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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
more than 10% 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.
456 STARTING AND OPERATING
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WARNING!(Continued)
•Total weight must be distributed between the tow
vehicle and the trailer such that the following four
ratings are not exceeded:
1. Max loading as defined on the “Tire and Loading
Information” placard.
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.)
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 information on tire pressures and 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 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.
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 463
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Towing Requirements – Trailer Brakes
•Do not 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).
CAUTION!
If the trailer weighs more than 1,000 lbs (454 kg)
loaded, it should have its own brakes and they
(Continued)
CAUTION! (Continued)
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 addi-
tional space between your vehicle and the vehicle
in front of you. Failure to do so could result in a
collision.
464 STARTING AND OPERATING
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System, Remote Starting.....................26
Tachometer ............................. .302
Telescoping Steering Column .................212
Temperature Control, Automatic (ATC) ..........354
Temperature Gauge, Engine Coolant ............310
Theft Alarm (Security Alarm) ..................18
Theft System (Security Alarm) .................18
Tilt Steering Column ...................... .212
Time Delay, Headlight ..................... .198
Tire and Loading Information Placard ...........414
Tire Markings ........................... .409
Tires...................................99 Aging (Life of Tires) .....................426
Air Pressure .......................... .418
Chains .............................. .428
Changing ............................ .471
Compact Spare ........................ .423
General Information .....................418 High Speed
.......................... .420
Inflation Pressures ...................... .419
Jacking .............................. .471
Life of Tires .......................... .426
Load Capacity ........................ .414
Pressure Monitor System (TPMS) ............431
Pressure Warning Light ...................303
Quality Grading ....................... .567
Radial .............................. .421
Replacement .......................... .427
Rotation ............................. .430
Safety .............................. .409
Sizes ............................... .410
Snow Tires ........................... .422
Spare Tire ............................ .472
Spinning ............................ .425
Trailer Towing ........................ .463
Tread Wear Indicators ....................426
T
ire Safety Information .....................409
586 INDEX