2008 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE load capacity

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.
Frontal Area
The maximum height and maximum width of the front of
a trailer.
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
352 STARTING AND OPERATING

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 of this manual 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.
360 STARTING AND OPERATING

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.
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.
STARTING AND OPERATING 361
5

Cargo Area Features...................... 172
Cargo Compartment...................... 172
Light............................... 172
Luggage Carrier....................... 179
Cargo Light............................ 172
Cargo Load Floor........................ 176
Cargo Tie-Downs........................ 174
Catalytic Converter...................... 399
CD (Compact Disc) Player................. 241
Cellular Phone.......................... 81
Center High Mounted Stop Light............ 439
Certification Label....................... 348
Chains, Tire............................ 325
Changing A Flat Tire..................... 372
Chart, Tire Sizing........................ 311
Checks, Safety.........................69,70
Child Restraint....................58,59,63,65
Child Restraint Tether Anchors.............62,63
Child Safety Locks........................ 30Climate Control......................... 258
Clock........................215,230,242,244
Cold Weather Operation................... 276
Compact Disc (CD) Maintenance............. 257
Compass.............................. 204
Compass Calibration..................... 205
Compass Variance....................... 205
Computer, Trip/Travel.................... 201
Connector
UCI ................................ 246
Universal Consumer Interface (UCI)......... 246
Console, Overhead....................... 157
Contract, Service........................ 462
Converter, Catalytic...................... 399
Cooling System......................... 407
Adding Coolant (Antifreeze).............. 409
Coolant Capacity...................... 440
Coolant Level......................... 410
Disposal of Used Coolant................ 410
472 INDEX

Tip Start.............................. 280
Tire and Loading Information Placard......... 314
Tire Identification Number (TIN)............. 313
Tire Markings.......................... 310
Tire Safety Information.................... 310
Tires ............................70,318,466
Air Pressure.......................... 319
Alignment and Balance.................. 324
Chains.............................. 325
Changing............................ 372
General Information.................... 318
High Speed.......................... 321
Inflation Pressures..................... 319
Jacking............................. 372
Life of Tires.......................... 323
Load Capacity.....................314,315
Pressure Monitor System (TPMS)........... 326
Pressure Warning Light.................. 191
Quality Grading....................... 466Radial.............................. 321
Replacement......................... 323
Rotation............................. 325
Safety............................70,310
Sizes............................... 311
Spare Tire........................... 373
Spinning............................ 321
Tread Wear Indicators................... 322
Wheel Mounting....................... 377
Tongue Weight/Trailer Weight.............. 357
Torque Converter Clutch.................. 291
Tow Hooks, Emergency................... 381
Tow/Haul Indicator Light................. 193
Towing............................351,382
Disabled Vehicle....................... 382
Guide.............................. 355
Recreational.......................... 364
Weight.............................. 355
Traction Control......................... 139
INDEX 487
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