2009 DODGE CARAVAN weight

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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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 swayseverelyside-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.
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.
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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 driv-
etrain components, the following guidelines are recom-
mended:
CAUTION!
•Avoid towing a trailer for the first 500 miles
(805 km) of vehicle operation. Doing so may dam-
age your vehicle.
(Continued)
CAUTION! (Continued)
•During the first 500 miles (805 km) of trailer
towing, limit your speed to 50 mph (80 km/h).
Perform the maintenance listed in the “Maintenance
Schedule.” Refer to Section 8 of this manual. When
towing a trailer, never exceed the GAWR or GCWR
ratings.
WARNING!
Improper towing can lead to an injury accident.
Follow these guidelines to make your trailer towing
as safe as possible:
(Continued)
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WARNING! (Continued)
Make certain that the load is secured in the trailer
and will not shift during travel. When trailering
cargo that is not fully secured, dynamic load shifts
can occur that may be difficult for the driver to
control. You could lose control of your vehicle and
have an accident.
•When hauling cargo or towing a trailer, do not over-
load your vehicle or trailer. Overloading can cause a
loss of control, poor performance or damage to brakes,
axle, engine, transaxle, steering, suspension, chassis
structure or tires.
•Safety chains must always be used between your
vehicle and trailer. Always connect the chains to the
frame or hook retainers of the vehicle hitch. Cross the
chains under the trailer tongue and allow enough
slack for turning corners.
•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.)
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applique. Rub the applique with firm pressure then buff
lightly with a clean cotton cloth until a high gloss shine is
achieved.
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.
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Gasoline, Reformulated................... 380
Gauges
Coolant Temperature.................... 236
Fuel................................ 236
Speedometer......................... 237
Tachometer.......................... 239
Gearshift.............................. 329
General Information...............18,27,143,378
Glass Cleaning.......................... 465
Grocery Bag Retainer..................... 161
Gross Axle Weight Rating...............390,394
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating.............389,393
Hands-Free Phone (UConnect) .............. 115
Hazard
Driving Through Flowing, Rising, or
Shallow Standing Water................... 335
Hazard Warning Flasher................... 410
Head Restraints......................... 146Headlights............................ 174
Bulb Replacement...................... 475
Cleaning............................ 465
Lights On Reminder.................... 176
Passing............................. 179
Replacing............................ 475
Time Delay.......................... 175
Washers............................. 175
Heated Mirrors......................... 105
Heated Seats........................... 147
Heater............................... 301
Heater, Engine Block..................... 327
High Beam/Low Beam Select (Dimmer) Switch . . 179
Hitches
Trailer Towing........................ 397
HomeLink(Garage Door Opener) Transmitter . . . 197
Hood Release.......................... 170
Hook, Coat............................ 216
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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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