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 axel(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
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.
STARTING AND OPERATING 329
5
CAUTION!
It is necessary to follow these steps to be certain that
the transfer case is fully in N (NEUTRAL) before
recreational towing to prevent damage to internal
parts.
1. Bring the vehicle to a complete stop.
2. Shut OFF the engine.
3. Depress the brake pedal.
4. Shift automatic transmission to N (NEUTRAL), or
depress the clutch on manual transmissions.
5. Shift transfer case lever into N (NEUTRAL).
6. Start the engine.
7. Shift automatic transmission into Reverse (R). 8. Release brake pedal for five seconds and ensure that
there is no vehicle movement.
9. Repeat steps 7 and 8 with the transmission in Drive
(D).
10. Shut OFF the engine and place the ignition key to the
unlocked OFF position.
11. Shift automatic transmission into P (PARK).
12. Apply the parking brake.
13. Attach vehicle to tow vehicle with tow bar.
14. Release the parking brake.
346 STARTING AND OPERATING
CAUTION!
•Do not use a bumper mounted clamp-on tow bar
on your vehicle. The bumper face bar will be
damaged.
•Do not disconnect the rear driveshaft because
fluid will leak from the transfer case and damage
the internal parts.
Recreational Towing Procedure — Electronic Shift
Transfer Case — If Equipped
Use the following procedure to prepare your vehicle for
recreational towing.
CAUTION!
It is necessary to follow these steps to be certain that
the transfer case is fully in Neutral (N) before
recreational towing to prevent damage to internal
parts.
1. Bring vehicle to a complete stop.
2. Shut OFF the engine.
3. Turn the ignition key to the ON position, but do not
start the engine.
4. Depress the brake pedal.
5. Shift automatic transmission to Neutral (N) or depress
clutch on manual transmission.
348 STARTING AND OPERATING
6. Using the point of a ballpoint pen or similar object,
depress the recessed transfer case Neutral (N) button for
4 seconds.
7. After shift is completed and the Neutral (N) light
comes on release Neutral (N) button.
8. Start engine.
9. Shift automatic transmission into Reverse (R).
10. Release brake pedal for five seconds and ensure that
there is no vehicle movement.
11. Repeat steps 9 and 10 with the transmission in Drive
(D).
12. Shut engine OFF and place ignition key to the
unlocked OFF position.
13. Shift automatic transmission into Park (P).
14. Apply parking brake. 15. Attach vehicle to tow vehicle with tow bar.
16. Release parking brake.
NOTE:
Items 1 through 5 are requirements that must be
met prior to depressing the Neutral (N) selection button,
and must continue to be met until the 4 seconds elapses
and the shift has been completed. If any of these require-
ments (with the exception o f 3 - Key ON) are not met
prior to depressing the Neutral (N) button or are no
longer met during the 4 second timer, then the Neutral
(N) indicator light will flash continuously until all re-
quirements are met or until the Neutral (N) button is
released.
NOTE: The ignition key must be ON for a shift to take
place and for the position indicator lights to be operable.
If the key in not ON, the shift will not take place and no
position indicator lights will be on or flashing.
STARTING AND OPERATING 349
5
CAUTION!
•Do not use a bumper mounted clamp-on tow bar
on your vehicle. The bumper face bar will be
damaged.
•Do not disconnect the rear driveshaft because
fluid will leak from the transfer case and fluid
loss will damage internal parts.
352 STARTING AND OPERATING
CAUTION!
Tow hooks are for emergency use only, to rescue a
vehicle stranded off road. Do not use tow hooks for
tow truck hookup or highway towing. You could
damage your vehicle.
TOWING A DISABLED VEHICLE
Proper towing or lifting equipment is required to prevent
damage to your vehicle. Use only tow bars and other
equipment designed for the purpose, following equip-
ment manufacturer’s instructions. Use of safety chains is
mandatory. Attach a tow bar or other towing device to
the main structural members of the vehicle—not to
bumpers or associated brackets. State and local laws
applying to vehicles under tow must be observed.
4-Wheel- Drive Vehicles
CAUTION!
To avoid damage to the transfer case while towing,
always use one of the following methods.
NOTE: The Transfer Case must be in the neutral posi-
tion, and the transmission must be in Park (Automatic
Transmission), or in gear (Manual Transmission) to tow a
4WD vehicle with one end of the vehicle raised.
The manufacturer recommends towing with all wheels
OFF the ground. Acceptable methods are to tow vehicle
on a flatbed or with one end of vehicle raised and the
opposite end on a towing dolly.
372 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES
Turn Signal.................. 127,179,433,437
Warning (Instrument Cluster Description) ..... 179
Limited-Slip Differential ................287,412
Loading Vehicle ......................... 323
Tires ............................... 300
Locks ................................. 24
Child Protection ........................ 27
Door ................................ 24
Keys ................................ 12
Power Door ........................... 25
Steering Wheel ......................... 15
Lower Anchors and Tether for CHildren (LATCH) . 62
Lubricants ............................. 416
Lubrication, Body ....................... 399
Lug Nuts ............................. 361
Lumbar Support ........................ 112
Maintenance ........................... 380
Maintenance Procedures ................... 383 Maintenance Schedule
.................... 450
Schedule “A” ......................... 463
Manual, Service ......................... 474
Manual Transmission .................. 274,412
Fluid Level Check ...................... 412
Lubricant Selection ..................... 447
Mirrors ................................ 82
Automatic Dimming ..................... 83
Electric Powered ....................... 84
Outside .............................. 83
Rearview ............................. 82
Trailer Towing ...................... 85,339
Modifications/Alterations, Vehicle ............. 8
Mopar Parts ......................... 379,473
Multi-Function Control Lever ............... 127
Navigation Radio ........................ 225
Navigation System ....................... 225
New Vehicle Break-In Period ................ 71
486 INDEX
Recreational Towing...................... 345
Shifting into Transfer Case Neutral (N) ....345,348
Shifting out of Transfer Case Neutral (N) . . . 347,350
Refrigerant ............................ 397
Reminder, Seat Belt ....................... 43
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) ................. 20
Remote Sound System (Radio) Controls ........ 231
Replacement Tires ....................... 311
Reporting Safety Defects ................... 473
Restraint, Head ......................... 111
Restraints, Child ....................... 57,65
Rotation, Tires .......................... 315
Safety Checks Inside Vehicle ................. 74
Safety Checks Outside Vehicle ............... 74
Safety Defects, Reporting .................. 473
Safety Information, Tire ................... 295
Safety Tips ............................. 72
Satellite Radio .......................... 226 Satellite Radio Antenna
................... 230
Seat Belt Maintenance .................... 425
Seat Belt Reminder ....................... 43
Seat Belts .......................... 31,32,74
Adjustable Upper Shoulder Anchorage ........ 40
And Pregnant Women ................... 44
Child Restraint ....................... 57,70
Extender ............................. 44
Front Seat ............................ 32
Pretensioners .......................... 42
Reminder ............................ 180
Seats .............................. 109,110
Adjustment .......................... 109
Child ............................... 70
Folding Floor ......................... 166
Heated .............................. 119
Lumbar Support ....................... 112
Power .............................. 113
Rear Folding ....................... 1 15,116
INDEX 489
10