2009 DODGE CARAVAN load capacity

Gross Trailer Weight (GTW)
The GTW is the weight of the trailer plus the weight of all
cargo, consumables and equipment (permanent or tem-
porary) loaded in or on the trailer in itsloaded and
ready for operationcondition. The recommended 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 GCWR is the total permissible weight of your vehicle
and trailer when weighed in combination. (Note that
GCWR ratings include 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.
Trailer Tongue Weight (TW)
The TW is 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 frontal area is the maximum height and maximum
width of the front of a trailer.
Trailer Sway Control
The trailer sway control is a telescoping link that can be
installed between the hitch receiver and the trailer tongue
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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 the
“Tires–General Information” section for proper tire
inflation procedures.
•Also, check the trailer tires for proper tire inflation
pressures before trailer usage.
•Check for signs of tire wear or visible tire damage
before towing a trailer. Refer to the “Tires–General
Information” section of this manual for the proper
inspection procedure.
•When replacing tires, refer to the “Tires–General Infor-
mation” 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 — Trailer Brakes
•
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.
•An 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.
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•Trailer 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
hydraulic brake lines. It can overload your brake
system and cause it to fail. You might not have
brakes when you need them and could have an
accident.
(Continued)
WARNING! (Continued)
•Towing any trailer will increase your stopping
distance. When towing you should allow for addi-
tional space between your vehicle and the vehicle
in front of you. Failure to do so could result in an
accident.
Towing Requirements — Trailer Lights and Wiring
Whenever you pull a trailer, regardless of the trailer size,
stop lights and turn signals on the trailer are required for
motoring safety.
The Trailer Tow Package may include a four-pin or a
seven-pin wiring harness. Use a factory approved trailer
harness and connector.
NOTE:Do not cut or splice wiring into the vehicles
wiring harness.
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Flat Changing........................ 421
General Information.................... 358
High Speed.......................... 360
Inflation Pressures..................... 359
Jacking...........................412,415
Life of Tires.......................... 364
Load Capacity.....................354,355
Pressure Monitor System (TPMS)........... 370
Pressure Warning Light.................. 245
Quality Grading....................... 509
Radial.............................. 361
Replacement......................... 365
Rotation............................. 369
Safety...........................349,358
Sizes............................... 350
Snow Tires........................... 368
Spare Tire........................... 413
Spinning............................ 363
Tread Wear Indicators................... 364Tongue Weight/Trailer Weight.............. 399
Towing............................... 393
24-Hour Towing Assistance............... 129
Disabled Vehicle....................... 427
Guide.............................. 398
Recreational.......................407,429
Weight.............................. 398
Towing Assistance....................... 129
Traction Control......................... 345
Traction Control Switch................... 345
Trailer Towing.......................... 393
Cooling System Tips.................... 406
Hitches............................. 397
Minimum Requirements................. 400
Trailer and Tongue Weight................ 399
Wiring.............................. 403
Trailer Towing Guide..................... 398
Trailer Weight.......................... 398
Transaxle............................. 327
528 INDEX
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