2011 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN trailer

WARNING!
Improper towing can lead to a injury collision. Fol-
low these guidelines to make your trailer towing as
safe as possible:
•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.(Continued)
WARNING! (Continued)
•Safety chains must always be used between your
vehicle and trailer. Always connect the chains to
the frame or 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 automatic
transmission in PARK. Always, block or chock
the 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
(Continued)
430 STARTING AND OPERATING

WARNING! (Continued)
3. GAWR
4. Trailer tongue weight rating for that trailer hitch.
(This requirement may limit the ability to always
achieve the 10% to 15% range 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 “Starting and Oper-
ating” 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 “Starting and Operating” for the
proper inspection procedure.
•When replacing tires, refer to “Tires – General Infor-
mation” 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.
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 431

•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.
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 a
collision.
•Towing any trailer will increase your stopping
distance. When towing you should allow for addi-
tional space between your vehicle and the vehicle
in front of you. Failure to do so could result in an
collision.
Towing Requirements – Trailer Lights And Wiring
Whenever you pull a trailer, regardless of the trailer size,
stop lights and turn signals on the trailer are required for
motoring safety.
432 STARTING AND OPERATING

The Trailer Tow Package may include a four-pin or a
seven-pin wiring harness. Use a factory approved trailer
harness and connector.
NOTE:Do not cut or splice wiring into the vehicles
wiring harness.
The electrical connections are all complete to the vehicle
but you must mate the harness to a trailer connector.
Refer to the following four-pin connector and seven-pin
connector illustrations.
Four-Pin Connector
1 — Female Pins 4 — Park
2 — Male Pin 5 — Left Stop/Turn
3 — Ground 6 — Right Stop/Turn
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 433

Towing Tips
Before setting out on a trip, practice turning, stopping
and backing the trailer in an area away from heavy
traffic.
Automatic Transmission
The DRIVE gear can be selected when towing. However,
if frequent shifting occurs while in DRIVE, move the shift
lever into fifth gear.
NOTE:Moving the shift lever into fifth gear while
operating the vehicle under heavy operating conditions
will improve performance and extend transmission life
by reducing excessive shifting and heat build up. This
action will also provide better engine braking.
The automatic transmission fluid and filter should be
changed if you REGULARLY tow a trailer for more than
45 minutes of continuous operation. Refer to “Mainte-
nance Schedule” for the proper maintenance intervals.
Seven-Pin Connector
1 — Battery 5 — Ground
2 — Backup Lamps 6 — Left Stop/Turn
3 — Right Stop/Turn 7 — Running Lamps
4 — Electric Brakes
434 STARTING AND OPERATING

CavityCartridge
Fuse Mini-Fuse Description
J14 40 Amp Green — Rear Window De-
fogger
J15 30 Amp Pink — Front Blower
J17 40 Amp Green — Starter Solenoid
J18 20 Amp Blue — Powertrain Control
Module Trans Range
J19 60 Amp Yellow — Radiator Fan
J20 30 Amp Pink — Front Wiper LO/HI
J21 20 Amp Blue — Front/Rear Washer
J22 25 Amp Natural — Sunroof ModuleCavity
Cartridge
Fuse Mini-Fuse Description
M1 — 15 Amp BlueRear Center Brake
Lamp/Brake Switch
M2 — — —
M3 — 20 Amp YellowSpare Fuse
M4 — 10 Amp RedTrailer Tow
M5 — 25 Amp NaturalInverter
M6 — 20 Amp YellowPower Outlet #1
(ACC), Rain Sensor
M7 — 20 Amp YellowPower Outlet #2
(BATT/ACC SE-
LECT)
M8 — 20 Amp YellowFront Heated Seat –
If Equipped
502 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

56,000 Miles (91,000 km) or
42 Months Maintenance
Service Schedule
❏Change the engine oil and engine oil
filter.
❏ Rotate the tires, rotate at the first sign of
irregular wear, even if it occurs before
56,000 miles (91 000 km).
Odometer Reading Date
Repair Order #Dealer Code
Signature, Authorized Service Center
64,000 Miles (104,000 km) or 48 Months Maintenance Service
Schedule
❏Change the engine oil and engine oil filter.
❏ Rotate the tires, rotate at the first sign of irregular wear, even if it occurs before
64,000 miles (104 000 km).
❏ Replace the engine air cleaner filter.
❏ Replace the air conditioning filter.
❏ Inspect the brake linings; replace if necessary.
❏ Change the automatic transmission fluid and filter(s) if using your vehicle for any of the
following: police, taxi, fleet, or frequent trailer towing.
❏ Inspect the front suspension, tie rod ends and boot seals for cracks or leaks and all parts for
damage, wear, improper looseness or end play; replace if necessary.
Odometer Reading Date
Repair Order #Dealer Code
Signature, Authorized Service Center
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S522 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES

HitchesTrailer Towing ....................... 426
HomeLink® (Garage Door Opener) Transmitter . . 197
Hood Release .......................... 163
Hook, Coat ............................ 223
Ignition ............................... 13
Key ............................. 12,13
Ignition Key Removal ..................... 13
Illuminated Entry ........................ 19
Immobilizer (Sentry Key) ................... 15
Infant Restraint ........................ 87,88
Information Center, Vehicle ................. 265
Inside Rearview Mirror .................... 113
Instrument Cluster .................... 247,249
Instrument Panel and Controls .............. 246
Instrument Panel Cover ................... 497
Instrument Panel Lens Cleaning ............. 498
Integrated Power Module (Fuses) ............ 499Interior Appearance Care
.................. 497
Interior Lights .......................... 167
Introduction ............................. 4
Jack Location ........................... 440
Jack Operation .......................... 439
Jump Starting .......................... 456
Key-In Reminder ......................... 15
Key, Programming ........................ 17
Key, Replacement ........................ 16
Key, Sentry (Immobilizer) ................... 15
Keyless Entry System ...................... 20
Keys ................................. 12
Lane Change Assist ...................... 170
Lap/Shoulder Belts ....................... 57
LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tether for CHildren).. 91
Latches ............................... 104
548 INDEX