2012 DODGE CHARGER load capacity

exceed the GVWR. Refer to “Vehicle Loading/Vehicle
Certification Label” in “Starting and Operating” for
further information.
Gross Trailer Weight (GTW)
The GTW is the weight of the trailer plus the weight of all
cargo, consumables, and equipment (permanent or tem-
porary) loaded in or on the trailer in itsloaded and
ready for operation condition.
The recommended way to measure GTW is to put your
fully loaded trailer on a vehicle scale. The entire weight
of the trailer must be supported by the scale.
Gross Combination Weight Rating (GCWR)
The GCWR is the total permissible weight of your vehicle
and trailer when weighed in combination.
NOTE: The GCWR rating includes a 150 lbs (68 kg)
allowance for the presence of a driver.
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.
450 STARTING AND OPERATING

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 informa-
tion on tread wear indicators and for the proper
inspection procedure.
When replacing tires, refer to “Tires – General Infor-
mation” in “Starting and Operating” for information
on replacement tires and for the proper tire replace-
ment 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).
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STARTING AND OPERATING 457

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 an
collision.(Continued)
WARNING! (Continued)
•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.
Towing Requirements – Trailer Lights And Wiring
Whenever you pull a trailer, regardless of the trailer size,
stoplights and turn signals on the trailer are required for
motoring safety.
The Trailer Tow Package may include a four and seven-
pin wiring harness. Use a factory approved trailer har-
ness and connector.
NOTE:Do not cut or splice wiring into the vehicles
wiring harness.
458 STARTING AND OPERATING

Supplemental Restraint System - Airbag........ 54
Sway Control, Trailer ..................... 451
Synthetic Engine Oil ...................... 497
System, Remote Starting .................... 25
Tachometer ............................ 290
Telescoping Steering Column .............213,214
Temperature Control, Automatic (ATC) ........ 354
Temperature Gauge, Engine Coolant .......298,465
Tether Anchor, Child Restraint ............... 74
Theft Alarm (Security Alarm) ................ 17
Theft System (Security Alarm) ............... 17
Tilt Steering Column ................... 213,214
Time Delay, Headlight .................... 201
Tire and Loading Information Placard ......... 409
Tire Identification Number (TIN) ............. 407
Tire Markings .......................... 404
Tire Safety Information .................... 404 Tires ............................
85,413,567
Aging (Life of Tires) .................. 420
Air Pressure ........................ 413
Chains ............................ 422
Changing ....................... 465,469
Compact Spare ...................... 417
Flat Changing ....................... 465
General Information .................. 413
High Speed ......................... 416
Inflation Pressures .................... 414
Jacking ......................... 468,469
Life of Tires ........................ 420
Load Capacity .................... 409,410
Pressure Monitor System (TPMS) ......... 426
Pressure Warning Light ................ 291
Quality Grading ..................... 567
Radial ............................ 416
Replacement ........................ 421
Rotation ........................... 425
10
INDEX 587