2011 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE 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 441

With Weight-Distributing Hitch (Correct)Improper Adjustment of Weight-Distributing Hitch(Incorrect)
442 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.
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 443

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 8,900 lbs (4 037 kg) 40 sq ft (3.72 sq m) 5,000 lbs (2 268 kg) 500 lbs (227 kg)
3.6L 4x4 8,900 lbs (4 037 kg) 40 sq ft (3.72 sq m) 5,000 lbs (2 268 kg) 500 lbs (227 kg)
5.7L 4x2 13,100 lbs (5 942 kg) 60 sq ft (5.57 sq m) 7,400 lbs (3 357 kg) 740 lbs (336 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 3,700 lbs
(1 678 kg).
444 STARTING AND OPERATING

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 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 trailer hitch.
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 445

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
STARTING AND OPERATING 447

GaugesCoolant Temperature ................... 257
Fuel ............................... 256
Speedometer ......................... 255
Tachometer .......................... 248
Gear Ranges ........................... 350
Gear Select Lever Override ................. 476
General Information ...............20,28,188,424
Glass Cleaning .......................... 519
Gross Axle Weight Rating ...............437,439
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating .............436,439
GVWR ............................... 436
Hands-Free Phone (uconnect™) .............. 121
Hazard Warning Flasher ................... 462
Headlights ............................ 527
Bulb Replacement ...................... 527
Cleaning ............................ 518
On With Wipers ....................... 147 Replacing
........................... 527
Heated Mirrors ......................... 111
Heater ............................... 324
Heater, Engine Block ..................... 348
High Beam Indicator ..................... 250
Hill Descent Control ..................... 390
Hill Descent Control Indicator ............... 250
Hill Start Assist ......................... 387
Hitches Trailer Towing ........................ 443
Holder, Cup ........................... 228
HomeLink® (Garage Door Opener) Transmitter . . 208
Hood Release .......................... 144
Ignition ............................... 16
Key ............................... 14,16
Ignition Key Removal ..................... 16
Illuminated Entry ........................ 23
Immobilizer (Sentry Key) ................... 19
10
INDEX 571

Snow Tires........................... 413
Spare Tire ........................... 464
Spinning ............................ 409
Tread Wear Indicators ................... 410
Wheel Mounting ...................... 470
Tongue Weight/Trailer Weight .............. 445
Torque Converter Clutch .................. 356
Tow Hooks, Emergency ................... 475
Tow/Haul Indicator Light ................. 250
Towing ............................ 438,477
Disabled Vehicle ....................... 477
Guide .............................. 444
Recreational .......................... 453
Weight .............................. 444
Traction Control ......................... 382
Trailer Sway Control (TSC) ................. 387
Trailer Towing .......................... 438
Cooling System Tips .................... 452
Hitches ............................. 443 Minimum Requirements
................. 446
Trailer and Tongue Weight ............... 445
Wiring .............................. 449
Trailer Towing Guide ..................... 444
Trailer Weight .......................... 444
Transfer Case ........................... 510
Maintenance ......................... 510
Transmission Automatic ........................ 350,511
Maintenance .......................... 511
Shifting ............................. 349
Transmitter Battery Service
(Remote Keyless Entry) .................... 26
Transmitter Programming
(Remote Keyless Entry) .................... 23
Transmitter, Garage Door Opener (HomeLink®) . . 208
Transmitter, Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) ........ 23
Tread Wear Indicators .................... 410
Turn Signals ...................... 250,528,530
10
INDEX 581