2006 DODGE CARAVAN load capacity

Common Towing Definitions
The following trailer towing related definitions will assist
you in understanding the following information:
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR)
The GVWR is the total allowable weight of your vehicle.
This includes driver, passengers, cargo and tongue
weight. The total load must be limited so that you do not
exceed the GVWR.
Gross Trailer Weight (GTW)
The gross trailer weight (GTW) is the weight of the trailer
plus the weight of all cargo, consumables and equipment
(permanent or temporary) loaded in or on the trailer in its
loaded and ready for operationcondition. The recom-
mended way to measure GTW is to put your fully loaded
trailer on a vehicle scale. The entire weight of the trailer
must be supported by the scale.
Gross Combination Weight Rating (GCWR)
The gross combination weight rating (GCWR) is the total
permissible weight of your vehicle and trailer when
weighed in combination. (Note that GCWR ratings in-
clude a 150 lbs (68 kg) allowance for the presence of a
driver).
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.
STARTING AND OPERATING 351
5

When replacing tires refer to the Tires–General Infor-
mation section of this manual on Replacement Tires for
proper tire replacement procedures. Replacing tires
with a higher load carrying capacity will not increase
the vehicle’s GVWR and GAWR limits.
Towing Requirements—Trailer Brakes

Donotinterconnect the hydraulic brake system or
vacuum system of your vehicle with that of the trailer.
This could cause inadequate braking and possible
personal injury.
An electronically actuated trailer brake controller is
required when towing a trailer with electronically
actuated brakes. When towing a trailer equipped with
a hydraulic surge actuated brake system, an electronic
brake controller is not required.
Trailer brakes are recommended for trailers over 1,000
lbs (454 kg) and required for trailers in excess of 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.
360 STARTING AND OPERATING

Theft System (Security Alarm)............... 26
Tilt Steering Column..................... 150
Tire and Loading Information Placard......... 324
Tire Identification Number (TIN)............. 323
Tire Markings.......................... 320
Tire Safety Information.................... 320
Tires ............................84,328,479
Aging (Life of Tires).................... 335
Air Pressure.......................... 328
Alignment........................... 336
Chains.............................. 339
Changing............................ 368
Compact Spare........................ 332
Flat Changing........................ 377
General Information.................... 328
High Speed.......................... 330
Inflation Pressures..................... 329
Jacking........................368,369,381
Life of Tires.......................... 335Load Capacity.....................324,325
Pressure Monitor System (TPMS)........... 337
Quality Grading....................... 479
Radial.............................. 331
Replacement......................... 335
Rotation............................. 341
Safety...........................320,328
Sizes............................... 321
Snow Tires........................... 340
Spare Tire.........................371,382
Spinning............................ 333
Tread Wear Indicators................... 334
Tongue Weight/Trailer Weight.............. 356
Towing............................... 350
Disabled Vehicle....................... 391
Guide.............................. 353
Recreational.......................363,392
Weight.............................. 353
Traction Control...................150,210,318
INDEX 497
10