Engine/
Transmis- sion Model GVWR (Gross
Vehicle Wt. Rat-ing) GCWR (Gross
Combined Wt. Rating) Frontal Area Max. GTW
(Gross TrailerWt.) Max. Tongue
Wt. (See Note 1)
2.4L/
Manual 4,350 lbs (1 973
kg) 5,350 lbs (2 427
kg) 25 Sq. Ft.
(2.32 square meters) 1,000 lbs (453
kg) 100 lbs (45 kg)
4.0L/All 4,250 lbs (1 928 kg) 6,250 lbs (2 835
kg) 25 Sq. Ft.
(2.32 square meters) 2,000 lbs (907
kg) 200 lbs (91 kg)
4.0L/
Automatic Unlim-
ited 4,600 lbs (2 086
kg) 8,100 lbs (3 674
kg) 32 Sq. Ft.
(2.97 square meters) 3,500 lbs (1 587
kg) 350 lbs (159
kg)
Refer to local laws for maximum trailer towing speeds.
Note 1 – The trailer tongue weight 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.
Trailer and Tongue Weight
Always load a trailer with 60% to 65% of the weight in
the front of the trailer. This places 10% to 15% of the
Gross Trailer Weight (GTW) on the tow hitch of your
vehicle. Loads balanced over the wheels or heavier in the
rear can cause the trailer to sway severelyside to side
240 STARTING AND OPERATING
•Safety chains must always be used between your
vehicle and trailer. Always connect the chains to the
frame or hook retainers of the vehicle hitch. Cross the
chains under the trailer tongue and allow enough
slack for turning corners.
•Vehicles with trailers should not be parked on a grade.
When parking, apply the parking brake on the tow
vehicle. Put the tow vehicle automatic transmission in
P for Park. With a manual transmission, shift the
transmission into reverse. And with four-wheel-drive
vehicles, make sure the transfer case is not in neutral.
Always, block or chockthe trailer wheels.
•GCWR must not be exceeded.
•Total weight must be distributed between the tow
vehicle and the trailer such that the following four
ratings are not exceeded:
1. GVWR
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).
STARTING AND OPERATING 243
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