2012 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE load capacity

the OFF position and the wipers will cycle
several times before returning to the parked
position.
NOTE:
As a protective measure, the pump will stop
if the switch is held for more than 20 sec-
onds. Once the switch is released the pump
will resume normal operation.
If the rear wiper is operating when the ignition is
turned OFF, the wiper will automatically return
to the “park” position.
If the liftgate flipper glass is open, the rear
window wiper/washer functionality is inter-
rupted and the wiper stops at that “park” posi-
tion. When the liftgate flipper glass is closed,
the rear wiper will resume wiper/washer func-
tionality after five seconds.
Rear Window Defroster
The rear window defroster button is
located on the climate control panel.
Press this button to turn on the rear
window defroster and the heated outside mir-
rors (if equipped). An indicator in the button will
illuminate when the rear window defroster is on. The rear window defroster automatically turns
off after approximately 10 minutes. For an ad-
ditional five minutes of operation, press the
button a second time.
NOTE:
To prevent excessive battery drain, use the
rear window defroster only when the engine
is operating.
CAUTION!
Failure to follow these cautions can cause
damage to the heating elements:
•
Use care when washing the inside of the
rear window. Do not use abrasive window
cleaners on the interior surface of the win-
dow. Use a soft cloth and a mild washing
solution, wiping parallel to the heating ele-
ments. Labels can be peeled off after soak-
ing with warm water.
• Do not use scrapers, sharp instruments, or
abrasive window cleaners on the interior
surface of the window.
• Keep all objects a safe distance from the
window.
ROOF LUGGAGE RACK — IF
EQUIPPED
The crossbars and siderails are designed to
carry the weight on vehicles equipped with a
luggage rack. The load must not exceed
150 lbs (68 kg), and should be uniformly dis-
tributed over the luggage rack crossbars.
NOTE:
If not equipped with crossbars, your autho-
rized dealer can order and install MOPAR 
crossbars built specifically for this roof rack
system.
Distribute cargo weight evenly on the roof rack
crossbars. The roof rack does not increase the
total load carrying capacity of the vehicle. Be
sure the total load of cargo inside the vehicle
plus that on the external rack does not exceed
the maximum vehicle load capacity.
To move the crossbars, loosen the attach-
ments, located at the upper edge of each
crossbar, approximately eight turns using the
anti-theft wrench provided with the MOPAR 
crossbars. Then, move the crossbar to the
desired position, keeping the crossbars paral-
lel to the rack frame. Once the crossbar is in the
150

desired position, retighten the with the wrench
to lock the crossbar into position.
NOTE:
•To help control wind noise when the
crossbars are not in use, place the front
and rear crossbars approximately 24 in
(61 cm) apart. Optimal noise reduction
can then be achieved by adjusting the
front crossbar forward or aft using incre-
ments of 1 in (2.5 cm).
• If the rear crossbar (or any metallic ob-
ject) is placed over the satellite radio
antenna (if equipped), you may experi-
ence interruption of satellite radio recep-
tion. For improved satellite radio recep-
tion, avoid placing the rear crossbar over
the satellite radio antenna.
• The grab handles on the back of the
vehicle (if equipped) are not to be used as
a towing feature.CAUTION!
•To prevent damage to the roof of your
vehicle, do not carry any loads on the roof
rack without the crossbars installed. The
load should be secured and placed on top
of the crossbars, not directly on the roof. If
it is necessary to place the load on the roof,
place a blanket or some other protection
between the load and the roof surface.
• To avoid damage to the roof rack and
vehicle, do not exceed the maximum roof
rack load capacity of 150 lbs (68 kg).
Always distribute heavy loads as evenly as
possible and secure the load appropriately.
• Long loads which extend over the wind-
shield, such as wood panels or surfboards,
or loads with large frontal area should be
secured to both the front and rear of the
vehicle.
(Continued)CAUTION!(Continued)
• Travel at reduced speeds and turn corners
carefully when carrying large or heavy
loads on the roof rack. Wind forces, due to
natural causes or nearby truck traffic, can
add sudden upward lift to a load. This is
especially true on large flat loads and may
result in damage to the cargo or your
vehicle.
WARNING!
Cargo must be securely tied before driving
your vehicle. Improperly secured loads can fly
off the vehicle, particularly at high speeds,
resulting in personal injury or property dam-
age. Follow the roof rack cautions when car-
rying cargo on your roof rack.
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WARNING!(Continued)
• Overloading your tires is dangerous. Like
under-inflation, overloading can cause tire
failure. Use tires of the recommended load
capacity for your vehicle — never overload
them.
CAUTION!
Replacing original tires with tires of a different
size may result in false speedometer and
odometer readings. This can also affect ve-
hicle performance and can do potential dam-
age to the driveline. Check with your dealer
before replacing tires with a different size.
Directional Tread Pattern Tires – If
Equipped
Your vehicle may be equipped with tires using
a directional tread pattern. These tires are
designed to optimize dry handling as well as
wet performance. To obtain the full benefits of
this design, the tires must be installed so that
they rotate in the correct direction. The rotation
direction of this type of tire is indicated by arrows on the side wall of the tire. The full size
spare tire is mounted as a direct replacement
for the right side of the vehicle. For a flat tire on
the left side of the vehicle, the full size spare
can be used as mounted. If this is required,
correct the rotation as soon as possible to
restore optimum wet performance.
TIRE ROTATION
RECOMMENDATIONS
Non-Directional Tires Only
Tires on the front and rear axles of vehicles
operate at different loads and perform different
steering, handling, and braking functions. For
these reasons, they wear at unequal rates.
These effects can be reduced by timely rotation
of tires. The benefits of rotation are especially
worthwhile with aggressive tread designs such
as those on On/Off-Road type tires. Rotation
will increase tread life, help to maintain mud,
snow, and wet traction levels, and contribute to
a smooth, quiet ride.
Refer to the “Maintenance Schedule” for the
proper maintenance intervals. More frequent
rotation is permissible if desired. The reasons
for any rapid or unusual wear should be cor-
rected prior to rotation being performed.
NOTE:
The premium Tire Pressure Monitor System
will automatically locate the pressure values
displayed in the correct vehicle position
following a tire rotation.
The suggested rotation method is the “forward-
cross” shown in the following diagram.
Tire Rotation
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Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR)
The GVWR is the total allowable weight of your
vehicle. This includes driver, passengers,
cargo and trailer tongue weight. The total load
must be limited so that you do not exceed the
GVWR.
Gross Trailer Weight (GTW)
The GTW is the weight of the trailer plus the
weight of all cargo, consumables and equip-
ment (permanent or temporary) 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 sup-
ported by the scale. Gross Combination Weight Rating (GCWR)
The GCWR is the total permissible weight of
your vehicle and trailer when weighed in com-
bination.
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.
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 ve-
hicle and have an accident.Trailer Tongue Weight (TW)
The TW is the downward force exerted on the
hitch ball by the trailer. In most cases it should
not be more than 5% of the trailer load. You
must consider this as part of the load on your
vehicle.
WARNING!
An improperly adjusted hitch system may
reduce handling, stability and braking perfor-
mance and could result in an accident. Con-
sult with your hitch and trailer manufacturer or
a reputable trailer/caravan dealer for addi-
tional information.
267

Towing Requirements – Tires
Proper tire inflation pressures are essential tothe safe and satisfactory operation of your
vehicle. Refer to “Tires – General Informa-
tion” in “Starting and Operating” for proper
tire inflation procedures.
Check the trailer tires for proper tire inflation pressures 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 proper inspection procedure.
When replacing tires, refer to “Tires – Gen- eral Information” in “Starting and Operating”
for proper tire replacement procedures. Re-
placing tires with a higher load carrying
capacity will not increase the vehicle’s
GVWR and GAWR limits.
Towing Requirements – Trailer Brakes
Do notinterconnect the hydraulic brake sys-
tem or vacuum system of your vehicle with
that of the trailer. This could cause inad-
equate braking and possible personal injury. An electronically-actuated trailer brake con-
troller 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 1,654 lbs (750 kg).
WARNING!
• Do not connect trailer brakes to your vehi-
cle’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 accident.
• Towing any trailer will increase your stop-
ping distance. When towing, you should
allow for additional space between your
vehicle and the vehicle in front of you.
Failure to do so could result in an accident. Towing Requirements – Trailer Lights And
Wiring
Whenever you pull a trailer, regardless of the
trailer size, stop lights and turn signals on the
trailer are required for motoring safety.
The Trailer Tow Package includes a 13 pin
wiring harness. Use a factory approved trailer
harness and connector.
NOTE:
Do not cut or splice wiring into the vehicles
wiring harness.
The electrical connections are all complete to
the vehicle but you must mate the harness to a
trailer connector.
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