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NOTE:The GCWR rating includes 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.
Trailer Tongue Weight (TW)
The tongue weight is the downward force exerted on the
hitch ball by the trailer. In most cases it should not be less
than or more than 10% of the trailer load. You must
consider this as part of the load on your vehicle.
Frontal Area
The frontal area is the maximum height and maximum
width of the front of a trailer and its cargo.
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 truck. These kinds of
hitches are the most popular on the market today and
they’re commonly used to tow small- and medium-sized
trailers.
5
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WARNING! (Continued)
•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 the trailer hitch
utilized (This requirement may limit the ability to
always achieve 10% of trailer 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. Refer to
“Tires — General Information” in this section for
proper tire inflation procedures.
•Check the trailer tires for proper tire inflation pres-
sures before trailer usage.
•Check for signs of tire wear or visible tire damage
before towing a trailer. Refer to “Tires — General
Information” in this section for information on tread
wear indicators and for proper inspection procedure.
•When replacing tires, refer to “Tires — General Infor-
mation” in this section for information on replacement
tires and for proper tire replacement procedures. Re-
placing tires with a higher load carrying capacity will
not increase the vehicle’s GVWR and GAWR limits.
5
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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 (450 kg) and required for trailers in excess of
2,000 lbs (907 kg).
CAUTION!
If the trailer weighs more than 1,000 lbs (450 kg)
loaded, it should have its own brakes with adequate
braking 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
hydraulic brake lines. It can overload your brake
system and cause it to fail. You might not have
brakes when you need them and could have an
accident.
(Continued)
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Page 434 of 436

Life of Tires.......................... 278
Load Capacity ........................ 268
Pressure Monitor System (TPMS) ........... 281
Pressure Warning Light .................. 156
Quality Grading ....................... 415
Radial .............................. 275
Replacement ......................... 278
Rotation ............................ 280
Safety ........................... 264,272
Sizes ............................... 265
Snow Tires ........................... 280
Spare Tire ........................... 318
Spinning ............................ 276
Tread Wear Indicators ................... 277
Tongue Weight/Trailer Weight .............. 308
Towing ............................... 304
Disabled Vehicle ....................... 329
Guide .............................. 307
Recreational .......................... 314 Weight
.............................. 307
Traction .............................. 248
Trailer Towing .......................... 304
Cooling System Tips .................... 314
Hitches ............................. 306
Minimum Requirements ................. 309
Trailer and Tongue Weight ............... 308
Trailer Towing Guide ..................... 307
Trailer Weight .......................... 307
Transaxle Additives ............................ 364
Automatic .................... 12,235,239,362
Autostick ............................ 246
Filter ............................... 364
Maintenance ......................... 362
Operation ........................... 239
Overdrive ......................... 243,244
Selection of Lubricant ................... 388
Transmission ..................... See Transaxle
434 INDEX