2015 DODGE CHARGER weight

Weight-Distributing Hitch
A weight-distributing system works by applying lever-
age 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 pro-
vides for a more level ride, offering more consistent
steering and brake control thereby enhancing towing
safety. The addition of a friction/hydraulic sway control
also dampens sway caused by traffic and crosswinds and
contributes positively to tow vehicle and trailer stability.
Trailer sway control and a weight distributing (load
equalizing) hitch are recommended for heavier Tongue
Weights (TW) and may be required depending on vehicle
and trailer configuration/loading to comply with Gross
Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) requirements.
WARNING!
•An improperly adjusted Weight Distributing Hitch
system may reduce handling, stability, braking
performance, and could result in a collision.
•Weight Distributing Systems may not be compat-
ible with Surge Brake Couplers. Consult with your
hitch and trailer manufacturer or a reputable Rec-
reational Vehicle dealer for additional information.
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 the
correct trailer hitch for your intended towing condition.
482 STARTING AND OPERATING

Trailer Hitch Classification Definitions
ClassMax. Trailer Hitch Industry Standards
Class I - Light Duty2,000 lbs (907 kg)
Class II - Medium Duty3,500 lbs (1 587 kg)
Class III - Heavy Duty5,000 lbs (2 268 kg)
Class IV - Extra Heavy Duty10,000 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 483

Trailer Towing Weights (Maximum Trailer Weight
Ratings)
The following chart provides the maximum trailer
weight ratings towable for your given drivetrain.
Engine/TransmissionFrontal AreaMax. GTW (Gross
Trailer Weight)
Max. Tongue Weight (See
Note)
3.6L Automatic22 sq ft (2.04 sq m) 1,000 lbs (454 kg)100 lbs (45 kg)
5.7L Automatic32 sq ft (2.97 sq m) 1,000 lbs (454 kg)100 lbs (45 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
it 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
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 swayseverelyside to side
484 STARTING AND OPERATING

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.
Never exceed the maximum tongue weight stamped on
your bumper or trailer hitch.
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 for
the maximum combined weight of occupants and cargo
for your vehicle.
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 485

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.)
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.
•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.
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 487

Fog Lights..............................156
Folding Rear Seat.........................144
Forward Collision Warning..................206
Freeing A Stuck Vehicle.....................521
Fuel...................................464
Additives.............................468
Clean Air.............................466
Ethanol..............................466
Gasoline..............................464
Gauge...............................263
Materials Added........................468
Methanol.............................466
Octane Rating..........................464
Requirements..........................464
Specifications..........................591
Tank Capacity..........................589
Fuel, Flexible............................470
Fuses..................................571
Garage Door Opener (HomeLink®)............232
Gasoline, Clean Air........................466
Gasoline (Fuel)...........................464
Gasoline, Reformulated.....................466
Gauges
Coolant Temperature.....................263
Fuel.................................263
Odometer.............................263
Speedometer..........................263
Tachometer............................263
Gear Ranges.............................402
General Information.......................464
Glass Cleaning...........................569
Gross Axle Weight Rating...................478
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating..................478
GVWR.................................478
10
INDEX 621

Radial...............................447
Replacement...........................454
Rotation..............................457
Safety...............................432
Sizes................................434
Snow Tires............................449
Spare Tire.............................498
Spinning.............................453
Trailer Towing.........................488
Tread Wear Indicators....................453
Tire Safety Information.....................432
Tire Service Kit...........................507
Tongue Weight/Trailer Weight................484
To Open Hood...........................150
Towing................................479
Disabled Vehicle........................526
Guide...............................484
Recreational...........................492
Weight...............................484
Towing Vehicle Behind a Motorhome...........492
Traction................................412
Traction Control..........................423
Trailer Towing...........................479
Cooling System Tips.....................492
Hitches..............................482
Minimum Requirements..................486
Ti p s . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..491
Trailer and Tongue Weight.................484
Wiring...............................489
Trailer Towing Guide.......................484
Trailer Weight............................484
Transfer Case............................563
Fluid................................563
Maintenance...........................564
Transmission
Automatic............................398
Fluid................................561
Maintenance...........................561
632 INDEX