2020 DODGE CHARGER towing capacity

STARTING AND OPERATING203
Overloading can cause potential safety hazards
and shorten useful service life. Heavier axles or
suspension components do not necessarily
increase the vehicle's GVWR.
LOADING
To load your vehicle properly, first figure out its
empty weight, axle-by-axle and side-by-side.
Store heavier items down low and be sure you
distribute their weight as evenly as possible.
Stow all loose items securely before driving. If
weighing the loaded vehicle shows that you
have exceeded either GAWR, but the total load
is within the specified GVWR, you must
redistribute the weight. Improper weight
distribution can have an adverse effect on the
way your vehicle steers and handles and the
way the brakes operate.
NOTE:
Refer to the “Vehicle Certification Label”
affixed to the rear of the driver's door for your
vehicle's GVWR and GAWRs.
Refer to the “Tire Placard” for your vehicle's
proper tire pressure.
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 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 temporary) 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 Combination Weight Rating (GCWR)
The GCWR is the total allowable 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 Certification Label” in
“Starting And Operating” for further information.

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20_LD_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 203

STARTING AND OPERATING207
(Continued)
Perform the maintenance listed in the
“Scheduled Servicing”. Refer to “Scheduled
Servicing” in “Servicing And Maintenance” for
the proper maintenance intervals. When towing
a trailer, never exceed the GAWR or GCWR
ratings.
Towing Requirements — Tires
Do not attempt to tow a trailer while using a
compact spare tire.
Do not drive more than 50 mph (80 km/h) when towing while using a full size spare tire.
Proper tire inflation pressures are essential
to the safe and satisfactory operation of your
vehicle. Refer to “Tires” in “Servicing And
Maintenance” for proper tire inflation proce -
dures.
Check the trailer tires for proper tire inflation
pressures before trailer usage.
Check for signs of tire wear or visible tire
damage before towing a trailer. Refer to
“Tires” in “Servicing And Maintenance” for
the proper inspection procedure.
When replacing tires, refer to “Tires” in
“Servicing And Maintenance” 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 inad -
equate 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).
GCWR must not be exceeded.
Total weight must be distributed between
the tow vehicle and the trailer such that the
following four ratings are not exceeded :
Max loading as defined on the “Tire and
Loading Information” placard.
GTW
GAWR
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.
WARNING! (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.
CAUTION! (Continued)
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208STARTING AND OPERATING
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 harness and connector.
NOTE:
Do not cut or splice wiring into the vehicle’s
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. NOTE:Disconnect trailer wiring connector from the
vehicle before launching a boat (or any other
device plugged into vehicle’s electrical
connect) into water.
Be sure to reconnect after clear from water
area.

Four-Pin Connector

WARNING!
Do not connect trailer brakes to your
vehicle's hydraulic brake lines. It can over -
load your brake system and cause it to fail.
You might not have brakes when you need
them and could have an accident.
Towing any trailer will increase your stop -
ping distance. When towing, you should
allow for additional space between your
vehicle and the vehicle in front of you.
Failure to do so could result in an accident.
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.

1 — Ground
2 — Park
3 — Left Stop/Turn
4 — Right Stop/Turn

20_LD_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 208

SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE291
Tire And Loading Information Placard

Tire And Loading Information Placard

This placard tells you important information
about the:

1. Number of people that can be carried in the vehicle.

2. Total weight your vehicle can carry.
3. Tire size designed for your vehicle.
4. Cold tire inflation pressures for the front, rear, and spare tires.Loading
The vehicle maximum load on the tire must not
exceed the load carrying capacity of the tire on
your vehicle. You will not exceed the tire's load
carrying capacity if you adhere to the loading
conditions, tire size, and cold tire inflation
pressures specified on the Tire and Loading
Information placard in “Vehicle Loading” in the
“Starting And Operating” section of this manual.
NOTE:
Under a maximum loaded vehicle condition,
gross axle weight ratings (GAWRs) for the front
and rear axles must not be exceeded.
For further information on GAWRs, vehicle
loading, and trailer towing, refer to “Vehicle
Loading” in the “Starting And Operating”
section of this manual. To determine the maximum loading conditions
of your vehicle, locate the statement “The
combined weight of occupants and cargo
should never exceed XXX kg or XXX lbs” on the
Tire and Loading Information placard. The
combined weight of occupants, cargo/luggage
and trailer tongue weight (if applicable) should
never exceed the weight referenced here.
Steps For Determining Correct Load
Limit—
(1) Locate the statement “The combined
weight of occupants and cargo should
never exceed XXX kg or XXX lbs.” on your
vehicle's placard.
(2) Determine the combined weight of
the driver and passengers that will be
riding in your vehicle.
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292SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
(3) Subtract the combined weight of the
driver and passengers from XXX kg or
XXX lbs.
(4) The resulting figure equals the
available amount of cargo and luggage
load capacity. For example, if “XXX”
amount equals 1400 lbs. and there will
be five 150 lb passengers in your
vehicle, the amount of available cargo
and luggage load capacity is 650 lbs.
(1400-750 (5x150) = 650 lbs.)
(5) Determine the combined weight of
luggage and cargo being loaded on the
vehicle. That weight may not safely
exceed the available cargo and luggage
load capacity calculated in Step 4. (6) If your vehicle will be towing a trailer,
load from your trailer will be transferred
to your vehicle. Consult this manual to
determine how this reduces the
available cargo and luggage load
capacity of your vehicle.
Metric Example For Load Limit
For example, if “XXX” amount equals 635 kg
and there will be five 68 kg passengers in your
vehicle, the amount of available cargo and
luggage load capacity is 295 kg (635-340
(5x68) = 295 kg) as shown in step 4.
NOTE:
If your vehicle will be towing a trailer, load
from your trailer will be transferred to your
vehicle. The following table shows examples
on how to calculate total load, cargo/
luggage, and towing capacities of your
vehicle with varying seating configurations
and number and size of occupants. This table
is for illustration purposes only and may not
be accurate for the seating and load carry
capacity of your vehicle.
For the following example, the combined
weight of occupants and cargo should never
exceed 865 lbs (392 kg).

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397
Cooling System
.............................................. 280Adding Coolant (Antifreeze)....................... 282Coolant Level.................................. 281, 283Cooling Capacity.............................. 313, 314Disposal Of Used Coolant.......................... 283Drain, Flush, And Refill.............................. 281Inspection................................................. 283Points To Remember................................. 283Pressure Cap............................................. 282Radiator Cap............................................. 282Selection Of Coolant (Antifreeze).... 281, 313, 314, 315, 318Corrosion Protection...................................... 304Cruise Control (Speed Control)............ 175, 177Cruise Light......................................... 102, 103Cupholders...................................................... 77Customer Assistance..................................... 391Customer Programmable Features................322Cybersecurity................................................. 321
D
Daytime Running Lights................................... 45Dealer Service............................................... 272Deck Lid Power Release............................................ 68Defroster, Windshield.................................... 156Delay (Intermittent) Wipers.............................. 51Diagnostic System, Onboard......................... 104
Dimmer SwitchHeadlight..................................................... 46DipsticksOil (Engine)............................................... 270Disabled Vehicle Towing............................... 248DisposalAntifreeze (Engine Coolant)...................... 283Disturb.......................................................... 379Do Not Disturb.............................................. 388Door Ajar.......................................................... 96Door Ajar Light................................................. 96Door LocksAutomatic.................................................... 30Child-Protection Door Lock — Rear Doors.... 30Doors............................................................... 25Driver’s Seat Back Tilt...................................... 32DrivingThrough Flowing, Rising, Or Shallow Standing Water
.................................... 211
E
Electric Brake Control System....................... 107Anti-Lock Brake System............................ 106Electronic Roll Mitigation................. 108, 113Electric Remote Mirrors................................... 43
Electronic Power Distribution Center (Fuses)... 221
Electronic Speed Control (Cruise Control)..... 175Electronic Stability Control (ESC).................. 108Electronic Throttle Control Warning Light......... 96
Emergency, In Case OfFreeing Vehicle When Stuck..................... 244Hazard Warning Flasher........................... 212Jacking............................................. 229, 286Jump Starting.................................. 240, 241Towing...................................................... 248Emission Control System Maintenance......... 105Engine............................... 266, 267, 268, 269Air Cleaner................................................ 275Block Heater............................................. 162Break-In Recommendations..................... 163Checking Oil Level.................................... 270Compartment......................... 266, 267, 269Compartment Identification............. 266, 268Coolant (Antifreeze)................ 281, 315, 318Cooling...................................................... 280Exhaust Gas Caution....................... 155, 312Fails To Start............................................. 162Flooded, Starting...................................... 162Fuel Requirements.................309, 313, 314Jump Starting.................................. 240, 241Oil........................ 272, 313, 314, 315, 318Oil Filler Cap.................................... 266, 274Oil Filter.................................................... 274Oil Selection............................ 272, 313, 314Oil Synthetic.............................................. 274Overheating.............................................. 242Starting..................................................... 15911

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398 Engine Oil Viscosity
.............................. 273, 274Engine Oil Viscosity Chart.............................. 273
Enhanced Accident Response Feature.. 141, 249
Ethanol.......................................................... 311Exhaust Gas Cautions.......................... 155, 312Exhaust System................................... 155, 279Exterior Lighting............................................... 45Exterior Lights......................................... 45, 157
F
Filters Air Cleaner
................................................. 275Air Conditioning.................................. 63, 276Engine Oil............................... 274, 315, 318Engine Oil Disposal................................... 274Flashers......................................................... 212Hazard Warning......................................... 212Turn Signals..............................48, 103, 157Flash-To-Pass.................................................. 46Flooded Engine Starting................................ 162Floor Console................................................... 76Fluid Capacities................................... 313, 314Fluid Leaks.................................................... 158Fluid Level ChecksBrake........................................................ 284Cooling System.......................................... 281Engine Oil.................................................. 270Fluid, Brake....................... 315, 317, 318, 320
Fluids And Lubricants.......................... 315, 318Fog Lights........................................................ 48Fold-Flat Seats................................................. 32Folding Rear Seats........................................... 33Forward Collision Warning............................ 118Four-Way Hazard Flasher.............................. 212Freeing A Stuck Vehicle................................ 244Fuel............................................................... 309Additives................................................... 310Clean Air................................................... 310Ethanol..................................................... 311Gasoline................................................... 309Materials Added....................................... 310Methanol.................................................. 311Octane Rating................309, 310, 315, 318Requirements......................... 309, 313, 314Specifications.................................. 315, 318Tank Capacity.................................. 313, 314Fuses............................................................ 220
G
Garage Door Opener (HomeLink)..................... 71Gasoline, Clean Air........................................ 310Gasoline, Reformulated................................ 310Gear Ranges................................................. 168Glass Cleaning.............................................. 307Gross Axle Weight Rating..................... 202, 203Gross Vehicle Weight Rating................ 202, 203GVWR............................................................ 202
H
HazardDriving Through Flowing, Rising, Or Shallow Standing Water
....................... 211Hazard Warning Flashers.............................. 212Head Restraints........................................38, 39Head Rests............................................... 38, 39HeadlightsAutomatic....................................................47Cleaning.................................................... 305High Beam/Low Beam Select Switch..........46Lights On Reminder.....................................47On With Wipers............................................47Passing........................................................46Switch..........................................................45Time Delay...................................................47Washers.................................................... 270Heated Mirrors.................................................44Heater, Engine Block..................................... 162High Beam/Low Beam Select
(Dimmer) Switch..............................................46Hill Start Assist.............................................. 111HitchesTrailer Towing........................................... 205Holder, Coin.....................................................76HomeLink (Garage Door Opener).....................71Hood Prop........................................................68Hood Release...................................................68

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403
Time Delay Headlight
..................................................... 47Tire And Loading Information Placard........... 290Tire Markings................................................. 286Tire Safety Information.................................. 286Tire Service Kit........................... 234, 235, 237Tires..........................157, 293, 298, 299, 303Aging (Life Of Tires)................................... 296Air Pressure............................................... 293Chains............................................. 301, 302Changing................................ 229, 234, 286Compact Spare......................................... 299Flat Changing............................................ 234General Information............... 293, 298, 299High Speed................................................ 295Inflation Pressure...................................... 294Jacking............................................ 230, 286Life Of Tires............................................... 296Load Capacity.................................. 290, 291Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS).. 99, 120Quality Grading.......................................... 303Radial........................................................ 295Replacement................................... 234, 297
Rotation........................................... 302, 303Safety.............................................. 286, 293Sizes......................................................... 287Snow Tires................................................ 298Spare Tires....................230, 298, 299, 300Spinning................................................... 296Trailer Towing........................................... 207Tread Wear Indicators.............................. 296Wheel Mounting....................................... 234Wheel Nut Torque..................................... 308To Open Hood.................................................. 68Tongue Weight/Trailer Weight...................... 206Towing.......................................................... 203Behind A Motorhome................................ 210Disabled Vehicle....................................... 248Guide........................................................ 205Recreational............................................. 210Weight...................................................... 205Towing Behind A Motorhome........................ 210Traction......................................................... 210Traction Control............................................ 113
Trailer Towing................................................ 203Cooling System Tips.................................. 209Hitches..................................................... 205Minimum Requirements........................... 206Tips........................................................... 209Trailer And Tongue Weight........................ 206Wiring....................................................... 208Trailer Towing Guide..................................... 205Trailer Weight................................................ 205Transfer CaseFluid........................................315, 317, 318Transmission................................................. 167Automatic........................................ 167, 285Fluid.............................. 315, 317, 318, 320Maintenance............................................ 285Shifting..................................................... 165Transporting Pets.......................................... 155Tread Wear Indicators................................... 296Trunk Lid (Deck Lid).........................................68Trunk Release Remote Control........................68Turn Signals........................................... 48, 103
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