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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
9loaded and ready for operation9condition. 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 68 kg (150 lbs) 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.
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.
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þWhen 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 Ð Trailer Brakes
þ
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.
þAn 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.
þTrailer 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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Tether Anchor, Child Restraint............75,108
Theft Alarm (Security Alarm)................ 35
Theft System (Security Alarm)............... 35
Tilt Steering Column..................... 189
Tire and Loading Information Placard......... 306
Tire Identification Number (TIN)............. 305
Tire Markings.......................... 302
Tire Safety Information.................... 302
Tires ........................... 114,310,445
Aging (Life of Tires).................... 317
Air Pressure.......................... 310
Alignment........................... 319
Chains.............................. 319
Changing............................ 344
Compact Spare........................ 314
Flat Changing........................ 349
General Information.................... 310
High Speed.......................... 313
Inflation Pressures..................... 311Jacking............................. 344
Life of Tires.......................... 317
Load Capacity.....................306,307
Quality Grading....................... 445
Radial.............................. 314
Replacement......................... 318
Rotation............................. 320
Safety...........................302,310
Sizes............................... 303
Snow Tires........................... 320
Spare Tire........................... 345
Spinning............................ 316
Tread Wear Indicators................... 316
Tongue Weight/Trailer Weight.............. 333
Top Cover............................. 124
Towing............................... 328
Disabled Vehicle....................... 354
Guide.............................. 332
Recreational.......................... 340
464 INDEX