2009 CHRYSLER TOWN AND COUNTRY weight

Without Weight-Distributing Hitch (Incorrect)With Weight-Distributing Hitch (Correct)
402 STARTING AND OPERATING

Trailer Hitch Classification
Your vehicle may be factory-equipped for safe towing of
trailers weighing over 2,000 lbs (907 kg) with the optional
Trailer Tow Prep Package. See an authorized dealer 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.
TRAILER HITCH CLASSIFICATIONS
Class 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.
Improper Adjustment of Weight-Distributing Hitch (Incorrect)
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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.
Engine/TransaxleGCWR (Gross Com-
bined Wt. Rating) Frontal AreaMax. GTW (Gross
Trailer Wt.) Max. Tongue Wt.
3.3L, 3.8L and 4.0L/ Automatic 7,000 lbs (3 175 kg) 22 sq ft (2.0 sq m)
Up to 2 persons &
Luggage 1,800 lbs (816 kg) 180 lbs (82 kg)
7,000 lbs (3 175 kg) 22 sq ft (2.0 sq m) 3 to 5 persons &
Luggage 1,350 lbs (612 kg) 135 lbs (61 kg)
7,000 lbs (3 175 kg) 22 sq ft (2.0 sq m) 6 to 7 persons &
Luggage 1,000 lbs (454 kg) 100 lbs (45 kg)
404 STARTING AND OPERATING

Engine/TransaxleGCWR (Gross Com-
bined Wt. Rating) Frontal AreaMax. GTW (Gross
Trailer Wt.) Max. Tongue Wt.
3.8L and 4.0L/
Automatic (with Tow Package) 9,000 lbs (4 082 kg) 40 sq ft (3.72 sq m)
Up to 2 persons &
Luggage 3,800 lbs (1 723 kg)* 380 lbs (172 kg)
9,000 lbs (4 082 kg) 40 sq ft (3.72 sq m) 3 to 5 persons &
Luggage 3,350 lbs (1 519 kg)* 335 lbs (152 kg)
9,000 lbs (4 082 kg) 40 sq ft (3.72 sq m) 6 to 7 persons &
Luggage 3,000 lbs (1 360 kg)* 300 lbs (136 kg)
* For vehicles equipped with Fold-in-Floor seating, the Gross Trailer Weight must be reduced by 100 lbs (45 kg).
Refer to local laws for maximum trailer towing speeds.
NOTE: The 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
Tire–Safety Information in this section of the manual.
Trailer and Trailer 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,
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STARTING AND OPERATING 405

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.
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/luggage 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 authorized dealer-installed
options, must be considered as part of the total load on
your vehicle. Refer to the Tire and Loading Information
placard 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:
406 STARTING AND OPERATING

•Vehicles with trailers should not be parked on a grade.
When parking, apply the parking brake on the tow
vehicle. Put the tow vehicle automatic transmission in
PARK. Always, block orchockthe trailer wheels.
•GCWR must not be exceeded.
•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. Trailer tongue weight rating for that trailer hitch.
(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.
408 STARTING AND OPERATING

Cleaning Headlights
Your vehicle has plastic headlights that are lightweight
and less susceptible to stone breakage than glass head-
lights.
Plastic is not as scratch resistant as glass and therefore
different lens cleaning procedures must be followed.
To minimize the possibility of scratching the lenses and
reducing light output, avoid wiping with a dry cloth. To
remove road dirt, wash with a mild soap solution fol-
lowed by rinsing.
Do not use abrasive cleaning components, solvents, steel
wool or other aggressive material to clean the lenses.
Glass Surfaces
All glass surfaces should be cleaned on a regular basis
with MOPARGlass Cleaner or any commercial
household-type glass cleaner. Never use an abrasive type cleaner. Use caution when cleaning the inside rear win-
dow equipped with electric defrosters or the right rear
quarter window equipped with the radio antenna. Do
not use scrapers or other sharp instruments that may
scratch the elements.
When cleaning the rearview mirror, spray cleaner on the
towel or rag that you are using. Do not spray cleaner
directly on the mirror.
Cleaning Plastic Instrument Cluster Lenses
The lenses in front of the instruments in this vehicle are
molded in clear plastic. When cleaning the lenses, care
must be taken to avoid scratching the plastic.
1. Clean with a wet soft rag. A mild soap solution may be
used, but do not use high alcohol content or abrasive
cleaners. If soap is used, wipe clean with a clean damp
rag.
2. Dry with a soft tissue.
472 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Gasoline, Clean Air...................... 385
Gasoline (Fuel) ......................... 384
Gasoline, Reformulated ................... 386
Gauges Coolant Temperature ................... 253
Fuel ............................... 245
Speedometer ......................... 248
Tachometer .......................... 251
Gearshift .............................. 339
General Information ...............16,27,144,384
Glass Cleaning .......................... 472
Grocery Bag Retainer ..................... 167
Gross Axle Weight Rating ...............396,400
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating .............395,399
Hands-Free Phone (uconnect) .............. 115
Hazard Driving Through Flowing, Rising, or Shallow
Standing Water ........................ 345 Hazard Warning Flasher
................... 416
Head Restraints ......................... 152
Headlights ............................ 181
Cleaning ............................ 472
Lights On Reminder .................... 183
Passing ............................. 186
Time Delay .......................... 182
Washers ............................. 182
Heated Mirrors ......................... 105
Heated Seats ........................... 152
Heater ............................... 311
Heater, Engine Block ..................... 336
High Beam/Low Beam Select (Dimmer) Switch . . 185
Hitches Trailer Towing ........................ 403
HomeLink (Garage Door Opener) Transmitter . . . 207
Hood Release .......................... 177
Hook, Coat ............................ 227
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INDEX 527