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 Combination Weight Rating (GCWR)
The GCWR is the total permissible weight of your vehicle
and trailer when weighed in combination.
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. 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.
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 471
•Check the trailer tires for proper tire inflation pres-
sures 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 the
proper inspection procedure.
• 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
• 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 (453 kg) and required for trailers in excess of
2,000 lbs (907 kg).
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.
(Continued)
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 479
WARNING!(Continued)
•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.
CAUTION!
If the trailer weighs more than 1,000 lbs (453 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.
Towing Requirements — Trailer Lights And Wiring
Whenever you pull a trailer, regardless of the trailer size,
stoplights and turn signals on the trailer are required for
motoring safety.
The Trailer Tow Package may include a four- and seven-
pin wiring harness. Use a factory approved trailer har-
ness and connector.
NOTE: Do not cut or splice wiring into the vehicles
wiring harness.
The electrical connections are all complete to the vehicle
but you must mate the harness to a trailer connector.
Refer to the following illustrations.
480 STARTING AND OPERATING
TiltDown .............................. .128
Up ................................ .128
Tilt Steering Column ....................152, 153
Time Delay, Headlight ..................... .142
Timers ......................... .265, 266, 267
Tire And Loading Information Placard .......434, 435
Tire Markings ........................... .428
Tires ........................ .99, 438, 444, 623
Aging (Life Of Tires) .....................448
Air Pressure .......................... .438
Chains .............................. .450
Changing ..................... .501, 504, 509
Compact Spare ........................ .445
Flat Changing ......................... .509
General Information ..................438, 444
High Speed .......................... .441
Inflation Pressures ...................... .439
Jacking ....................... .501, 503, 504Life Of Tires
.......................... .448
Load Capacity ..................... .434, 435
Pressure Monitor System (TPMS) ............453
Pressure Warning Light ...................247
Quality Grading ....................... .623
Radial .............................. .441
Replacement ...................... .449, 509
Rotation ............................. .452
Safety ........................... .428, 438
Sizes ............................... .429
Snow Tires ........................... .443
Spare Tire ..................... .444, 446, 501
Spinning ............................ .447
Trailer Towing ........................ .478
Tread Wear Indicators ....................447
Wheel Mounting ....................... .509
Tire Safety Information .....................428
T
ire Service Kit . . . .488, 489, 490, 493, 494, 496, 497, 498
Tongue Weight/Trailer Weight ................476
644 INDEX
