2009 DODGE JOURNEY Trailer weights

▫Loose Fuel Filler Cap Message ............374
 Vehicle Loading ........................375
▫ Vehicle Certification Label ...............375
▫ Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) .......375
▫ Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) .........375
▫ Overloading .........................376
▫ Loading ............................376
 Trailer Towing .........................377
▫ Common Towing Definitions .............377▫
Trailer Hitch Classification ...............381
▫ Trailer Towing Weights (Maximum Trailer
Weight Ratings) ......................382
▫ Trailer And Tongue Weight ..............384
▫ Towing Requirements ..................385
▫ Towing Tips .........................390
 Recreational Towing (Behind Motorhome, Etc.) . . 392
▫ Towing This Vehicle Behind Another
Vehicle (Flat Towing With All Four Wheels
On The Ground) ......................392
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Frontal Area
Frontal area is the maximum height and maximum width
of the front of a trailer.
Trailer Sway Control — Electronic
Refer to “TSC (Trailer Sway Control)” under “Electronic
Brake Control System” in this section for information on
this system.
Trailer Sway Control — Mechanical
The trailer sway control is a telescoping link that can be
installed between the hitch receiver and the trailer tongue
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. These kindsof hitches are the most popular on the market today and
they are 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 axle(s). When used
in accordance with the manufacturers directions, it pro-
vides for a more level ride, offering more consistent
steering and brake control thereby enhancing towing
safety. The addition of a friction / hydraulic sway control
also 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.
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5

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 your 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 Classification Definitions
Class Max. Trailer Hitch Industry Standards
Class I - Light Duty 2,000 lbs (907 kg)
Class II - Medium Duty 3,500 lbs (1587 kg)
Class III - Heavy Duty 5,000 lbs (2268 kg)
Class IV - Extra Heavy
Duty 10,000 lbs (4540 kg)
Refer to the “Trailer Towing Weights (Maximum
Trailer Weight Ratings)” chart for the Maximum
Gross Trailer Weight (GTW) towable for your given
drivetrain.
All trailer hitches should be professionally installed on
your vehicle.
Improper Adjustment of Weight Distributing System
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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/
Transaxle GCWR (Gross Com-
bined Wt. Rating) Frontal Area Max. GTW (Gross Trailer Wt.) Max. Tongue
Wt.
2.4L Automatic 6,000 lbs (2,722 kg) 22 sq ft (2.0 sq m) 1,000 lbs (454 kg) which includes
up to 5 persons & Luggage100 lbs (45 kg)
2.7L/3.5L (with
out Trailer Tow Prep Package (AHT) 7,300 lbs (3,311 kg) 32 sq ft (3.0 sq m)
2,000 lbs (907 kg) which includes
1 to 2 persons & Luggage200 lbs (91 kg)
7,300 lbs (3,311 kg) 32 sq ft (3.0 sq m) 1,500 lbs (680 kg) which includes
3 to 4 persons & Luggage150 lbs (68 kg)
7,300 lbs (3,311 kg) 32 sq ft (3.0 sq m) 1,000 lbs (454 kg) which includes
5 to 7 persons & Luggage100 lbs (45 kg)
*Except for
AWD models.
2.7L (with
Trailer Tow
Prep Package (AHT) 8,300 lbs (3,765 kg) 40 sq ft (3.7 sq m)
3,000 lbs (1,361 kg) which in-
cludes up to 5 persons & Lug-
gage300 lbs (136 kg)
8,300 lbs (3,765 kg) 40 sq ft (3.7 sq m) 1,000 lbs (454 kg) which includes
6 to 7 persons & Luggage100 lbs (91 kg)
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