2007 DODGE CARAVAN Owners Manual

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 vehicle. These kind of
hitches are the most popular on the market today and
they’re commonly used to tow small- and medium-sized
trailers.
Weight-Distributing Hitch
A weight-distributing system works by applying lever-
age through spring (load) bars. They are typically used
for heavier loads, to distribute trailer tongue weight to
the tow vehicle’s front axle and the trailer axle(s). When
used in accordance with the manufacturers’ directions, it
provides for a more level ride, offering more consistent
steering and brake control thereby enhancing towing
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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
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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
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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
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Engine/Transmission GCWR (Gross Com- bined Wt. Rating) Frontal Area Max. GTW (Gross
Trailer Wt.) Max. Tongue Wt.
3.3L & 3.8L Auto-
matic 6,600 lbs (2993 kg) 40 SQ. FT. (3.72
square meters) Up to 2 persons &
Luggage 1,800 lbs (816 kg) 180 lbs (82 kg)
6,600 lbs (2993 kg) 40 SQ. FT. (3.72 square meters) 3 to 5 persons &
Luggage 1,350 lbs (612 kg) 135 lbs (61 kg)
6,600 lbs (2993 kg) 40 SQ. FT. (3.72 square meters) 6 to 7 persons &
Luggage 1,000 lbs (454 kg) 100 lbs (45 kg)
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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
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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.
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Towing Requirements
To promote proper break-in of your new vehicle driv-
etrain components the following guidelines are recom-
mended:
CAUTION!
•Avoid towing a trailer for the first 500 miles (805
km) of vehicle operation. Doing so may damage
your vehicle.
•During the first 500 miles (805 km) of trailer
towing, limit your speed to 50 mph (80 km/h).
Perform the maintenance listed in Section 8 of this
manual. When towing a trailer, never exceed the GAWR,
or GCWR, ratings.
WARNING!
Improper towing can lead to an injury accident.
Follow these guidelines to make your trailer towing
as safe as possible:
Make certain that the load is secured in the trailer
and will not shift during travel. When trailering
cargo that is not fully secured, dynamic load shifts
can occur that may be difficult for the driver to
control. You could lose control of your vehicle and
have an accident.
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