Frontal Area
The frontal area is the maximum height multiplied by the
maximum width of the front of a trailer.
Trailer Sway Control
The trailer sway control is a telescoping link that can be
installed between the hitch receiver and the trailer tongue
that typically provides adjustable friction associated with
the telescoping motion to dampen any unwanted trailer
swaying motions while traveling.
Weight-Carrying Hitch
A weight-carrying hitch supports the trailer tongue
weight, just as if it were luggage located at a hitch ball or
some other connecting point of the vehicle. These kinds
of hitches are the most popular on the market today and
they are commonly used to tow small and medium sized
trailers.
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.
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 499
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.
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 (2 267 kg)
Class IV - Extra Heavy Duty 10,000 lbs (4 535 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.
500 STARTING AND OPERATING
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 Automatic 22 sq ft (2.04 sq m) 1,000 lbs (454 kg) 100 lbs (45 kg)
5.7L Automatic 32 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.
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 501
Trailer And Tongue Weight
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.
502 STARTING AND OPERATING
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 utilized.
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.
(Continued)
CAUTION! (Continued)
•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.
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 pres-
sures before trailer usage.
504 STARTING AND OPERATING
Floor Console........................... .251
Fluid, Brake ......................... .613, 616
Fluid Capacities ..........................611
Fluid Leaks ............................ .104
Fluid Level Checks ....................... .583
Automatic Transmission ..................582
Brake ............................... .579
Cooling System ........................ .573
Engine Oil ........................... .559
Transfer Case ......................... .583
Fluids, Lubricants And Genuine Parts ...........613
Fog Lights ............................. .158
Folding Rear Seat ........................ .146
Forward Collision Warning ..................207
Freeing A Stuck Vehicle .....................539
Fuel .................................. .483
Additives ............................ .486
Clean Air ............................ .484
Ethanol .......................... .485, 488Gasoline
............................. .483
Light ............................... .285
Materials Added ....................... .486
Methanol ............................ .485
Octane Rating ................483, 613, 614, 615
Requirements ......................... .483
Specifications ...................613, 614, 615
Tank Capacity ..........................611
Fuel, Flexible ........................... .488
Fuses ................................. .590
Garage Door Opener (HomeLink) ..........232, 239
Gasoline, Clean Air ....................... .484
Gasoline (Fuel) .......................... .483
Gasoline, Reformulated .....................484
Gear Ranges ............................ .419
Glass Cleaning .......................... .589
Gr
oss Axle Weight Rating ................496, 498
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating ..............496, 49710
INDEX 643
Telescoping Steering Column..............170, 171
Temperature Control, Automatic (ATC) .......370, 378
Tilt Steering Column ....................170, 171
Time Delay, Headlight ..................... .157
Tire And Loading Information Placard .......457, 458
Tire Markings ........................... .451
Tires ....................... .103, 462, 469, 633
Aging (Life Of Tires) .....................472
Air Pressure .......................... .462
Chains .............................. .475
Changing ........................ .516, 524
Compact Spare ........................ .469
Flat Changing ......................... .524
General Information ..................462, 469
High Speed .......................... .465
Inflation Pressures ...................... .464
Jacking .......................... .516, 518
Life Of Tires .......................... .472
Load Capacity ..................... .457, 458Pressure Monitor System (TPMS)
............477
Pressure Warning Light ...................283
Quality Grading ....................... .633
Radial .............................. .466
Replacement ...................... .473, 524
Rotation ............................. .476
Safety ........................... .451, 462
Sizes ............................... .452
Snow Tires ........................... .467
Spare Tire ..................... .469, 470, 516
Spinning ............................ .471
Trailer Towing ........................ .504
Tread Wear Indicators ....................472
Wheel Mounting ....................... .524
Tire Safety Information .....................451
Tire Service Kit .......525,
526, 527, 529, 530, 533, 534
Tongue Weight/Trailer Weight ................502
To Open Hood .......................... .152
Towing ............................... .497
654 INDEX
Disabled Vehicle....................... .544
Guide .............................. .501
Recreational .......................... .509
Weight .............................. .501
Towing Vehicle Behind A Motorhome ...........509
Traction ............................... .429
Traction Control ......................... .444
Trailer Towing .......................... .497
Cooling System Tips .....................508
Hitches ............................. .500
Minimum Requirements ..................503
Tips................................ .507
Trailer And Tongue Weight ................502
Wiring .............................. .506
Trailer Towing Guide ...................... .501
Trailer Weight ........................... .501
Transfer Case ........................... .583
Fluid ........................ .583, 613, 616
Maintenance .......................... .583Transmission
Automatic ..................... .415, 417, 581
Fluid ........................ .581, 613, 616
Maintenance .......................... .581
Shifting ............................. .415
Transmitter Battery Service (Remote Keyless Entry) . .24
Transmitter Programming (Remote Keyless Entry) . . .24
Transmitter, Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) .........21
Transporting Pets ..........................98
Tread Wear Indicators ..................... .472
Trunk Lid (Deck Lid) .....................45, 47
Trunk Release, Emergency ....................47
Trunk Release Remote Control .................45
Turn Signals ......................... .160, 291
UCI Connector .......................... .361
Uconnect Customer Programmable Features ...........337
Operation ............................ .360
10
INDEX 655