2009 CHRYSLER PT CRUISER weight

that typically provides adjustable friction associated with
the telescoping motion to dampen any unwanted trailer
swaying motions while traveling.
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 kinds
of hitches are the most popular on the market today and
they are commonly used to tow small- and medium-
sized trailers.
Weight-Distributing Hitch
A weight-distributing hitch system works by applying
leverage 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 manufacturer’s direc-
tions, it provides for a more level ride, offering more
consistent steering and brake control thereby enhancingtowing safety. The addition of a friction/hydraulic sway
control also dampens sway caused by traffic and cross-
winds 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 de-
pending on Vehicle and Trailer configuration/loading to
comply with gross axle weight rating GAWR require-
ments.
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.
280 STARTING AND OPERATING

Trailer Hitch Classification
Your vehicle may be factory equipped for safe towing of
trailers weighing over 1,000 lbs (454 kg) with the optional
Trailer Tow Prep Package. See your authorized dealer
service center for package content.
The following chart provides the industry standard for
the maximum trailer weight a given trailer hitch class can
tow and should be used to assist you in selecting the
correct trailer hitch for your intended towing condition.
Refer to the Trailer Towing Weights (Maximum Trailer
Weight Ratings) chart for the Max. GTW towable for your
given drivetrain.TRAILER HITCH CLASSIFICATIONSClass Max. GTW
(Gross Trailer Wt.)
Class I - Light Duty 2,000 lbs (907 kg)
Class II - Medium Duty 3,500 lbs (1 587 kg)
Class III - Heavy Duty 5,000 lbs (2 268 kg)
Class IV - Extra Heavy
Duty 10,000 lbs (4 540 kg)
Refer to the “Trailer Towing Weights (Maximum
Trailer Weight Ratings)” chart for the Maximum
Gross Trailer Weight (GTW) towable for your given
drivetrain.
All trailer hitches should be professionally installed on
your vehicle.
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Trailer Towing Weights (Maximum Trailer Weight Ratings
The following chart provides the maximum trailer weight ratings towable for your given drivetrain.
Trailer Towing Weights
Engine/Transmission Frontal Area Max. GTW
(Gross Trailer Wt.) Max. Tongue Wt.
1
2.4L NA and 2.4L Turbo/Automatic* 20 sq ft (1.9 sq m) 1,000 lbs (454 kg) 110 lbs (50 kg)
2.4L NA and 2.4L Turbo/Manual* 20 sq ft (1.9 sq m) 1,000 lbs (454 kg) 110 lbs (50 kg)
* NA (Naturally Aspirated)
1The trailer tongue weight must be considered as part of the combined weight of occupants and cargo, and
should never exceed the weight referenced on the Tire and Loading Information placard. Refer to the following
“Tire–Safety Information” section in this manual.
Refer to local laws for maximum trailer towing speeds.
Trailer and Tongue Weight
Always load a trailer with 60% to 65% of the weight in
the front of the trailer. This places 10% to 15% of the
Gross Trailer Weight (GTW) on the tow hitch of your
vehicle. Loads balanced over the wheels or heavier in the
rear can cause the trailer to sway severelyside to side, which will cause loss of control of the vehicle and trailer.
Failure to load trailers heavier in front is the cause of
many trailer accidents.
Never exceed the maximum trailer tongue weight
stamped on your bumper or trailer hitch.
282 STARTING AND OPERATING

Consider the following items when computing the
weight on the rear axle of the vehicle:
•The tongue weight of the trailer.
•The weight of any other type of cargo or equipment
put in or on your vehicle.
•The weight of the driver and all passengers.NOTE:
Remember that everything put into or on the
trailer adds to the load on your vehicle. Also, additional
factory-installed options, or dealer-installed options,
must be considered as part of the total load on your
vehicle. Refer to the Tire and Loading Information plac-
ard in the Tire Safety Information section of this manual
for the maximum combined weight of occupants and
cargo for your vehicle.
Towing Requirements
To promote proper break-in of your new vehicle drive-
train components, the following guidelines are recom-
mended.
CAUTION!
•Do not tow a trailer for the first 500 miles (805 km)
of vehicle operation. Doing so may damage your
vehicle.
(Continued)
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STARTING AND OPERATING 283

•Total weight must be distributed between the tow
vehicle and the trailer such that the following four
ratings are not exceeded:
1. GVWR
2. GTW
3. GAWR
4. TW (Trailer Tongue Weight rating for the trailer
hitch utilized. This requirement may limit the ability to
always achieve the 10% to 15% range of trailer tongue
weight as a percentage of total trailer weight.)
Towing Requirements — Tires
•
Do not attempt to tow a trailer while using a compact
spare tire.
•Proper tire inflation pressures are essential to the safe
and satisfactory operation of your vehicle. Refer to
“Tires-General Information in this section for proper
tire inflation procedures.
•Check the trailer tires for proper tire inflation pres-
sures before trailer usage.
•Check for signs of tire wear or visible tire damage
before towing a trailer. Refer to “Tires-General Infor-
mation” in this section for the proper inspection
procedure.
•When replacing tires, refer to “Tires-General Informa-
tion” in this section for proper tire replacement proce-
dures. Replacing tires with a higher load carrying
capacity will not increase the vehicle’s GVWR and
GAWR limits.
Towing Requirements — Trailer Brakes
•
Do not interconnect the hydraulic brake system or
vacuum system of your vehicle with that of the trailer.
This could cause inadequate braking and possible
personal injury.
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STARTING AND OPERATING 285

Odometer........................... 167
Tachometer .......................... 165
General Information ...............18,25,110,269
General Maintenance ..................... 312
Glass Cleaning .......................... 339
Gross Axle Weight Rating .................. 279
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating .............277,278
Hands-Free Phone (uconnect) ............... 82
Hazard Driving Through Flowing, Rising,
or Shallow Standing Water ............... 237
Hazard Warning Flasher ................... 292
Head Restraints ......................... 114
Headlights Bulb Replacement ...................... 345
Cleaning ............................ 338
High Beam .......................... 129
High Beam/Low Beam Select Switch ........ 129Passing
............................. 130
Heated Seats ........................... 114
Hitches Trailer Towing ........................ 281
HomeLink (Garage Door Opener) Transmitter . . . 136
Hood Release .......................... 123
Ignition ............................... 12
Key ................................ 12
Ignition Key Removal ..................... 12
Immobilizer (Sentry Key) .................15,19
Infant Restraint .......................... 62
Information Center, Vehicle ................. 178
Inside Rearview Mirror .................... 79
Instrument Cluster .................... 161,164
Instrument Panel and Controls .............. 160
Instrument Panel Cover ................337,339
Instrument Panel Lens Cleaning ............. 339
Integrated Power Module (Fuses) ............ 340
396 INDEX

Compact Spare........................ 259
General Information .................... 256
High Speed .......................... 259
Inflation Pressures ..................... 257
Jacking ............................. 294
Life of Tires .......................... 262
Load Capacity ..................... 252,253
Pressure Monitor System (TPMS) ........... 265
Pressure Warning Light .................. 165
Quality Grading ....................... 387
Radial .............................. 259
Replacement ......................... 262
Rotation ............................ 264
Safety ........................... 248,256
Sizes ............................... 249
Snow Tires ........................... 264
Spare Tire ........................... 295
Spinning ............................ 260
Tread Wear Indicators ................... 261 Tongue Weight/Trailer Weight
.............. 282
Towing ............................... 278
24-Hour Towing Assistance ................ 96
Disabled Vehicle ....................... 303
Guide .............................. 282
Recreational .......................... 290
Weight .............................. 282
Towing Assistance ........................ 96
Traction .............................. 237
Traction Control ......................... 246
Traction Control Switch ................... 246
Trailer Towing .......................... 278
Cooling System Tips .................... 290
Hitches ............................. 281
Minimum Requirements ................. 283
Trailer and Tongue Weight ............... 282
Wiring .............................. 287
Trailer Towing Guide ..................... 282
Trailer Weight .......................... 282
404 INDEX