2011 DODGE DURANGO weight

trailer 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 a collision.
•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.Without Weight-Distributing Hitch (Incorrect)
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 427

With Weight-Distributing Hitch (Correct)Improper Adjustment of Weight-DistributingHitch (Incorrect)
428 STARTING AND OPERATING

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.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.
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STARTING AND OPERATING 429

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)
3.6L 4x2 11,600 lbs (5 262 kg) 40 sq ft (3.72 sq m) 6,200 lbs (2 812 kg) 620 lbs (281 kg)
3.6L 4x4 11,600 lbs (5 262 kg) 40 sq ft (3.72 sq m) 6,200 lbs (2 812 kg) 620 lbs (281 kg)
5.7L 4x2 13,100 lbs (5 942 kg) 60 sq ft (5.57 sq m) 7,200 lbs (3 266 kg) 720 lbs (326 kg)
5.7L 4x4 13,100 lbs (5 942 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. Refer to
“Tire Safety Information” in “Starting and Operating” for further information. The addition of passengers
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 3,900 lbs
(1 769 kg).
430 STARTING AND OPERATING

If the gross trailer weight is 3,500 lbs (1 587 kg) or more,
it is mandatory to use a weight-distributing hitch to
ensure stable handling of your vehicle.
NOTE:Vehicles not factory equipped with trailer tow
package are limited to 3,500 lbs (350 lbs tongue weight).
Trailer And 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 sway severelyside-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 collisions. 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.
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STARTING AND OPERATING 431

WARNING! (Continued)
•Make certain that the load is secured in the trailer
and will not shift during travel. When trailering
cargo that is not fully secured, dynamic load shifts
can occur that may be difficult for the driver to
control. You could lose control of your vehicle and
have a collision.
•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.(Continued)
WARNING! (Continued)
•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.
•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
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Gear Ranges........................... 343
Gear Select Lever Override ................. 468
General Information ...............20,29,186,409
Glass Cleaning .......................... 511
Gross Axle Weight Rating ...............422,425
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating .............422,425
GVWR ............................... 422
Hands-Free Phone (Uconnect™) ............. 119
Hazard Warning Flasher ................... 448
Headlights ............................ 518
Bulb Replacement .................... 519
Cleaning ........................... 510
High Beam ......................... 248
On With Wipers ..................... 147
Replacing .......................... 519
Heated Mirrors ......................... 110
Heater, Engine Block ..................... 341
Hill Descent Control ..................... 249 Hill Start Assist
......................... 374
Hitches Trailer Towing ....................... 429
Holder, Cup ........................... 222
HomeLink® (Garage Door Opener) Transmitter . . 206
Hood Release .......................... 144
Ignition ............................... 16
Key ............................. 14,16
Ignition Key Removal ..................... 16
Illuminated Entry ........................ 23
Immobilizer (Sentry Key) ................... 18
Infant Restraint ........................ 82,83
Inflation Pressure Tires .................... 388
Information Center, Vehicle ................. 254
Inside Rearview Mirror ................... 107
Instrument Cluster .................... 243,244
Instrument Panel and Controls .............. 242
Instrument Panel Lens Cleaning ............. 511
10
INDEX 561

Tread Wear Indicators................. 394
Tongue Weight/Trailer Weight .............. 431
Torque Converter Clutch .................. 349
Tow Hooks, Emergency ................... 467
Towing ............................ 424,469
Disabled Vehicle ..................... 469
Guide ............................. 430
Recreational ........................ 439
Weight ............................ 430
Traction Control ......................... 368
Trailer Sway Control (TSC) ................. 373
Trailer Towing .......................... 424
Cooling System Tips .................. 438
Hitches ............................ 429
Minimum Requirements ................ 432
Trailer and Tongue Weight .............. 431
Wiring ............................ 435
Trailer Towing Guide ..................... 430
Trailer Weight .......................... 430 Transfer Case
........................... 502
Electronically Shifted .................. 351
Maintenance ........................ 502
Transmission Automatic ....................... 343,503
Maintenance ........................ 503
Shifting ........................... 342
Transmitter Battery Service
(Remote Keyless Entry) .................... 27
Transmitter Programming
(Remote Keyless Entry) .................... 24
Transmitter, Garage Door Opener (HomeLink®) . . 206
Transmitter, Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) ........ 24
Tread Wear Indicators .................... 394
Turn Signals ...................... 248,519,521
UCI Connector ......................... 308
Uconnect™ (Hands-Free Phone) ............. 119
Uniform Tire Quality Grades ................ 551
10
INDEX 571