2007 DODGE CARAVAN weight

safety. The addition of a friction / hydraulic sway control
also dampens sway caused by traffic and crosswinds and
contributes positively to tow vehicle and trailer stability.
Trailer sway control and a weight distributing (load
equalizing) hitch are recommended for heavier Tongue
Weights (TW) and may be required depending on Vehicle
and Trailer configuration / loading to comply with gross
axle weight rating (GAWR) requirements.
WARNING!
An improperly adjusted Weight Distributing Hitch
system may reduce handling, stability, braking per-
formance, and could result in an accident.
Weight Distributing Systems may not be compatible
with Surge Brake Couplers. Consult with your hitch
and trailer manufacturer or a reputable Recreational
Vehicle dealer for additional information.Weight Distributing Hitch System
370 STARTING AND OPERATING

Trailer Hitch Classification
Your vehicle may be factory equipped for safe towing of
trailers weighing over 2,000 lbs (907 kg) with the optional
Trailer Tow Prep Package. See your dealer for package
content.
The following chart provides the industry standard for
the maximum trailer weight a given trailer hitch class can
tow and should be used to assist you in selecting the
correct trailer hitch for your intended towing condition.
Refer to the Trailer Towing Weights (Maximum Trailer
Weight Ratings) chart for the Max. GTW towable for your
given drivetrain.
Trailer Hitch Classification
Class Max. GTW (Gross Trailer Wt.)
Clas s I - Light Duty 2,000 lbs (907 kg)
Class II - Medium
Duty 3,500 lbs (1 587 kg)
Improper Adjustment of Weight Distributing System
STARTING AND OPERATING 371
5

Trailer Hitch Classification
Class III - Heavy Duty 5,000 lbs (2 268 kg)
Class IV - Extra
Heavy Duty 10,000 lbs (4 540 kg)
All trailer hitches should be professionally installed on
your vehicle.Trailer Towing Weights (Maximum Trailer Weight
Ratings)
The following chart provides the maximum trailer
weight ratings towable for your given drivetrain.
Engine/Transmission GCWR (Gross Com- bined Wt. Rating) Frontal Area Max. GTW (Gross
Trailer Wt.) Max. Tongue Wt.
2.4L Automatic 5,200 lbs (2358 kg) 40 SQ. FT. (3.72
square meters) Up to 2 persons &
Luggage 850 lbs (385 kg) 85 lbs (39 kg)
5,200 lbs (2358 kg) 40 SQ. FT. (3.72 square meters) 3 to 5 persons &
Luggage 400 lbs (181 kg) 40 lbs (18 kg)
5,200 lbs (2358 kg) 40 SQ. FT. (3.72 square meters) 6 to 7 persons &
Luggage Not Recom- mended N/A
372 STARTING AND OPERATING

Engine/Transmission GCWR (Gross Com- bined Wt. Rating) Frontal Area Max. GTW (Gross
Trailer Wt.) Max. Tongue Wt.
3.3L & 3.8L Auto-
matic with trailer
tow package 8,600 lbs (3900 kg) 40 SQ. FT. (3.72
square meters) Up to 2 persons &
Luggage 3,800 lbs (1723 kg)* 380 lbs (172 kg)
8,600 lbs (3900 kg) 40 SQ. FT. (3.72 square meters) 3 to 5 persons &
Luggage 3,350 lbs (1519 kg)* 335 lbs (152 kg)
8,600 lbs (3900 kg) 40 SQ. FT. (3.72 square meters) 6 to 7 persons &
Luggage 3,000 lbs (1360 kg)* 300 lbs (136 kg)
* For vehicles equipped with Fold-in-Floor seating, the Gross Trailer Weight must be reduced by 100 lbs (45 kg).
Refer to local laws for maximum trailer towing speeds.
NOTE: 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
374 STARTING AND OPERATING

which will cause loss of control of the vehicle and trailer.
Failure to load trailers heavier in front is the cause of
many trailer accidents.
Never exceed the maximum tongue weight stamped on
your bumper or trailer hitch. Consider the following items when computing the
weight on the rear axle of the vehicle:
•The tongue weight of the trailer.
•The weight of any other type of cargo or equipment
put in or on your vehicle.
•The weight of the driver and all passengers.
NOTE: Remember that everything put into or on the
trailer adds to the load on your vehicle. Also, additional
factory-installed options, or dealer-installed options,
must be considered as part of the total load on your
vehicle. Refer to the Tire and Loading Information plac-
ard in the Tire Safety Information Section of this manual
for the maximum combined weight of occupants and
cargo for your vehicle.
STARTING AND OPERATING 375
5

•When hauling cargo or towing a trailer, do not over-
load your vehicle or trailer. Overloading can cause a
loss of control, poor performance or damage to brakes,
axle, engine, transmission, steering, suspension, chas-
sis structure or tires.
•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. 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).
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
STARTING AND OPERATING 377
5

Fold in Floor (Stown Go) Seating........... 129
Freeing A Stuck Vehicle ................... 407
Fuel ................................. 353
Adding ............................. 357
Additives ............................ 355
Clean Air ............................ 354
Filler Cap (Gas Cap) .................... 357
Gasoline ............................ 353
Gauge .............................. 211
Hoses .............................. 442
Light ............................... 212
Octane Rating ...................... 353,462
Requirements ...................... 353,461
Tank Capacity ........................ 461
Fuel, Flexible ............. See Flexible Fuel Vehicles
Fuel System Caution ..................... 356
Fueling ............................... 357
Fuses ................................ 452 Garage Door Opener (HomeLink
) ........... 177
Gas Cap (Fuel Filler Cap) ............357,359,416
Gasoline, Clean Air ...................... 354
Gasoline (Fuel) ......................... 353
Gasoline, Reformulated ................... 354
Gauges Coolant Temperature .................... 216
Fuel ................................ 211
Speedometer ......................... 213
Tachometer .......................... 215
Gearshift .............................. 317
General Information ...............18,25,123,353
Glass Cleaning .......................... 449
Grocery Bag Retainer ..................... 144
Gross Axle Weight Rating ...............364,368
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating .............364,368
Hands-Free Phone (UConnect™) ............. 100
Hazard Warning Flasher ................... 384
502 INDEX

Load Capacity..................... 332,333
Pressure Monitor System (TPMS) ........... 347
Quality Grading ....................... 491
Radial .............................. 339
Replacement ......................... 343
Rotation ............................. 346
Safety ........................... 327,336
Sizes ............................... 328
Snow Tires ........................... 346
Spare Tire ......................... 389,400
Spinning ............................ 341
Tread Wear Indicators ................... 342
Tongue Weight/Trailer Weight .............. 374
Towing ............................... 367
Disabled Vehicle ....................... 408
Guide .............................. 372
Recreational ....................... 382,410
Weight .............................. 372
Traction Control ................... 158,218,324 Traction Control Switch
.................158,324
Trailer Towing .......................... 367
Cooling System Tips .................... 382
Hitches ............................. 371
Minimum Requirements ................. 376
Trailer and Tongue Weight ................ 374
Wiring .............................. 380
Trailer Towing Guide ..................... 372
Trailer Weight .......................... 372
Transaxle ............................. 315
Automatic ......................... 12,315
Operation ........................... 315
Overdrive ........................... 318
Selection of Lubricant ................443,463
Transmission ........................... 442
Automatic ........................... 442
Filter ............................... 445
Fluid ............................ 443,463
512 INDEX