2010 CHRYSLER PT CRUISER load capacity

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 re-
view 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 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 trailer 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 operation condition. 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: The GCWR rating includes an 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.
246 STARTING AND OPERATING

•When replacing tires, refer to “Tires-General Informa-
tion” in “Starting and Operating” for proper tire
replacement procedures. Replacing tires with a higher
load carrying capacity will not increase the vehicle’s
GVWR and GAWR limits.
Towing Requirements – Trailer Brakes
•
Donot interconnect 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).
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.
254 STARTING AND OPERATING

Engine Fails to Start.................... 193
Starting and Operating .................... 192
Starting Procedures ...................... 192
Steering Power ........................... 205,206
Tilt Column .......................... 110
Wheel Lock ........................... 14
Storage ............................ 126,311
Stuck, Freeing .......................... 272
Sun Roof .............................. 121
Sun Visor Extension ....................... 84
Supplemental Restraint System - Airbag ........ 46
Synthetic Engine Oil ...................... 284
Tachometer ............................ 144
Temperature Gauge, Engine Coolant .......143,261
Tether Anchor, Child Restraint ............... 68
Theft Alarm (Security Alarm) ................ 18
Theft System (Security Alarm) ............... 18Tilt Steering Column
..................... 110
Tire and Loading Information Placard ......... 219
Tire Identification Number (TIN) ............. 217
Tire Markings .......................... 214
Tire Safety Information .................... 214
Tires ............................ 77,223,346
Aging (Life of Tires) .................... 229
Air Pressure .......................... 223
Chains .............................. 231
Changing ............................ 262
Compact Spare ........................ 226
General Information .................... 223
High Speed .......................... 226
Inflation Pressures ..................... 224
Jacking ............................. 262
Life of Tires .......................... 229
Load Capacity ..................... 219,220
Pressure Monitor System (TPMS) ........... 232
Pressure Warning Light .................. 144
10
INDEX 363