2008 JEEP COMMANDER load capacity

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.
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.
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.
STARTING AND OPERATING 347
5

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 Ð Tires
þ
Do not attempt to tow a trailer while using a compact
spare tire.
þProper tire inflation pressures are essential to the safe
and satisfactory operation of your vehicle. Refer to the
ªTires±General Informationº section for proper tire
inflation procedures.
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 ªTires±General
Informationº section of this manual for the proper
inspection procedure.
þWhen replacing tires, refer to the ªTires±General Infor-
mationº section of this manual for proper tire replace-
ment 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
STARTING AND OPERATING 355
5

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.
WARNING!
Do not connect trailer brakes to your vehicle's hy-
draulic brake lines. It can overload your brake sys-
tem and cause it to fail. You might not have brakes
when you need them and could have an accident.
Towing any trailer will increase your stopping dis-
tance. When towing you should allow for additional
space between your vehicle and the vehicle in front
of you. Failure to do so could result in an accident.
Towing Requirements Ð Trailer Lights & Wiring
Whenever you pull a trailer, regardless of the trailer size,
stop lights and turn signals on the trailer are required for
motoring safety.
356 STARTING AND OPERATING

Cargo Compartment...................... 174
Luggage Carrier....................... 177
Cargo Load Floor........................ 174
Catalytic Converter...................... 393
CD (Compact Disc) Player................. 239
Cellular Phone.......................... 82
Center High Mounted Stop Light............ 434
Certification Label....................... 344
Chains, Tire............................ 322
Changing A Flat Tire..................... 368
Chart, Tire Sizing........................ 308
Checks, Safety.........................71,72
Child Restraint....................60,61,65,67
Child Restraint Tether Anchors.............64,65
Child Safety Locks........................ 30
Climate Control......................... 257
Clock........................213,229,240,243
Cold Weather Operation................... 278
Command View Skylights.................. 168Compact Disc (CD) Maintenance............. 256
Compass.............................. 203
Compass Calibration..................... 204
Compass Variance....................... 204
Computer, Trip/Travel.................... 200
Connector
UCI ................................ 244
Universal Consumer Interface (UCI)......... 244
Console, Overhead....................... 158
Contract, Service........................ 450
Converter, Catalytic...................... 393
Cooling System......................... 401
Adding Coolant (Antifreeze).............. 403
Coolant Capacity...................... 435
Coolant Level......................... 405
Disposal of Used Coolant................ 405
Drain, Flush, and Refill.................. 402
Inspection........................401,405
Points to Remember.................... 405
460 INDEX

Life of Tires.......................... 320
Load Capacity...................... 311,312
Pressure Monitor System (TPMS)........... 323
Pressure Warning Light.................. 190
Quality Grading....................... 454
Radial.............................. 318
Replacement......................... 320
Rotation............................. 322
Safety............................72,306
Sizes............................... 308
Spare Tire........................... 369
Spinning............................ 318
Tread Wear Indicators................... 319
Wheel Mounting....................... 373
Tongue Weight/Trailer Weight.............. 352
Torque Converter Clutch.................. 288
Tow Hooks, Emergency................... 377
Tow/Haul Indicator Light................. 192
Towing............................346,378Disabled Vehicle....................... 378
Guide.............................. 350
Recreational.......................... 359
Weight.............................. 350
Traction Control......................... 140
Traction Control Light.................... 189
Trailer Sway Control (TSC)................. 147
Trailer Towing.......................... 346
Cooling System Tips.................... 358
Hitches............................. 350
Minimum Requirements................. 353
Trailer and Tongue Weight................ 352
Wiring.............................. 356
Trailer Towing Guide..................... 350
Trailer Weight.......................... 350
Transfer Case........................... 410
Maintenance.......................... 410
Transmission
Automatic........................283,411
INDEX 475
10