2010 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE weight

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 kind of
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 hitch system works by applying
leverage 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’ direc-
tions, it provides 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 cross-
winds, and contributes positively to tow vehicle andtrailer stability. Trailer sway control and a weight-
distributing (load equalizing) hitch are recommended for
heavier trailer tongue weights (TW) and may be required
depending on Vehicle and Trailer configuration/loading
to comply with gross axle weight rating (GAWR)
requirements.
WARNING!
•An improperly adjusted weight-distributing hitch
system may reduce handling, stability, and brak-
ing performance, and could result in an accident.
•Weight-distributing hitch systems may not be
compatible with Surge Brake Couplers. Consult
with your hitch and trailer manufacturer or a
reputable Recreational Vehicle dealer for addi-
tional information.
326 STARTING AND OPERATING

Without Weight-Distributing Hitch (Incorrect)With Weight-Distributing Hitch (Correct)
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 327

Trailer Hitch Classification
Your vehicle may be factory equipped for safe towing of
trailers weighing over 3,500 lbs (1 587 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.
Refer to the Trailer Towing Weights (Maximum Trailer
Weight Ratings) chart for the Max. GTW towable for your
given drivetrain.
Improper Adjustment of Weight-Distributing Hitch(Incorrect)
328 STARTING AND OPERATING

Trailer Hitch Classification DefinitionsClass Max. Trailer Hitch Industry Standards
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 Duty 10,000 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.
All trailer hitches should be professionally installed on
your vehicle.
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 329

Trailer Towing Weights (Maximum Trailer Weight Ratings)
The following chart provides the maximum trailer weight ratings towable for your given drivetrain.
Engine/Model Model GCWR (Gross Com-bined Wt. Rating)Frontal Area Max. GTW (Gross
Trailer Wt.)Max. Trailer
Tongue Wt. (See Note)
3.7L 4x2 8,400 lbs (3 810 kg) 40 sq ft (3.72 sq m)3,500 lbs (1 587 kg) 350 lbs (159 kg)
3.7L 4x4 8,500 lbs (3 855 kg) 40 sq ft (3.72 sq m)3,500 lbs (1 587 kg) 350 lbs (159 kg)
5.7L 4x2 12,300 lbs (5 578 kg) 60 sq ft (5.57 sq m)7,400 lbs (3 357 kg) 740 lbs (336 kg)
5.7L 4x4 12,300 lbs (5 578 kg) 60 sq ft (5.57 sq m)7,200 lbs (3 266 kg) 720 lbs (327 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. The addition of pas-
sengers and cargo may require reducing trailer tongue load and Gross Trailer Weight (GTW). Redistributing
cargo (to the trailer) may be necessary to avoid exceeding
Rear Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) of 3,200 lbs
(1 451 kg).
330 STARTING AND OPERATING

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 vehicle and trailer.
Failure to load trailers heavier in front is the cause of
many trailer accidents.
Consider the following items when computing the
weight on the front/rear axles of the vehicle:
•The trailer tongue weight of the trailer.
•The weight of any other type of cargo or equipment
put in or on your vehicle.
•The weight of the driver and all passengers.
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 331

WARNING! (Continued)
•When hauling cargo or towing a trailer, do not
overload your vehicle or trailer. Overloading can
cause a loss of control, poor performance or dam-
age to brakes, axle, engine, transmission, steering,
suspension, chassis structure or tires.
•Safety chains must always be used between your
vehicle and trailer. Always connect the chains to
the 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 transmission
in PARK. For four-wheel drive vehicles, make sure
the transfer case is not in NEUTRAL. Always,
block orchockthe trailer wheels.
(Continued)
WARNING! (Continued)
•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 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).
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 333

Front Axle (Differential)................... 387
Front Heated Seats ....................... 89
Fuel ................................. 315
Conserving .......................... 174
Filler Cap (Gas Cap) .................... 320
Gasoline ............................ 315
Gauge .............................. 167
Materials Added ....................... 318
Octane Rating ........................ 315
Requirements ......................... 413
Saver Mode .......................... 174
Tank Capacity ........................ 413
Fuel Optimizer ......................... 174
Fuel Saver ............................. 174
Fuel System Caution ................... 318,320
Fuses ................................ 398
Garage Door Opener (HomeLink) ........... 128
Gas Cap (Fuel Filler Cap) ............320,321,365Gasoline (Fuel)
......................... 315
Conserving .......................... 174
Gasoline, Reformulated ................... 316
Gasoline/Oxygenate Blends ................ 316
Gauges Coolant Temperature ................... 163
Fuel ............................... 167
Speedometer ......................... 158
Tachometer .......................... 161
Gear Ranges ........................... 245
General Information .................. 18,25,314
Glass Cleaning .......................... 397
Gross Axle Weight Rating ...............322,325
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating .............322,324
GVWR ............................... 322
Hands-Free Phone (uconnect™) .............. 84
Hazard Warning Flasher ................... 346
Head Restraints .......................... 88
452 INDEX