2009 DODGE CARAVAN towing

▫MMT In Gasoline.................... 381
▫Materials Added To Fuel............... 381
▫Fuel System Cautions.................. 382
▫Carbon Monoxide Warnings............. 382
Flexible Fuel — 3.3L Engines Only.......... 383
▫E-85 General Information............... 383
▫Ethanol Fuel (E-85)................... 384
▫Fuel Requirements.................... 385
▫Starting........................... 385
▫Selection Of Engine Oil For Flexible Fuel
Vehicles (FFV) E-85 And Gasoline Vehicles . . . 386
▫Cruising Range...................... 386▫Replacement Parts.................... 386
▫Maintenance........................ 387
Adding Fuel......................... 387
▫Fuel Filler Cap (Gas Cap)............... 387
▫Loose Fuel Filler Cap Message........... 388
Vehicle Loading....................... 389
▫Vehicle Certification Label.............. 389
Trailer Towing........................ 393
▫Common Towing Definitions............ 393
▫Towing Tips........................ 405
Recreational Towing
(Behind Motorhome, Etc.)................. 407
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operating the vehicle under heavy loading conditions,
(i.e., in hilly terrain, traveling into strong head winds or
while towing heavy trailers). Under these conditions,
using the “5” range will improve performance and
extend transaxle life by reducing excessive shifting and
heat buildup.
DRIVE — Four-Speed Transaxle
This range should be used for most city and highway
driving. It provides the smoothest upshifts, downshifts,
and best fuel economy. However, select the “3” range
when frequent transaxle shifting occurs while using the
DRIVE range, such as when operating the vehicle under
heavy loading conditions, (i.e., in hilly terrain, traveling
into strong head winds or while towing heavy trailers).
Under these conditions, using the “3” range will improve
performance and extend transaxle life by reducing exces-
sive shifting and heat buildup.
CAUTION!
If the transaxle operating temperature exceeds ac-
ceptable limits, the vehicle computer will override
DRIVE and select “5” range (on six-speed transaxles)
or “3” range (on four-speed transaxles) by changing
shift points. This is done to prevent transaxle damage
due to overheating.
Electronic Range Select (ERS) Operation
The Electronic Range Select (ERS) shift control allows
you to move the shift lever to the left (-) or right (+) when
the shift lever is in the DRIVE position, this allows the
selection of the desired top gear. For example, if you shift
the transaxle into 3rd gear, the transaxle will never shift
above 3rd gear, but can shift down to 2nd or 1st gear
automatically, when needed.
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3) tire size designed for your vehicle
4) cold tire inflation pressures for the front, rear, and
spare tires.
Loading
The vehicle maximum load on the tire must not exceed
the load carrying capacity of the tire on your vehicle. You
will not exceed the tire’s load carrying capacity if you
adhere to the loading conditions, tire size, and cold tire
inflation pressures specified on the Tire and Loading
Information placard and in the “Vehicle Loading” section
of this manual.
NOTE:Under a maximum loaded vehicle condition,
gross axle weight ratings (GAWRs) for the front and rear
axles must not be exceeded. For further information on
GAWRs, vehicle loading, and trailer towing, refer to
“Vehicle Loading” in this section.
To determine the maximum loading conditions of your
vehicle, locate the statement “The combined weight ofoccupants and cargo should never exceed XXX kg or XXX
lbs.” on the Tire and Loading Information placard. The
combined weight of occupants, cargo/luggage and
trailer tongue weight (if applicable) should never exceed
the weight referenced here.
Steps for Determining Correct Load Limit
1. Locate the statement “The combined weight of occu-
pants and cargo should never exceed XXX kg or XXX lbs”
on your vehicle’s placard.
2. Determine the combined weight of the driver and
passengers that will be riding in your vehicle.
3. Subtract the combined weight of the driver and pas-
sengers from XXX kg or XXX lbs.
4. The resulting figure equals the available amount of
cargo and luggage load capacity. For example, if “XXX”
amount equals 1,400 lbs (635 kg) and there will be five
150 lb (68 kg) passengers in your vehicle, the amount of
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available cargo and luggage load capacity is 650 lbs
(295 kg) (since 5 x 150 = 750, and 1400 – 750 = 650 lbs
[295 kg]).
5. Determine the combined weight of luggage and cargo
being loaded on the vehicle. That weight may not safely
exceed the available cargo and luggage load capacity
calculated in Step 4.
6. If your vehicle will be towing a trailer, load from your
trailer will be transferred to your vehicle. Consult this
manual to determine how this reduces the available
cargo and luggage load capacity of your vehicle.NOTE:
•The following table shows examples on how to calcu-
late total load, cargo/luggage, and towing capacities
of your vehicle with varying seating configurations
and number and size of occupants. This table is for
illustration purposes only and may not be accurate for
the seating and load carry capacity of your vehicle.
•For the following example, the combined weight of
occupants and cargo should never exceed 865 lbs
(392 kg).
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LOADING TABLE — EXAMPLE ONLY
Front Axle Rear Axle
Empty Weight 2,140 lbs
(971 kg)1,470 lbs
(667 kg)
Load (Driver,
passengers, and
cargo/luggage)360 lbs
(163 kg)980 lbs
(445 kg)
TOTAL 2,500 lbs
(1 134 kg)2,450 lbs
(1 111 kg)
GAWR 2,544 lbs
(1 154 kg)2,544 lbs
(1 154 kg)
A loaded vehicle is shown in the above table. Note that
neither the GVWR nor the GAWR capacities have been
exceeded.
NOTE:Refer to the “Vehicle Certification Label” at-
tached to the rear of the driver’s door for your vehicle’s
GVWR and GAWR’s. This table is only an example.TRAILER TOWING
In this section you will find safety tips and information
on limits to the type of towing you can reasonably do
with your vehicle. Before towing a trailer, carefully
review this information to tow your load as efficiently
and safely as possible.
To maintain warranty coverage, follow the requirements
and recommendations in this manual concerning ve-
hicles used for trailer towing.
Common Towing Definitions
The following trailer towing-related definitions will as-
sist you in understanding the following information:
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR)
The GVWR is the total allowable weight of your vehicle.
This includes driver, passengers, cargo/luggage and
trailer tongue weight. The total load must be limited so
that you do not exceed the GVWR.
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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. This type of
hitch is the most popular on the market today and is
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’s axle(s). When
used in accordance with the manufacturer’s directions, it
provides for a more level ride, offering more consistent
steering and brake control thereby enhancing towing
safety. The addition of a friction/hydraulic sway controlalso dampens sway caused by traffic and crosswinds 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 depending on vehicle
and trailer configuration/loading to comply with gross
axle weight rating (GAWR) requirements.
WARNING!
An improperly adjusted weight-distributing hitch
system may reduce handling, stability, braking per-
formance, and could result in an accident.
Weight-distributing hitch systems may not be com-
patible with surge brake couplers. Consult with an
authorized hitch and trailer manufacturer or a repu-
table authorized Recreational Vehicle dealer for ad-
ditional information.
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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
ClassMax. 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
Duty10,000 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 (In-
correct)
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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
Combined Wt.
Rating)Frontal Area Max. GTW (Gross Trailer Wt.) Max. Tongue Wt.
3.3L, 3.8L and
4.0L/Automatic7,000 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)
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 Infor-
mation in this section of the manual.
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