2013 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN load capacity

VEHICLE LOADING
As required by National Highway Traffic Safety Admin-
istration regulations, your vehicle has a certification label
affixed to the driver’s side door or B-Pillar.
If seats are removed for carrying cargo, do not exceed the
specified GVWR and GAWR.
Vehicle Certification Label
Your vehicle has a Vehicle Certification Label affixed to
the drivers side “B” Pillar or the rear of the driver ’s door.
The label contains the following information:
•Name of manufacturer
•Month and year of manufacture
•Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR)
•Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) front
•Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) rear•Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
•Type of Vehicle
•Month Day and Hour of Manufacture (MDH)
The bar code allows a computer scanner to read the VIN.
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR)
The GVWR is the total allowable weight of your vehicle.
This includes driver, passengers, and cargo. The total
load must be limited so that you do not exceed the
GVWR.
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.
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STARTING AND OPERATING 539

WARNING!
Because the front wheels steer the vehicle, 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.
Tire Size
The tire size on the Vehicle Certification Label represents
the actual tire size on your vehicle. Replacement tires
must be equal to the load capacity of this tire size.
Rim Size
This is the rim size that is appropriate for the tire size
listed.
Inflation Pressure
This is the cold tire inflation pressure for your vehicle for
all loading conditions up to full GAWR.
Curb Weight
The curb weight of a vehicle is defined as the total weight
of the vehicle with all fluids, including vehicle fuel, at full
capacity conditions, and with no occupants or cargo loaded
into the vehicle. The front and rear curb weight values are
determined by weighing your vehicle on a commercial
scale before any occupants or cargo are added.
Overloading
The load carrying components (axle, springs, tires,
wheels, etc.) of your vehicle will provide satisfactory
service as long as you do not exceed the GVWR and the
front and rear GAWR.
540 STARTING AND OPERATING

Common Towing Definitions
The following trailer towing related definitions will assist
you in understanding the following information:
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR)
The GVWR is the total allowable weight of your vehicle.
This includes driver, passengers, cargo and tongue weight.
The total load must be limited so that you do not 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 operationcondition. 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 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 infor-
mation.
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.
542 STARTING AND OPERATING

•When replacing tires, refer to “Tires – General Infor-
mation” in “Starting and Operating” for the proper tire
replacement procedures. Replacing tires with a higher
load carrying capacity will not increase the vehicle’s
GVWR and GAWR limits.
Towing Requirements – Trailer Brakes
•Donotinterconnect 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
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 hydrau-
lic 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.
(Continued)
552 STARTING AND OPERATING

Odometer...............................312
Oil Change Indicator.......................313
Oil Change Indicator, Reset..................313
Oil, Engine..............................597
Capacity.............................638
Change Interval........................597
Checking.............................597
Disposal..............................599
Filter................................599
Filter Disposal.........................599
Identification Logo......................598
Materials Added to......................599
Recommendation.......................597
Synthetic.............................598
Viscosity.............................598
Oil Filter, Selection........................599
Onboard Diagnostic System..................592
Opener, Garage Door (HomeLink®)............256
Operator Manual (Owner’s Manual).............4Outside Rearview Mirrors...................130
Overhead Console.........................252
Overhead Travel Information Center............252
Overheating, Engine.......................322
Owner’s Manual (Operator Manual).............4
Paint Care..............................619
Panic Alarm..............................25
Parking Brake............................481
Park Sense System, Rear....................241
Pedals, Adjustable.........................235
Personal Settings..........................342
Pets, Transporting.........................112
Placard, Tire and Loading Information..........502
Power
Door Locks............................37
Lift Gate..............................53
Mirrors..............................133
Outlet (Auxiliary Electrical Outlet)
...........26910
INDEX 673

Sway Control, Trailer.......................492
Synthetic Engine Oil.......................598
System, Remote Starting.....................30
Tachometer..............................311
Telescoping Steering Column.................232
Temperature Control, Automatic (ATC)..........440
Temperature Gauge, Engine Coolant............322
Tilt Steering Column.......................232
Tire and Loading Information Placard...........502
Tire Markings............................496
Tires ..................................120
Aging (Life of Tires).....................515
Air Pressure...........................506
Chains...............................517
Changing.............................561
Compact Spare.........................511
General Information.....................506
High Speed...........................509Inflation Pressures.......................507
Jacking...............................561
Life of Tires...........................515
Load Capacity.........................502
Pressure Monitor System (TPMS)............520
Pressure Warning Light...................315
Quality Grading........................657
Radial...............................509
Replacement...........................515
Rotation..............................518
Safety...............................496
Sizes................................497
Snow Tires............................510
Spare Tire.............................563
Spinning.............................514
Trailer Towing.........................551
Tread Wear Indicators....................514
Tire Safety Information.....................496
Tongue Weight/Trailer Weight................548
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INDEX 677