2006 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 “S” chains is permitted on
Durangos with P245/70R17 tires.
CAUTION!
Do not use tire chains on 4x4 Durango trucks
equipped with tires other than P245/70R17 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 ad-
equate clearance for the chains and you are risking
structural or body damage 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.
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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.
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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.
294 STARTING AND OPERATING

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.
WARNING!
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.
Tongue Weight (TW)
The downward force exerted on the hitch ball by the
trailer. In most cases it should not be less than 10% or
more than 15% of the trailer load. You must consider this
as part of the load on your vehicle.
Frontal Area
The maximum height and maximum width of the front of
a trailer.
Trailer Sway Control
The trailer sway control is a telescoping link that can be
installed between the hitch receiver and the trailer tongue
that typically provides adjustable friction associated with
the telescoping motion to dampen any unwanted trailer
swaying motions while traveling.
Weight-Carrying Hitch
A weight-carrying hitch supports the trailer tongue
weight, just as if it were luggage located at a hitch ball or
some other connecting point of the truck. These kind of
hitches are the most popular on the market today and
they’re commonly used to tow small- and medium-sized
trailers.
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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

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 electronicallyactuated 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.
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Cargo Organizer....................... 176
Cargo Organizer........................ 176
Cargo (Vehicle Loading)................... 292
Catalytic Converter....................291,347
CD (Compact Disc) Player...............193,200
Cellular Phone........................88,222
Center High Mounted Stop Light............ 383
Certification Label....................... 292
Changing A Flat Tire..................... 317
Charging.............................. 325
Chart, Tire Sizing........................ 266
Child Restraint........................64,65
Child Restraint Tether Anchors.............67,73
Child Restraint with Automatic Belts........... 42
Child Seat.............................. 69
Circuit Breakers......................370,371
Climate Control......................... 222
Climate Control, Rear Zone..............226,232
Clock........................192,195,202,215Compact Disc (CD) Maintenance............. 221
Compact Spare Tire...................... 277
Compass.............................. 159
Compass Calibration..................... 159
Compass Variance....................... 160
Computer, Trip/Travel.................... 156
Console, Floor.......................... 172
Console, Overhead....................... 155
Contract, Service........................ 414
Converter, Catalytic...................... 291
Coolant (Antifreeze)...................... 358
Coolant Pressure Cap..................... 357
Cooling System......................... 354
Adding Coolant (Antifreeze).............. 357
Coolant Capacity...................... 385
Coolant Level......................... 358
Disposal of Used Coolant................ 355
Drain, Flush, and Refill.................. 355
Inspection........................... 354
422 INDEX

Stuck, Freeing.......................... 264
Sun Roof.............................. 168
Supplemental Tire Pressure Information........ 282
Synthetic Engine Oil...................... 344
System, Remote Starting.................... 28
Tachometer............................ 186
Taillights.............................. 378
Temperature Control, Automatic (ATC)........ 227
Temperature Gauge, Engine Coolant.......... 183
Tether Anchor, Child Restraint............... 67
Theft System Arming...................... 27
Theft System Disarming.................... 27
Thermostat............................ 359
Tilt Steering Column..................... 140
Tire and Loading Information Placard......269,282
Tire Identification Number (TIN)............. 268
Tire Markings.......................... 264
Tire Safety Information.................... 264Tires ...............................76,273
Aging (Life of Tires).................... 280
Air Pressure.......................... 273
Alignment........................... 281
Chains.............................. 282
Changing............................ 317
Compact Spare........................ 277
General Information.................... 273
High Speed.......................... 275
Inflation Pressures..................... 274
Jacking............................. 320
Life of Tires.......................... 280
Load Capacity.....................269,270
Radial.............................. 276
Replacement......................... 280
Rotation............................. 284
Safety...........................264,273
Sizes............................... 266
Snow Tires........................... 283
434 INDEX