2012 JEEP PATRIOT weight

Trailer Towing Weights (Maximum Trailer Weight Ratings)
The following chart provides the maximum trailer weight ratings towable for your given drivetrain.
Engine/Transmission Frontal Area Max. GTW (Gross Trailer Wt.) Max. Tongue Wt.
(See Note)
2.0L Auto/Man 22 sq ft (2.04 sq m) 1,000 lbs (450 kg) 100 lbs (45 kg)
2.4L Auto/Man 22 sq ft (2.04 sq m) 1,000 lbs (450 kg) 100 lbs (45 kg)
2.4L Auto with
Freedom Drive II Off
Road Package (AWL)32 sq ft (3.0 sq m) 2,000 lbs (907 kg) 200 lbs (91 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.
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STARTING AND OPERATING 379

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 swayseverelyfrom side-to-
side which will cause loss of control of the vehicle and
trailer. Failure to load trailers heavier in front is the cause
of many trailer collisions.
Consider the following items when computing the
weight on the rear axle 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.
380 STARTING AND OPERATING

NOTE:Remember that everything put into or on the
trailer adds to the load on your vehicle. Also, additional
factory-installed options, or authorized dealer-installed
options, must be considered as part of the total load on
your vehicle. Refer to the “Tire and Loading Information
Placard” in “Tire Safety Information” for the maximum
combined weight of occupants and cargo for your
vehicle.
Towing Requirements
To promote proper break-in of your vehicle drivetrain
components, the following guidelines are recommended:
CAUTION!
•Do not tow a trailer at all during the first 500 miles
(805 km) the new vehicle is driven. The engine,
axle or other parts could be damaged.
(Continued)
CAUTION! (Continued)
•Then, during the first 500 miles (805 km) that a
trailer is towed, do not drive over 50 mph
(80 km/h) and do not make starts at full throttle.
This helps the engine and other parts of the
vehicle wear in at the heavier loads.
Perform the maintenance listed in the “Maintenance
Schedule.” Refer to the “Maintenance Schedule” for the
proper maintenance intervals. When towing a trailer,
never exceed the GAWR, or GCWR, ratings.
WARNING!
Improper towing can lead to a collision. Follow these
guidelines to make your trailer towing as safe as
possible:
(Continued)
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STARTING AND OPERATING 381

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 frame or 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 automatic
transmission in PARK. Always block orchock
the 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. Tongue weight rating for the trailer hitch uti-
lized (This requirement may limit the ability to
always achieve the 10% to 15% range of tongue
weight as a percentage of total trailer weight).
382 STARTING AND OPERATING

Fuel System Caution..................... 372
Fueling............................... 371
Fuses................................ 448
Garage Door Opener (HomeLink®)........... 161
Gas Cap (Fuel Filler Cap)............371,373,415
Gasoline (Fuel)......................... 454
Gasoline, Clean Air...................... 367
Gasoline, Reformulated................... 367
Gauges
Coolant Temperature.................. 203
Fuel.............................. 198
Odometer.......................... 207
Tachometer......................... 201
Gear Ranges........................... 303
Gear Select Lever Override................. 407
General Information.................17,129,366
General Maintenance..................... 418
Glass Cleaning.......................... 446Gross Axle Weight Rating.................. 376
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating.............374,375
Hands-Free Phone (Uconnect™).............. 99
Hazard Warning Flasher................... 390
Head Restraints......................... 142
Headlights............................ 453
Cleaning........................... 446
High Beam......................... 152
High Beam/Low Beam Select Switch...... 152
Passing............................ 152
Replacing.......................... 453
Switch............................ 150
Heated Mirrors.......................... 98
Heated Seats........................... 136
Heater............................... 277
Heater, Engine Block..................... 298
Hill Descent Control...................210,329
Hill Start Assist......................... 330
490 INDEX

High Speed......................... 349
Inflation Pressures.................... 347
Jacking............................ 392
Life of Tires........................ 353
Load Capacity....................342,343
Pressure Monitor System (TPMS)......... 357
Pressure Warning Light................ 205
Quality Grading..................... 481
Radial............................ 349
Replacement........................ 354
Rotation........................... 356
Safety..........................337,346
Sizes............................. 338
Snow Tires......................... 355
Spare Tire.......................... 393
Spinning........................... 352
Tread Wear Indicators................. 352
Tongue Weight/Trailer Weight.............. 380Towing............................... 375
24-Hour Towing Assistance............. 113
Disabled Vehicle..................... 409
Guide............................. 379
Recreational........................ 387
Weight............................ 379
Towing Assistance....................... 113
Trailer Towing.......................... 375
Cooling System Tips.................. 386
Hitches............................ 378
Minimum Requirements................ 381
Trailer and Tongue Weight.............. 380
Wiring............................ 384
Trailer Towing Guide..................... 379
Trailer Weight.......................... 379
Transaxle
Automatic.......................12,296
Autostick.......................... 308
Manual.........................295,298
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INDEX 499