2011 JEEP COMPASS load capacity

Vehicle Certification Label
Your vehicle has a Vehicle Certification Label attached to
the driver’s door B-Pillar.
The label contains the following information:
•Name of manufacturer
•Month and year of manufacture
•Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR)
•Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
•Type of Vehicle
•Month, Day and Hour of Manufacture (MDH)
The bar code allows a computer scanner to read the
Vehicle Identification Number (VIN).
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR)
The GVWR is the total allowable weight of your vehicle.
This includes driver, passengers, and cargo. The total
load must be limited so that you do not exceed the
GVWR.
Tire Size
The tire size on the Vehicle Certification Label represents
the actual tire size on your vehicle. Replacement tires
must be equal to the load capacity of this tire size.
Rim Size
This is the rim size that is appropriate for the tire size
listed.
Inflation Pressure
This is the cold tire inflation pressure for your vehicle, for
all loading conditions.
356 STARTING AND OPERATING

Curb Weight
The curb weight of a vehicle is defined as the total weight
of the vehicle with all fluids, including vehicle fuel, at full
capacity conditions, and with no occupants or cargo
loaded into the vehicle. The front and rear curb weight
values are determined by weighing your vehicle on a
commercial scale before any occupants or cargo are
added.
Overloading
The load carrying components (springs, tires, wheels,
etc.) of your vehicle will provide satisfactory service as
long as you do not exceed the GVWR.
The best way to figure out the total weight of your
vehicle is to weigh it when it is fully loaded and ready for
operation. Weigh it on a commercial scale to ensure that
it is not over the GVWR.Overloading can cause potential safety hazards and
shorten useful service life. Heavier suspension compo-
nents do not necessarily increase the vehicle’s GVWR.
Loading
To load your vehicle properly, first figure out its empty
weight. Store heavier items down low and be sure you
distribute their weight as evenly as possible. Stow all
loose items securely before driving. Improper weight
distribution can have an adverse effect on the way your
vehicle steers and handles, and the way the brakes
operate.
CAUTION!
Do not load your vehicle any heavier than the
GVWR. If you do, parts on your vehicle can break, or
it can change the way your vehicle handles. This
could cause you to lose control. Also, overloading can
shorten the life of your vehicle.
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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. Refer to “Vehicle Loading/Vehicle Certifica-
tion Label” in “Starting and Operating” for further
information.
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 a collision.
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 10% or more than 15% 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 multiplied by the
maximum width of the front of a trailer.
Trailer Sway Control
The trailer sway control is a telescoping link that can be
installed between the hitch receiver and the trailer tongue
that typically provides adjustable friction associated with
the telescoping motion to dampen any unwanted trailer
swaying motions while traveling.
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STARTING AND OPERATING 359

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.
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.
(Continued)
366 STARTING AND OPERATING

New Vehicle Break-In Period................ 83
Occupant Restraints ................... 37,66,70
Occupant Restraints (Sedan) ...........63,64,66,69
Octane Rating, Gasoline (Fuel) .............. 349
Odometer ............................. 201
Trip ........................... 199,201
Oil Change Indicator ..................... 210
Oil Change Indicator, Reset ................. 210
Oil, Engine ......................... 403,437
Capacity ........................... 437
Change Interval ..................... 404
Checking .......................... 403
Disposal ........................... 405
Filter ............................. 406
Identification Logo ................... 404
Materials Added to ................... 405
Recommendation .................. 404,437Synthetic
.......................... 405
Viscosity ........................... 405
Onboard Diagnostic System ..............399,400
Opener, Garage Door (HomeLink®) ........... 158
Operator Manual (Owner’s Manual) ............ 5
Overdrive ............................. 298
Overheating, Engine ................... 198,374
Owner’s Manual (Operator Manual) .........5,465
Paint Care ............................. 424
Panic Alarm ............................ 23
Parking Brake .......................... 303
Passing Light ........................... 149
Personal Settings ........................ 213
Pets .................................. 83
Phone, Cellular .......................... 97
Phone, Hands-Free (Uconnect™) .............. 97
Placard, Tire and Loading Information ......... 324
480 INDEX

Storage, Vehicle......................... 282
Stuck, Freeing .......................... 389
Sun Roof .............................. 165
Sun Visor Extension ....................... 97
Supplemental Restraint System - Airbag ........ 60
Synthetic Engine Oil ...................... 405
System, Remote Starting .................... 25
Tachometer ............................ 195
Taillights .............................. 436
Temperature Control, Automatic (ATC) ........ 276
Temperature Gauge, Engine Coolant .......198,375
Tether Anchor, Child Restraint ............... 79
Theft Alarm (Security Alarm) ................ 17
Theft System (Security Alarm) ............... 17
Tie Down Hooks, Cargo ................... 180
Tilt Steering Column ..................... 154
Tire and Loading Information Placard ......... 324
Tire Identification Number (TIN) ............. 322Tire Markings
.......................... 318
Tire Safety Information .................... 318
Tires ............................ 87,328,467
Aging (Life of Tires) .................. 335
Air Pressure ........................ 328
Chains ............................ 337
Changing .......................... 376
Compact Spare ...................... 332
General Information .................. 328
High Speed ......................... 330
Inflation Pressures .................... 329
Jacking ............................ 376
Life of Tires ........................ 335
Load Capacity .................... 324,325
Pressure Monitor System (TPMS) ......... 339
Pressure Warning Light ................ 199
Quality Grading ..................... 467
Radial ............................ 331
Replacement ........................ 336
484 INDEX