Weight-Distributing Hitch
A weight-distributing hitch system works by applying le-
verage through spring (load) bars. They are typically used
for heavier loads, to distribute trailer tongue weight to the
tow vehicle’s front axle and the trailer axle(s). When used in
accordance with the manufacturer’s directions, it provides
for a more level ride, offering more consistent steering and
brake control and thereby enhancing towing safety. The
addition of a friction/hydraulic sway control also dampens
sway caused by traffic and crosswinds, contributing posi-
tively to tow vehicle and trailer stability. Trailer sway control
and a weight distributing (load equalizing) hitch are recom-
mended for heavier Tongue Weights (TW) and may be
required depending on Vehicle and Trailer configuration/
loading to comply with GAWR requirements.
Trailer Hitch Classification
The following chart provides the industry standard for
the maximum trailer weight a given trailer hitch class can
tow and should be used to assist you in selecting thecorrect trailer hitch for your intended towing condition.
Refer to the Trailer Towing Weights (Maximum Trailer
Weight Ratings) chart for the Maximum GTW towable
for your given drivetrain.
Trailer Hitch Classification Definitions
Class Max. Trailer Hitch
Industry Standards
Class I - Light Duty 2,000 lbs (907 kg)
Class II - Medium Duty 3,500 lbs (1 587 kg)
Class III - Heavy Duty 5,000 lbs (2 268 kg)
Class IV - Extra Heavy
Duty 10,000 lbs (4 540 kg)
Refer to the “Trailer Towing Weights (Maximum
Trailer Weight Ratings)” chart for the Maximum
Gross Trailer Weight (GTW) towable for your given
drivetrain.
All trailer hitches should be professionally installed on
your vehicle.
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 469
Trailer Towing Weights (Maximum Trailer Weight Ratings)
The following chart provides the maximum trailer weight ratings towable for your given drivetrain.
1.4L Turbo Engine
Trailer towing is not recommended.
Engine/Transmission Frontal Area Max. GTW (Gross Trailer Wt.) Max. Tongue Wt. (SeeNote)
2.0L and 2.4L Auto/
Man 22 sq ft (2.04 sq m)
1,000 lbs (450 kg) 150 lbs (50 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.
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 GTW
on the tow hitch of your vehicle. Loads balanced over the
wheels or heavier in the rear can cause the trailer to sway severely
from side-to-side which will cause loss of con-
trol of vehicle and trailer. Failure to load trailers heavier
in front is the cause of many trailer collisions.
Never exceed the maximum tongue weight stamped on
your bumper or trailer hitch.
470 STARTING AND OPERATING
Consider the following items when computing the
weight on the rear axle of the vehicle:
•The 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.NOTE:
Remember that everything put into or on the
trailer adds to the load on your vehicle. Also, additional
factory-installed options, or 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.
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 471
WARNING! (Continued)
•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.
•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. With a manual transmis-
sion, shift the transmission into REVERSE. Al-
ways block orchockthe 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
(Continued)
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.
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 473
Clean Air.......................... 458
Conserving ......................... 320
Ethanol ........................... 458
Filler Cap (Gas Cap) .................. 462
Filler Door (Gas Cap) .................. 292
Gasoline ........................... 457
Gauge ............................ 290
Light .......................... 292,312
Materials Added ..................... 460
Methanol .......................... 458
Octane Rating ....................... 457
Requirements ....................... 457
Saver Mode ........................ 320
Tank Capacity ....................... 560
Fuel Optimizer ......................... 320
Fuel Saver ............................. 320
Fuel System Caution ..................... 463
Garage Door Opener (HomeLink®) ........... 249Gas Cap (Fuel Filler Cap)
...............462,520
Gasoline (Fuel) ......................... 560
Conserving ......................... 320
Gasoline, Clean Air ...................... 458
Gasoline, Reformulated ................... 458
Gauges Coolant Temperature .................. 286
Fuel .............................. 290
Speedometer ........................ 290
Tachometer ......................... 284
Gear Ranges ...................... 384,390,400
Gear Select Lever Override ................. 511
General Information ............20,28,145,179,457
General Maintenance ..................... 523
Glass Cleaning .......................... 551
Gross Axle Weight Rating .................. 468
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating .............465,467
Hands-Free Phone (Uconnect™) ............. 117
588 INDEX
Changing....................... 484,487
Compact Spare ...................... 440
Flat Changing ....................... 484
General Information .................. 436
High Speed ......................... 438
Inflation Pressures .................... 437
Jacking ......................... 486,487
Life of Tires ........................ 443
Load Capacity .................... 432,433
Pressure Monitor System (TPMS) ......... 449
Pressure Warning Light ................ 284
Quality Grading ..................... 579
Radial ............................ 439
Replacement ........................ 444
Rotation ........................... 448
Safety .......................... 427,436
Sizes ............................. 428
Snow Tires ......................... 447
Spare Tire .......................... 485 Spinning
........................... 442
Tread Wear Indicators ................. 442
Tongue Weight/Trailer Weight .............. 470
Towing ............................... 467
24-Hour Towing Assistance ............. 131
Disabled Vehicle ..................... 513
Guide ............................. 470
Recreational ........................ 479
Weight ............................ 470
Towing Assistance ....................... 131
Traction .............................. 409
Traction Control ......................... 418
Trailer Sway Control (TSC) ................. 420
Trailer Towing .......................... 467
Cooling System Tips .................. 478
Hitches ............................ 469
Minimum Requirements ................ 472
Trailer and Tongue Weight .............. 470
Wiring ............................ 475
598 INDEX
Trailer Towing Guide..................... 470
Trailer Weight .......................... 470
Transaxle Automatic ......................... 380
Autostick .......................... 407
Manual ........................... 379
Transmission Automatic ....................... 386,544
Filter ............................. 545
Maintenance ........................ 544
Manual ......................... 384,546
Transmitter Battery Service
(Remote Keyless Entry) .................... 27
Transmitter Programming
(Remote Keyless Entry) .................... 24
Transmitter, Garage Door Opener (HomeLink®) . . 249
Transmitter, Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) ........ 24
Transporting Pets ........................ 92
Tread Wear Indicators .................... 442 Trip Odometer
.......................... 292
Trunk Lid (Deck Lid) .................... 45,46
Trunk Release Remote Control ............... 45
Trunk Release, Emergency .................. 46
Turn Signals ......................... 216,286
UCI Connector ......................... 352
Uconnect™ (Hands-Free Phone) ............. 117
Uniform Tire Quality Grades ................ 579
Universal Consumer Interface (UCI) Connector . . . 352
Universal Transmitter ..................... 249
Unleaded Gasoline ....................... 457
Untwisting Procedure, Seat Belt .............. 55
Vanity Mirrors .......................... 109
Vehicle Certification Label ................. 465
Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) ............ 6
Vehicle Loading ................... 433,464,466
Vehicle Modifications/Alterations .............. 7
10
INDEX 599