2012 DODGE CALIBER load capacity

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 the front
or rear GAWR. Refer to “Vehicle Loading/Vehicle Certi-
fication 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.
Weight-Carrying Hitch
A weight-carrying hitch supports the trailer tongue
weight, just as if it were luggage located at a hitch ball or
some other connecting point of the truck. These kind of
hitches are the most popular on the market today and
they are commonly used to tow small- and medium-
sized trailers.
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STARTING AND OPERATING 373

WARNING! (Continued)
2. GTW
3. GAWR
4. 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).
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.
An electronically actuated trailer brake controller is
required when towing a trailer with electronically
380 STARTING AND OPERATING

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 (450 kg) and required for trailers in excess of
2,000 lbs (907 kg).
CAUTION!
If the trailer weighs more than 1,000 lbs (450 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 ad-
ditional space between your vehicle and the ve-
hicle in front of you. Failure to do so could result
in a collision.
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STARTING AND OPERATING 381

New Vehicle Break-In Period................ 86
Occupant Restraints ..................... 68,72
Occupant Restraints (Sedan) .........39,65,66,68,71
Octane Rating, Gasoline (Fuel) .............. 363
Odometer ............................. 206
Trip ........................... 206,208
Oil Change Indicator ..................... 207
Oil, Engine ......................... 419,455
Capacity ........................... 455
Change Interval ..................... 420
Checking .......................... 419
Disposal ........................... 421
Filter ............................. 422
Identification Logo ................... 420
Materials Added to ................... 421
Recommendation .................. 420,455
Synthetic .......................... 421
Viscosity ........................... 421 Onboard Diagnostic System
..............415,416
Opener, Garage Door (HomeLink®) ........... 166
Operator Manual (Owner’s Manual) ............ 4
Overheating, Engine ................... 201,388
Owner’s Manual (Operator Manual) .........4,481
Paint Care ............................. 439
Panic Alarm ............................ 24
Parking Brake .......................... 319
Passing Light ........................... 155
Personal Settings ........................ 220
Pets .................................. 86
Phone, Cellular ......................... 101
Phone, Hands-Free (Uconnect™) ............. 101
Placard, Tire and Loading Information ......... 337
Power Door Locks ......................... 30
Mirrors ............................ 99
Outlet (Auxiliary Electrical Outlet) ........ 178
496 INDEX

Tachometer............................ 205
Taillights .............................. 451
Temperature Control, Automatic (ATC) ........ 284
Temperature Gauge, Engine Coolant .......201,389
Tether Anchor, Child Restraint ............... 80
Text Messaging ......................... 123
Theft Alarm (Security Alarm) ................ 18
Theft System (Security Alarm) ............... 18
Tie Down Hooks, Cargo ................... 189
Tilt Steering Column ..................... 162
Tire and Loading Information Placard ......... 337
Tire Identification Number (TIN) ............. 335
Tire Markings .......................... 331
Tire Safety Information .................... 331
Tires ............................ 91,341,483
Aging (Life of Tires) .................. 348
Air Pressure ........................ 341
Chains ............................ 351
Changing .......................... 390 Compact Spare
...................... 345
General Information .................. 341
High Speed ......................... 343
Inflation Pressures .................... 342
Jacking ............................ 390
Life of Tires ........................ 348
Load Capacity .................... 337,338
Pressure Monitor System (TPMS) ......... 353
Pressure Warning Light ................ 211
Quality Grading ..................... 483
Radial ............................ 344
Replacement ........................ 349
Rotation ........................... 351
Safety .......................... 331,341
Sizes ............................. 333
Snow Tires ......................... 351
Spare Tire .......................... 391
Spinning ........................... 347
Tread Wear Indicators ................. 348
500 INDEX