2005 DODGE MAGNUM tow

6. If your vehicle will be towing a trailer, load from your
trailer will be transferred to your vehicle. Consult this
manual to determine how this reduces the available
cargo and luggage load capacity of your vehicle.
NOTE:The following table shows examples on how to
calculate total load, cargo/luggage and towing capacities
of your vehicle with varying seating configurations andnumber and size of occupants. This table is for illustra-
tion purposes only and may not be accurate for the
seating and load carry capacity of your vehicle.
NOTE:For the following example the combined weight
of occupants and cargo should never exceed 865 lbs. (392
Kg).
226 STARTING AND OPERATING

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 beforedriving. 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.
250 STARTING AND OPERATING

Front
AxleRear Axle
Empty Weight 2054 lbs
(932 kg)1805 lbs
(819 kg )
Load (Including driver, pass-
sengers and cargo)271 lbs
(123 kg)579 lbs
(263 kg)
Total 2325 lbs
(1055 kg)2384 lbs
(1081 kg)
GAWR 2546 lbs
(1155 kg)2708 lbs
(1228 kg)
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:
•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.
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:
•The maximum frontal area of the trailer cannot exceed
32 square feet (2.97 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.
STARTING AND OPERATING 251
5

•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 transmission life by reducing exces-
sive 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.
•Do not attempt to tow a trailer while using a compact
spare tire, except for emergency use only. Do not
exceed 50 mph (80km/h), and repair the damaged tire
immediately.
•When towing a trailer greater than 2000 lbs. (907 kg)
you should carry a full-size wheel and tire as a spare in
the event of a flat. If the compact spare tire is used it
may adversely affect vehicle handling.
•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 transmission 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 transmission fluid
change intervals.
NOTE:
•
For vehicles equipped with Autostick. By using the
Autostick modes, and selecting a specific gear range,
frequent shifting can be avoided. The highest gear
range should be selected that allows for adequate
performance. For example, choose“4”if the desired
speed can be maintained. Choose“3”or“2”if needed
to maintain the desired speed.
252 STARTING AND OPERATING

•Extended driving at high RPM should be avoided to
prevent excess heat generation. A reduction in vehicle
speed may be required to avoid extended driving at
high RPM. Return to a higher gear range or vehicle
speed when road conditions and RPM level allows.
TRAVEL CONDI-
TIONMAXIMUM TRAILER WEIGHT(TRAILER FRONTAL AREA NOT TO EXCEED 32 SQ. FT.)
2.7L ENGINE 3.5L ENGINE 5.7L ENGINE 5.7L ENGINE WITH
TRAILER TOW
PACKAGE
UP TO 2 PERSONS
& LUGGAGE1000 lbs (454 kg) 2000 lbs (907 kg) 2000 lbs (907 kg) 3800 lbs (1724 kg)
UP TO 3 PERSONS
& LUGGAGE1000 lbs (454 kg) 2000 lbs (907 kg) 2000 lbs (907 kg) 3000 lbs (1361 kg)
UP TO 4 PERSONS
& LUGGAGE1000 lbs (454 kg) 1500 lbs (680 kg) 1500 lbs (680 kg) 1500 lbs (680 kg)
UP TO 5 PERSONS
& NO LUGGAGE1000 lbs (454 kg) 1000 lbs (454 kg) 1000 lbs (454 kg) 1000 lbs (454 kg)
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).
STARTING AND OPERATING 253
5

WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES
CONTENTS

Hazard Warning Flasher.................256

If Your Engine Overheats................256

Jacking And Tire Changing...............257
▫Preparations For Jacking................258
▫Jack Location........................259
▫Spare Tire Stowage....................261
▫Jacking And Changing a Tire.............263
▫Compact Spare Tire-For Temporary Emergency
Use Only...........................266
▫Wheel Cover Installation (If Required)......267

Jump-Starting Procedures If Battery Is Low...267

Driving On Slippery Surfaces.............269
▫Acceleration.........................269
▫Traction............................270

Freeing A Stuck Vehicle.................270

Towing A Disabled Vehicle...............271
▫With Ignition Key.....................271
▫Without The Ignition Key...............272
▫Towing This Vehicle Behind Another Vehicle
(Flat Towing With All Four Wheels On The
Ground)............................272
▫Towing This Vehicle Behind Another Vehicle
With A Tow Dolley....................272
6

Jack Location
The jack is stowed under an access cover under the rear
cargo floor. Follow these steps to access the jack.
NOTE:The spare tire must be removed in order to
access the jack.
•Open the liftgate.
•Fold up the tri-fold floor by lifting the handle.
Dodge Load Floor Fully Folded
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 259
6

•Remove the spare tire.
•Remove the fastener securing the jack.
Spare Tire Stowage
The spare tire is stowed under an access cover under the
rear cargo floor. Follow these steps to access the spare
tire.
•Open the liftgate.
•Fold up the tri-fold floor by lifting the handle.
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 261
6