cooling System Tips.................... 260
Hitches............................. 257
Minimum Requirements................. 258
Trailer and Tongue Weight................ 256
Wiring.............................. 259
Trailer Towing Guide..................... 258
Trailer Weight.......................... 258
Transaxle............................. 203
Automatic........................... 203
Operation........................... 203
Transfer Case........................... 319
Fluid............................... 338
Transmission........................203,315
Automatic........................203,315
384 INDEX