2008 DODGE NITRO load capacity

Each axle GAWR is determined by the components in the
system with the lowest load carrying capacity (axle,
springs, tires, or wheels). Heavier axles or suspension
components sometimes specified by purchasers for in-
creased durability does not necessarily increase the vehi-
cle's GVWR.
Tire Size
The tire size on the Label represents the actual tire size on
your vehicle. Replacement tires must be equal to the load
capacity of this tire size.
Rim Size
This is the rim size that is appropriate for the tire size
listed.
Inflation Pressure
This is the cold tire inflation pressure for your vehicle for
all loading conditions up to full GAWR.
Curb Weight
The curb weight of a vehicle is defined as the total weight
of the vehicle with all fluids, including vehicle fuel, at full
capacity conditions, and with no occupants or cargo
loaded into the vehicle. The front and rear curb weight
values are determined by weighing your vehicle on a
commercial scale before any occupants or cargo are
added.
Loading
The actual total weight and the weight of the front and
rear of your vehicle at the ground can best be determined
by weighing it when it is loaded and ready for operation.
The entire vehicle should first be weighed on a commer-
cial scale to insure that the GVWR has not been exceeded.
The weight on the front and rear of the vehicle should
then be determined separately to be sure that the load is
properly distributed over front and rear axle. Weighing
the vehicle may show that the GAWR of either the front
314 STARTING AND OPERATING

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.
WARNING!
If the gross trailer weight (GTW) is 3,500 lbs. (1 587
kg) or more, it is mandatory to use a weight-
distributing hitch to ensure stable handling of your
vehicle. If you use a standard weight- carrying hitch,
you could lose control of your vehicle and cause an
accident.
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 150 lbs (68 kg) 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.
316 STARTING AND OPERATING

þAlso, check the trailer tires for proper tire inflation
pressures before trailer usage.
þCheck for signs of tire wear or visible tire damage
before towing a trailer. Refer to the Tires±General
Information section of this manual on Tread Wear
Indicators for the proper inspection procedure.
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.
326 STARTING AND OPERATING

Light............................... 153
Cargo Light............................ 153
Cargo Load Floor........................ 154
Cargo Slide Out System
LoadNGo ........................... 156
Cargo Tie-Downs........................ 153
Cargo (Vehicle Loading)................... 313
Catalytic Converter...................... 359
CD (Compact Disc) Player Maintenance........ 234
Cellular Phone.......................... 87
Center High Mounted Stop Light............ 393
Certification Label....................... 313
Changing A Flat Tire..................... 336
Charging.............................. 341
Chart, Tire Sizing........................ 280
Check Engine Light (Malfunction Indicator
Light)................................ 351
Checks, Safety.........................77,78
Child Restraint....................66,67,71,73Child Restraint Tether Anchors.............70,71
Child Safety Locks........................ 32
Climate Control......................... 235
Clock...........................199,215,226
Coin Holder........................... 152
Compact Disc (CD) Maintenance............. 234
Compass........................180,183,189
Compass Calibration..................183,190
Compass Variance....................182,190
Computer, Trip/Travel.................... 188
Console.............................. 152
Console, Floor.......................... 152
Contract, Service........................ 408
Converter, Catalytic...................... 359
Cooling System......................... 366
Adding Coolant (Antifreeze).............. 368
Coolant Capacity...................... 394
Coolant Level......................... 370
Disposal of Used Coolant................ 369
418 INDEX

General Information.................... 287
High Speed.......................... 290
Inflation Pressures..................... 288
Jacking............................. 336
Life of Tires.......................... 292
Load Capacity.....................283,284
Pressure Monitor System (TPMS)........... 296
Quality Grading....................... 412
Radial.............................. 290
Replacement......................... 292
Rotation............................. 295
Safety............................78,279
Sizes............................... 280
Spare Tire........................... 337
Spinning............................ 290
Tread Wear Indicators................... 291
Tongue Weight/Trailer Weight.............. 323
Torque Converter Clutch................259,264
Towing............................... 315Disabled Vehicle....................... 343
Guide.............................. 320
Recreational.......................... 330
Weight.............................. 320
Traction Control......................132,173
Trailer Towing.......................... 315
Cooling System Tips.................... 330
Hitches............................. 319
Minimum Requirements................. 324
Trailer and Tongue Weight................ 323
Wiring.............................. 327
Trailer Towing Guide..................... 320
Trailer Weight.......................... 320
Transaxle............................. 252
Automatic........................... 252
Operation........................... 252
Transfer Case........................... 376
Fluid............................... 396
Maintenance.......................... 376
INDEX 431
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