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The Tire and Loading Information label also lists the
tire size of the original equipment tires (C) and the
recommended cold tire in ation pressures (D). For
more information on tires and in ation, seeTires on
page 400andIn ation - Tire Pressure on page 408.
There is also important loading information on the
Certi cation label. It tells you the Gross Vehicle
Weight Rating (GVWR) and the Gross Axle Weight
Rating (GAWR) for the front and rear axle, see
“Certi cation Label” later in this section.
Steps for Determining Correct Load Limit
1. Locate the statement “The combined
weight of occupants and cargo should
never exceed XXX kg or XXX lbs” on your
vehicle’s placard.
2. Determine the combined weight of the driver
and passengers that will be riding in your
vehicle.
3. Subtract the combined weight of the driver
and passengers from XXX kg or XXX lbs.4. The resulting gure equals the available
amount of cargo and luggage load capacity.
For example, if the “XXX” amount equals
1400 lbs and there will be ve 150 lb
passengers in your vehicle, the amount of
available cargo and luggage load capacity is
650 lbs (1400−750 (5 x 150) = 650 lbs).
5. Determine the combined weight of luggage
and cargo being loaded on the vehicle. That
weight may not safely exceed the available
cargo and luggage load capacity calculated
in Step 4.
6. If your vehicle will be towing a trailer, the load
from your trailer will be transferred to your
vehicle. Consult this manual to determine how
this reduces the available cargo and luggage
load capacity for your vehicle.
If your vehicle can tow a trailer, seeTowing a
Trailer on page 324for important information
on towing a trailer, towing safety rules, and
trailering tips.
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Towing
Towing Your Vehicle
Consult your dealer or a professional towing
service if you need to have your disabled vehicle
towed. SeeRoadside Assistance Program on
page 498.
If you want to tow your vehicle behind another
vehicle for recreational purposes (such as behind
a motorhome), see “Recreational Vehicle
Towing” following.
Recreational Vehicle Towing
Recreational vehicle towing means towing your
vehicle behind another vehicle – such as behind a
motorhome. The two most common types of
recreational vehicle towing are known as dinghy
towing, towing your vehicle with all four wheels on
the ground, and dolly towing, towing your vehicle
with two wheels on the ground and two wheels up
on a device known as a dolly.With the proper preparation and equipment, many
vehicles can be towed in these ways. See
“Dinghy Towing” and “Dolly Towing,” following.
Here are some important things to consider before
you do recreational vehicle towing:
What is the towing capacity of the towing
vehicle? Be sure to read the tow vehicle
manufacturer’s recommendations.
How far will the vehicle be towed? Some
vehicles have restrictions on how far and how
long they can tow.
Do you have the proper towing equipment?
See your dealer or trailering professional
for additional advice and equipment
recommendations.
Is the vehicle ready to be towed? Just as you
would prepare your vehicle for a long trip, you
will want to make sure the vehicle is
prepared to be towed. SeeBefore Leaving on
a Long Trip on page 308.
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Towing a Trailer
{CAUTION:
If you do not use the correct equipment
and drive properly, you can lose control
when you pull a trailer. For example, if the
trailer is too heavy, the brakes may not
work well — or even at all. You and your
passengers could be seriously injured.
You may also damage your vehicle; the
resulting repairs would not be covered by
your warranty. Pull a trailer only if you
have followed all the steps in this section.
Ask your dealer for advice and
information about towing a trailer with
your vehicle.The vehicle can tow a trailer if it is equipped with
the proper trailer towing equipment. To identify
the trailering capacity of the vehicle, read the
information in “Weight of the Trailer” that appears
later in this section. Trailering is different than
just driving the vehicle by itself. Trailering means
changes in handling, durability, and fuel
economy. Successful, safe trailering takes correct
equipment, and it has to be used properly.
That is the reason for this part. In it are many
time-tested, important trailering tips and safety
rules. Many of these are important for your safety
and that of your passengers. So please read
this section carefully before pulling a trailer.
Load-pulling components such as the engine,
transaxle, wheel assemblies, and tires are forced
to work harder against the drag of the added
weight. The engine is required to operate
at relatively higher speeds and under greater
loads, generating extra heat. The trailer also adds
considerably to wind resistance, increasing the
pulling requirements.
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Ask your dealer for our trailering information or
advice, or write us at our Customer Assistance
O ces. SeeCustomer Assistance Offices on
page 496for more information.
Weight of the Trailer Tongue
The tongue load (A) of any trailer is an important
weight to measure because it affects the total or
gross weight of the vehicle. The Gross Vehicle
Weight (GVW) includes the curb weight of the
vehicle, any cargo in it, and the people who will be
riding in the vehicle. If there are a lot of options,
equipment, passengers and cargo in the vehicle, it
will reduce the tongue weight the vehicle can carry,
which will also reduce the trailer weight the vehicle
can tow. And if towing a trailer, the tongue load
must be added to the GVW because the vehicle will
be carrying that weight, too. SeeLoading Your
Vehicle on page 317for more information about
your vehicle’s maximum load capacity.When using a weight-carrying hitch or a
weight-distributing hitch, the trailer tongue (A)
should weigh 10 to 15 percent of the total loaded
trailer weight (B).
After the trailer is loaded, weigh the trailer and then
the tongue, separately, to see if the weights are
proper. The correct weight could be achieved
simply by moving some items around in the trailer.
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