2011 DODGE JOURNEY weight

With Weight-Distributing Hitch (Correct)Improper Adjustment of Weight-DistributingHitch (Incorrect)
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STARTING AND OPERATING 409

Trailer Hitch Classification
Your vehicle may be factory equipped for safe towing of
trailers weighing over 2,000 lbs (907 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.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.
410 STARTING AND OPERATING

Trailer Towing Weights (Maximum Trailer Weight Ratings)
The following chart provides the maximum trailer weight ratings towable for your given drivetrain.
Engine/
Transmission GCWR (Gross Com-
bined Wt. Rating) Frontal Area Max. GTW
(Gross Trailer Wt.) Max. Tongue Wt.
2.4L/
Automatic 6,000 lbs (2 722 kg) 22 sq ft (2.0 sq m) 1,000 lbs (454 kg) which
includes up to 5 persons & Luggage 100 lbs (45 kg)
3.6L/
Automatic 7,300 lbs (3 311 kg) 32 sq ft (3.0 sq m)
2,500 lbs (1 134 kg) which in-
cludes 1 to 2 persons & Luggage 200 lbs (91 kg)
7,300 lbs (3 311 kg) 32 sq ft (3.0 sq m) 2,000 lbs (907 kg) which in-
cludes 3 to 4 persons & Luggage 150 lbs (68 kg)
7,300 lbs (3 311 kg) 32 sq ft (3.0 sq m) 1,500 lbs (680 kg) which in-
cludes 5 to 7 persons & Luggage 100 lbs (45 kg)
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.
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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 swayseverelyside to side
which will cause loss of control of the vehicle and trailer.
Failure to load trailers heavier in front is the cause of
many trailer collisions.
Never exceed the maximum tongue weight stamped on
your bumper or trailer hitch.
Consider the following items when computing the
weight on the rear axle of the vehicle:
•The 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.
412 STARTING AND OPERATING

NOTE:Remember that everything put into or on the
trailer adds to the load on your vehicle. Also, additional
factory-installed options or authorized dealer-installed
options must be considered as part of the total load on
your vehicle. Refer to the “Tire and Loading Information”
placard for the maximum combined weight of occupants
and cargo for your vehicle.
Towing Requirements
To promote proper break-in of your new vehicle drive-
train components the following guidelines are recom-
mended:
CAUTION!
•Do not tow a trailer at all during the first 500 miles
(805 km) the new vehicle is driven. The engine,
axle or other parts could be damaged.
(Continued)
CAUTION! (Continued)
•Then, during the first 500 miles (805 km) that a
trailer is towed, do not drive over 50 mph
(80 km/h) and do not make starts at full throttle.
This helps the engine and other parts of the
vehicle wear in at the heavier loads.
Perform the maintenance listed in the “Maintenance
Schedule.” Refer to “Maintenance Schedule” for further
information. When towing a trailer, never exceed the
GAWR, or GCWR, ratings.
WARNING!
Improper towing can lead to a collision. Follow these
guidelines to make your trailer towing as safe as
possible: (Continued)
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STARTING AND OPERATING 413

WARNING! (Continued)
•Make certain that the load is secured in the trailer
and that it 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 frame or 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 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
3. GAWR
4. Tongue weight rating for the trailer hitch uti-
lized. (This requirement may limit the ability to
always achieve the 10% to 15% range of tongue
weight as a percentage of total trailer weight.)
414 STARTING AND OPERATING

Gasoline, Reformulated................... 393
Gauges Coolant Temperature .................. 266
Fuel .............................. 266
Speedometer ........................ 266
Tachometer ......................... 259
Gear Ranges ........................... 340
Gear Select Lever Override ................. 443
Gearshift .............................. 340
General Information .........17,25,127,159,344,392
General Maintenance ..................... 456
Glass Cleaning .......................... 488
Gross Axle Weight Rating ...............404,406
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating .............404,405
GVWR ............................... 404 Hazard
Driving Through Flowing, Rising, or Shallow
Standing Water ...................... 346
Hazard Warning Flasher ................... 423
Head Restraints ......................... 175
Headlights Automatic ......................... 192
Bulb Replacement .................... 497
Cleaning ........................... 488
Delay ............................. 193
High Beam ......................... 497
High Beam/Low Beam Select Switch ...... 196
Lights On Reminder .................. 194
On With Wipers ................... 193,202
Passing ............................ 196
Switch ............................ 192
Time Delay ......................... 193
Heated Mirrors ......................... 104
Heated Seats ........................... 169
540 INDEX

Jacking............................ 425
Life of Tires ........................ 378
Load Capacity .................... 367,368
Pressure Monitor System (TPMS) ......... 383
Pressure Warning Light ................ 262
Quality Grading ..................... 529
Radial ............................ 374
Replacement ........................ 379
Rotation ........................... 382
Safety .......................... 362,371
Sizes ............................. 363
Snow Tires ......................... 382
Spare Tire .......................... 426
Spinning ........................... 377
Trailer Towing ....................... 415
Tread Wear Indicators ................. 378
To Open Hood .......................... 190
Tongue Weight/Trailer Weight .............. 412
Towing ............................... 405 Behind a Motorhome
.................. 420
Disabled Vehicle ..................... 444
Guide ............................. 411
Recreational ........................ 420
Weight ............................ 411
Towing Vehicle Behind a Motorhome .......... 420
Traction .............................. 346
Traction Control ......................... 357
Trailer Sway Control (TSC) ................. 361
Trailer Towing .......................... 405
Cooling System Tips .................. 419
Hitches ............................ 410
Minimum Requirements ................ 413
Tips .............................. 418
Trailer and Tongue Weight .............. 412
Wiring ............................ 416
Trailer Towing Guide ..................... 411
Trailer Weight .......................... 411
10
INDEX 551