2009 DODGE DURANGO load capacity

Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR)
The GAWR is the maximum permissible load on the front
and rear axles. The load must be distributed in the cargo
area so that the GAWR of each axle is not exceeded.
Each axle GAWR is determined by the component in the
system with the lowest load carrying capacity (axle,
springs, tires, or wheels).
Heavier axles or suspension components sometimes
specified by purchasers for increased durability do not
necessarily increase the vehicle’s GVWR.
Tire Size
This is the minimum allowable tire size for your vehicle.
Replacement tires must be equal to the load capacity of
this tire size.
Rim Size
This is the rim size that is appropriate for the tire size
listed.
Inflation Pressure (Cold)
This is the cold tire inflation pressure for your vehicle for
all loading conditions up to full GAWR.
Curb Weight
The curb weight of a vehicle is defined as the total weight
of the vehicle with all fluids, including vehicle fuel, at full
capacity conditions, and with no occupants or cargo
loaded into the vehicle. The front and rear curb weight
values are determined by weighing your vehicle on a
commercial scale before any occupants or cargo are
added.
Loading
The actual total weight and the weight of the front and
rear of your vehicle at the ground can best be determined
by weighing it when it is loaded and ready for operation.
The entire vehicle should first be weighed on a commer-
cial scale to ensure that the GVWR has not been ex-
ceeded. The weight on the front and rear of the vehicle
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Common Towing Definitions
The following trailer towing related definitions will assist
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 and tongue
weight. The total load must be limited so that you do not
exceed the GVWR.
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.
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4. Tongue weight rating for the trailer hitch utilized
(This requirement may limit the ability to always
achieve the 10% to 15% range of 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. For proper
tire inflation procedures, refer to “Tire Pressures”
under ”Tires–General Information” in Section 5.
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. For the proper inspection
procedure, refer to “Tread Wear Indicators” under
”Tires–General Information” in Section 5.
When replacing tires, refer to “Replacement Tires”
under “Tires–General Information” in Section 5. Re-
placing 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.
Trailer brakes are recommended for trailers over
1,000 lbs (454 kg) and required for trailers in excess of
2,000 lbs (907 kg).
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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 hy-
draulic brake lines. It can overload your brake sys-
tem and cause it to fail. You might not have brakes
when you need them and could have an accident.
Towing any trailer will increase your stopping dis-
tance. When towing you should allow for additional
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 4 and 7-pin
wiring harness. Use a factory approved trailer harness
and connector.
NOTE:Do not cut or splice wiring into the vehicle’s
wiring harness.
368 STARTING AND OPERATING

Cargo Organizer........................ 191
Cargo (Vehicle Loading)................... 358
Cellular Phone........................86,268
Center High Mounted Stop Light............ 441
Certification Label....................... 358
Charging.............................. 388
Chart, Tire Sizing........................ 322
Check Engine Light
(Malfunction Indicator Light)............... 399
Checking Your Vehicle For Safety............. 72
Checks, Safety........................... 72
Child Restraint......................62,63,64
Child Restraint Tether Anchors.............65,70
Child Seat.............................. 67
Circuit Breakers......................... 426
Cleaning
Wheels............................. 423
Climate Control......................... 269
Climate Control, Rear Zone..............272,278Clock.....................215,216,220,235,245
Compact Disc (CD) Maintenance............. 267
Compact Spare Tire...................... 332
Compass Calibration..................... 174
Compass Variance....................... 174
Connector
UCI ................................ 255
Universal Consumer Interface (UCI)......... 255
Console, Floor.......................189,190
Console, Overhead....................165,166
Contract, Service........................ 467
Coolant Pressure Cap
(Radiator Cap).................395,396,397,413
Cooling System......................... 410
Adding Coolant (Antifreeze).............. 412
Coolant Capacity...................... 443
Coolant Level......................410,414
Disposal of Used Coolant................ 414
Drain, Flush, and Refill.................. 411
476 INDEX

Theft System Arming...................... 18
Theft System Disarming.................... 19
Tilt Steering Column..................... 153
Tire and Loading Information Placard......325,337
Tire Identification Number (TIN)............. 324
Tire Markings.......................... 320
Tire Safety Information.................... 320
Tires ............................74,329,470
Aging (Life of Tires).................... 335
Air Pressure.......................... 329
Chains.............................. 337
Changing............................ 379
Compact Spare........................ 332
General Information.................... 329
High Speed.......................... 331
Inflation Pressures..................... 330
Jacking............................. 381
Life of Tires.......................... 335
Load Capacity........................ 325Pressure Monitor System (TPMS)........... 340
Pressure Warning Light.................. 212
Quality Grading....................... 470
Radial.............................. 332
Replacement......................... 336
Rotation............................ 339
Safety...........................320,329
Sizes............................... 322
Snow Tires........................... 339
Spare Tire........................... 380
Spinning............................ 334
Tread Wear Indicators................... 334
Wheel Mounting...................... 381
Wheel Nut Torque..................... 386
Tongue Weight/Trailer Weight.............. 364
Torque Converter Clutch.................. 297
Tow Hooks, Emergency................... 391
Towing............................... 360
24-Hour Towing Assistance............... 101
INDEX 489
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