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TRAILER TOWING
In this section you will find safety tips and information
on limits to the type of towing you can reasonably do
with your vehicle. Before towing a trailer, carefully
review this information to tow your load as efficiently
and safely as possible.
To maintain the New Vehicle Limited Warranty coverage,
follow the requirements and recommendations in this
manual concerning vehicles used for trailer towing.
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 notexceed 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 its
loaded and
ready for operation condition.
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
292 STARTING AND OPERATING
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•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 (454 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.
• 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.
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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.
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.
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 301
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Turn Signal..................... .68, 92, 157
Warning (Instrument Cluster Description) . . .138, 157
Loading Vehicle ...................... .289, 291
Capacities ........................... .291
Tires ............................... .257
Locks Automatic Door .........................22
Door .................................20
Lubrication, Body ........................ .368
Lug Nuts .............................. .310
Maintenance Free Battery ....................364
Maintenance Procedures ....................357
Maintenance Schedule ..................... .410
Malfunction Indicator Light (Check Engine) . . .153, 355
Manual, Service ......................... .424
Methanol .............................. .283
Mirrors .................................72
Electric Remote .........................73 Exterior Folding
.........................73
Heated ...............................74
Outside ...............................72
Rearview ..............................72
Modifications/Alterations, Vehicle ...............7
Monitor, Tire Pressure System ................277
MOPAR Parts ........................ .357, 423
MTBE/ETBE ........................... .283
Multi-Function Control Lever .................92
New Vehicle Break-In Period ..................63
Occupant Restraints ........................24
Octane Rating, Gasoline (Fuel) ................282
Oil Change Indicator ...................... .165
Oil Change Indicator, Reset ..................165
Oil, Engine ......................... .358, 406
Capacity ............................ .405
Change Interval ....................... .359
438 INDEX
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Cold Weather......................... .221
Engine Fails To Start .....................221
Steering Column Lock ......................... .101
Power ........................... .237, 238
Steering Wheel Audio Controls ...............202
Steering Wheel Mounted Sound System Controls . . .202
Storage ............................... .398
Storage, Vehicle .......................... .398
Storing Your Vehicle ...................... .398
Supplemental Restraint System - Air Bag .........39
Sway Control, Trailer ...................... .248
Synthetic Engine Oil ...................... .360
Telescoping Steering Column .................101
Tire And Loading Information Placard .......257, 258
Tire Markings ........................... .251
Tires ........................ .68, 262, 268, 425
Aging (Life Of Tires) .....................272 Air Pressure
.......................... .262
Chains .............................. .274
Compact Spare ........................ .269
General Information ..................262, 268
High Speed .......................... .265
Inflation Pressures ...................... .263
Life Of Tires .......................... .272
Load Capacity ..................... .257, 258
Pressure Monitor System (TPMS) ............277
Pressure Warning Light ...................148
Quality Grading ....................... .425
Radial .............................. .265
Replacement .......................... .273
Rotation ............................. .276
Safety ........................... .251, 262
Sizes ............................... .252
Snow Tires ........................... .267
Spare Tire ........................ .268, 270
Spinning ............................ .271
442 INDEX