2006 DODGE DAKOTA towing capacity

Loading
The vehicle maximum load on the tire must not exceed
the load carrying capacity of the tire on your vehicle. You
will not exceed the tire’s load carrying capacity if you
adhere to the loading conditions, tire size, and cold tire
inflation pressures specified on the “Tire and Loading
Information” placard and in the “Vehicle Loading” sec-
tion of this manual.
NOTE: Under a maximum loaded vehicle condition,
gross axle weight ratings (GAWR’s) for the front and rear
axles must not be exceeded. For further information on
GAWR’s, vehicle loading, and trailer towing, refer to the
“Vehicle Loading” section of this manual.
To determine the maximum loading conditions of your
vehicle, locate the statement “The combined weight of occupants and cargo should never exceed XXX kg or XXX
lbs.” on the Tire and Loading Information placard. The
combined weight of occupants, cargo/luggage and
trailer tongue weight (if applicable) should never exceed
the weight referenced here.
Steps for Determining Correct Load Limit
1. Locate the statement “The combined weight of occu-
pants and cargo should never exceed XXX pounds” on
your vehicle’s placard.
2. Determine the combined weight of the driver and
passengers that will be riding in your vehicle.
3. Subtract the combined weight of the driver and pas-
sengers from XXX kilograms or XXX pounds.
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5

4. The resulting figure equals the available amount of
cargo and luggage load capacity. For example, if “XXX”
amount equals 1400 lbs. and there will be five 150 lb.
passengers in your vehicle, the amount of available cargo
and luggage load capacity is 650 lb. (sinc e 5 x 150 = 750,
and 1400 – 750 = 650 lb.)
5. Determine the combined weight of luggage and cargo
being loaded on the vehicle. That weight may not safely
exceed the available cargo and luggage load capacity
calculated in Step 4.
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 and
number 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).
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2. GTW
3. GAWR
4. Tongue weight rating for the trailer hitch utilized
(This requirement may limit the ability to always
achieve the 10% to 15% range of tongue weight as a
percentage of total trailer weight).
Towing Requirements — Tires

Do not attempt to tow a trailer while using a compact
spare tire.
Proper tire inflation pressures are essential to the safe
and satisfactory operation of your vehicle. Refer to the
Tires–General Information section of this manual on
Tire Pressures for proper tire inflation procedures.
Also, check the trailer tires for proper tire inflation
pressures before trailer usage.
Check for signs of tire wear or visible tire damage
before towing a trailer. Refer to the Tires–General
Information section of this manual on Tread Wear
Indicators for the proper inspection procedure.
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

Do not interconnect 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
268 STARTING AND OPERATING

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.
WARNING!
Do not connect trailer brakes to your vehicle’s hy-
draulic brake lines. It can overload your brake sys-
tem and cause it to fail. You might not have brakes
when you need them and could have an accident.
Towing any trailer will increase your stopping dis-
tance. When towing you should allow for additional
space between your vehicle and the vehicle in front
of you. Failure to do so could result in an accident.
Towing Requirements — Trailer Lights & Wiring
Whenever you pull a trailer, regardless of the trailer size,
stop lights and turn signals on the trailer are required for
motoring safety.
The Trailer Tow Package may includ ea4and7pin
wiring harness. Use a factory approved trailer harness
and connector.
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Lubricant Selection.................. 328,357
Map/Reading Lights ..................... 125
Mirrors ................................ 79
Automatic Dimming ..................... 79
Electric Powered ....................... 81
Heated .............................. 82
Outside .............................. 80
Rearview ............................. 79
Trailer Towing ........................ 272
Modifications/Alterations, Vehicle ............. 6
Mopar Parts ......................... 306,385
Multi-Function Control Lever ............... 117
New Vehicle Break-In Period ................ 70
Occupant Classification System (OCS) .......... 44
Occupant Restraints ....................... 30
Octane Rating, Gasoline (Fuel) .............. 250
Oil, Engine ......................... 307,356 Capacity
............................ 355
Change Interval ....................... 309
Dipstick ............................. 307
Disposal ............................. 311
Filter ............................ 31 1,356
Filter Disposal ........................ 311
Identification Logo ..................... 310
Materials Added to ..................... 311
Recommendation ................... 310,355
Synthetic ............................ 311
Viscosity .......................... 310,355
Onboard Diagnostic System ..............304,305
Opener, Garage Door (HomeLink ) ........... 132
Outside Rearview Mirrors .................. 80
Overdrive .......................... 155,206
Overdrive OFF Switch .................... 206
Overhead Console .................... 125,126
Overhead Travel Information Center .......... 126
Overheating, Engine ................... 154,323
INDEX 399
10

Chains.............................. 247
Changing ............................ 284
Compact Spare ........................ 242
General Information .................... 238
High Speed .......................... 240
Inflation Pressures ..................... 239
Jacking ............................. 288
Life of Tires .......................... 245
Load Capacity ..................... 234,235
Quality Grading ....................... 387
Radial .............................. 241
Replacement ......................... 245
Rotation ............................. 249
Safety ........................... 230,238
Sizes ............................... 231
Snow Tires ........................... 249
Spare Tire ........................... 286
Spinning ............................ 243
Tread Wear Indicators ................... 244 Wheel Mounting
....................... 288
Wheel Nut Torque ..................... 291
Tongue Weight/Trailer Weight .............. 265
Torque Converter Clutch .................. 208
Tow Hooks, Emergency ................... 296
Towing ............................... 261
Disabled Vehicle ....................... 297
Guide .............................. 265
Recreational .......................... 273
Weight .............................. 265
Traction .............................. 278
Trailer Towing .......................... 261
Cooling System Tips .................... 272
Hitches ............................. 264
Minimum Requirements ................. 266
Mirrors ............................. 272
Trailer and Tongue Weight ................ 265
Wiring .............................. 269
Trailer Towing Guide ..................... 265
404 INDEX