2005 DODGE CARAVAN Owners Manual

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.
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.
STARTING AND OPERATING 337
5

A loaded vehicle is shown in the illustration. Note that
neither the GVWR or the GAWR capacities have been
exceeded.
Example Only 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
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:
338 STARTING AND OPERATING

•The tongue weight of the trailer.
•The weight of any other type of cargo or equipment
put in or on your vehicle.
•Remember that everything put in or on the trailer adds
to the load on your vehicle.
Tongue weight must be equal to at least 10% of Gross
Trailer Weight (GTW), but no more than 15% of GTW.
Towing Requirements
•
The maximum frontal area of the trailer cannot exceed
40 square feet (3.72 square meters).
•The 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.
•The“D”range can be selected when towing. However,
if frequent shifting occurs while in this range, the“3”
range must be selected.NOTE:Using the“3”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.
•Do not attempt to tow a trailer while using a compact
spare tire.
•Whenever you pull a trailer, regardless of the trailer
size, stop lights and turn signals on the trailer are
recommended for motoring safety.
•The automatic transaxle fluid and filter should be
changed if you REGULARLY tow a trailer for more
than 45 minutes of continuous operation. See Schedule
“B”in section 8 of this manual for transaxle fluid
change intervals.
NOTE:Check the automatic transaxle fluid level before
towing.
STARTING AND OPERATING 339
5

TRAVEL CONDITION MAXIMUM TRAILER WEIGHT (TRAILER FRONTAL AREA NOT TO EXCEED
40 SQ. FT.)
2.4L ENGINES 3.3L,& 3.8L ENGINES 3.3L & 3.8L ENGINES
WITH HEAVY DUTY
TRAILER TOW PACK-
AGE
MAX. COMBINED
WEIGHT OF VEHICLE
AND TRAILER NOT TO
EXCEED 5,200 lbs (2358
kg)MAX. COMBINED
WEIGHT OF VEHICLE
AND TRAILER NOT TO
EXCEED 6,600 lbs (2993 kg)MAX. COMBINED
WEIGHT OF VEHICLE
AND TRAILER NOT TO
EXCEED 8,600 lbs (3900
kg)
UP TO 2 PERSONS &
LUGGAGE850 lbs (385 kg) 1,800 lbs (816 kg) 3,800 lbs (1723 kg) *
3 TO 5 PERSONS & LUG-
GAGE400 lbs (181 kg) 1,350 lbs (612 kg) 3,350 lbs (1519 kg) *
6 TO 7 PERSONS & LUG-
GAGENot Recommended 1,000 lbs (454 kg) 3,000 lbs (1360 kg) *
* For vehicles equipped with store in the floor seating, the gross trailer weight must be reduced by 100 lbs (45
kg).
340 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).
Special care should be taken when towing a trailer with
heavy duty trailer tow package, without a load equaliz-
ing hitch, and with 6 to 7 passengers, to insure the rear
GAWR is not exceeded. Depending on your vehicle
model and options, the maximum trailer weight could
range from 0 to 2000 pounds.
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 341
5

WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES
CONTENTS

Hazard Warning Flasher..................344

If Your Engine Overheats.................345

Jacking And Tire Changing................346
▫Jacking Instructions—Fold-In-Floor Seating . . 347
▫Jacking Instructions—Non Fold-In-Floor
Seating.............................359

Jump-Starting Procedures If Battery Is Low....365

Driving On Slippery Surfaces..............367
▫Acceleration.........................367▫Traction............................367

Freeing A Stuck Vehicle..................368

Towing A Disabled Vehicle................369
▫With Ignition Key.....................369
▫Without The Ignition Key...............370
▫Towing This Vehicle Behind Another Vehicle
(Flat Towing With All Four Wheels On The
Ground)............................370
▫Towing This Vehicle Behind Another Vehicle
With A Tow Dolley....................370
6

HAZARD WARNING FLASHER
The hazard flasher switch is located in the center of the
instrument panel above the radio.
To engage the Hazard Warning Flashers, depress the
switch on the instrument panel. When the Hazard Warn-
ing Switch is activated, all directional turn signals willflash on and off to warn oncoming traffic of an emer-
gency. Push the switch a second time to turn off the
flashers.
This is an emergency warning system and should not be
used when the vehicle is in motion. Use it when your
vehicle is disabled and is creating a safety hazard for
other motorists.
When you must leave the vehicle to seek assistance, the
Hazard Warning Flashers will continue to operate even
though the ignition switch is OFF.
NOTE:With extended use, the Hazard Warning Flash-
ers may wear down your battery.
Hazard Flasher Switch
344 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES