2020 DODGE JOURNEY towing capacity

178 STARTING AND OPERATING
The bar code allows a computer scanner to read
the VIN.
GROSS VEHICLE WEIGHT RATING
(GVWR)
The GVWR is the total allowable weight of your
vehicle. This includes driver, passengers, and
cargo. The total load must be limited so that you
do not exceed the GVWR.
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.
OVERLOADING
The load carrying components (axle, springs,
tires, wheels, etc.) of your vehicle will provide
satisfactory service as long as you do not
exceed the GVWR and the front and rear GAWR.

The best way to figure out the total weight of your
v e

hicle is to weigh it when it is fully loaded and
ready for operation. Weigh it on a commercial
scale to ensure that it is not over the GVWR.

Figure out the weight on the front and rear of
t h

e vehicle separately. It is important that you
distribute the load evenly over the front and rear
axles.
Overloading can cause potential safety hazards
a n

d 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.
S t
ore 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.

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
c
o

verage, 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.
WARNING!
Because the front wheels steer the vehicle, 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.

STARTING AND OPERATING 179
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
pu

t 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.
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.
Trailer Frontal Area

The frontal area is the maximum height multiplied
by the maximum width of the front of a trailer.

Trailer Sway Control — Electronic
Refer to “Safety Features/Trailer Sway Control
(TSC)” in “Safety” for further information.
Trailer Sway Control — Mechanical
The Trailer Sway Control (TSC) 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
leverage 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
provides 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!
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.
5

STARTING AND OPERATING 183
Perform the maintenance listed in the
“Maintenance Plan”. Refer to “Scheduled
Servicing” in “Servicing And Maintenance” for
further information. 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)
wh
en 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 Mainte -
nance” for proper tire inflation procedures.

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).
CAUTION!
Do not tow a trailer at all during the first
500 miles (805 km) the new vehicle is
d r

iven. The engine, axle or other parts could
be damaged.
Then, during the first 500 miles (805 km)
th
at a trailer is towed, do not drive over
50 mph (80 km/h) and do not make starts
a t

full throttle. This helps the engine and
other parts of the vehicle wear in at the
heavier loads.
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.
Y o

u 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
a l

low 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
b r

akes 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.
5

240 SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
For further information on GAWRs, vehicle
loading, and trailer towing, refer to “Vehicle
Loading” in “Starting And Operating” for further
information.

To determine the maximum loading conditions
of your vehicle, locate the statement “The
c o

mbined 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
we
ight of occupants and cargo should
never exceed XXX kg or XXX lbs.” on your
vehicle's placard.
(2) Determine the combined weight of
th
e driver and passengers that will be
riding in your vehicle. (3) Subtract the combined weight of the
dr
i

ver and passengers from XXX kg or
XXX lbs.
(4) The resulting figure equals the
av
ailable 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
ve
hicle, the amount of available cargo
and luggage load capacity is 650 lbs.
(1400-750 (5x150) = 650 lbs.)
(5) Determine the combined weight of
lu
ggage 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,
lo
ad 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
a n

d 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).

387
Fog Lights, Service.........................................192Fold-Flat Seats.................................................25Folding Rear Seats...................................26, 29Four-Way Hazard Flasher...............................189Freeing A Stuck Vehicle.................................211Fuel...............................................................257Additives...................................................258Clean Air....................................................258Ethanol......................................................258Gasoline....................................................257Materials Added........................................258Methanol...................................................258Octane Rating.................................257, 262Requirements...........................................257Specifications............................................262Tank Capacity............................................261Fueling...........................................................176Fuses.............................................................193
G
Garage Door Opener (HomeLink)....................80Gasoline, Clean Air........................................258Gasoline, Reformulated.................................258Gear Ranges..................................................163Gear Selector Override..................................210Glass Cleaning...............................................255Gross Axle Weight Rating.....................178, 179Gross Vehicle Weight Rating..........................178GVWR............................................................178
H
HazardDriving Through Flowing, Rising, Or Shallow St
anding Water....................................187Hazard Warning Flashers..............................189Head Restraints...............................................32HeadlightsAutomatic....................................................41Bulb Replacement....................................191Cleaning...................................................253Delay...........................................................41High Beam................................................191High Beam/Low Beam Select Switch..........41Lights On Reminder.....................................42On With Wipers............................................41Passing........................................................41Switch..........................................................40Time Delay...................................................41Heated Mirrors.................................................39Heated Seats...................................................31Heater, Engine Block....................................159
High Beam/Low Beam Select (Dimmer) Switch......41
Hill Start Assist..............................................114HitchesTrailer Towing...........................................180Holder, Coin.....................................................85Holder, Cup......................................................86HomeLink (Garage Door Opener).....................80Hood Prop........................................................76
Hood Release..................................................76
I
Ignition.............................................................12Switch..........................................................12Immobilizer (Sentry Key)..................................16Inside Rearview Mirror..............................36, 37Instrument Cluster...........................................94Descriptions..............................................106Display..................................................95, 96Engine Oil Reset..........................................96Instrument Panel Lens Cleaning...................254Interior Appearance Care..............................254Interior Fuses................................................193Interior Lights...................................................43Intermittent Wipers (Delay Wipers)..................45Introduction.......................................................7InverterPower...........................................................89iPod/USB/MP3 Control.................................364
J
Jack Location................................................199Jack Operation.....................................201, 234Jacking Instructions......................................201Jump Starting................................................206
11

391
Selection Of Coolant (Antifreeze)...................262Sentry KeyKey Programming........................................17Sentry Key (Immobilizer)..................................16Sentry Key Replacement.................................17Service Assistance.........................................380Service Contract............................................381Service Manuals............................................383SettingsPersonal....................................................266Shift Lever Override.......................................210Shoulder Belts...............................................122Signals, Turn........................42, 106, 156, 192Snow Chains (Tire Chains).............................250Snow Tires.....................................................247Spare Tires.................................200, 247, 248Spark Plugs...................................................262SpecificationsFuel (Gasoline)..........................................262Oil..............................................................262Speed ControlCancel.......................................................171Resume.....................................................170Speed Control (Cruise Control)......................168Starting................................................157, 158Automatic Transmission............................157Button.........................................................12Cold Weather............................................159Engine Fails To Start.................................159
Starting And Operating........................157, 158
Starting Procedures.............................157, 158Steering...........................................................35Column Controls..........................................40Power.......................................................168Tilt Column..................................................35Wheel, Heated.............................................35Wheel, Tilt....................................................35Steering Wheel Audio Controls.....................363Steering Wheel Mounted Sound System
Controls........................................................363Storage............................................................84Storage, Vehicle...............................................71Stuck, Freeing...............................................211Sun Roof...................................................74, 75Sun Visor Extension.........................................40Sunglasses Storage.........................................90Supplemental Restraint System – Air Bag....131Sway Control, Trailer.....................................179Synthetic Engine Oil......................................223
T
Taillights.......................................................192Telescoping Steering Column..........................35Tie Down Hooks, Cargo....................................79Tilt Steering Column........................................35Time Delay Headlight.....................................................41Tire And Loading Information Placard...........239Tire Markings................................................235
Tire Safety Information.................................234
Tires..................................156, 242, 247, 251Aging (Life Of Tires)...................................245Air Pressure..............................................242Chains......................................................250Changing.........................................199, 234Compact Spare.........................................247General Information........................242, 247High Speed...............................................243Inflation Pressure.....................................243Jacking......................................................234Life Of Tires..............................................245Load Capacity...........................................239Pressure Monitoring System
(TPMS).........................................104, 116Quality Grading.........................................251Radial.......................................................243Replacement............................................245Rotation....................................................251Safety..............................................234, 242Sizes.........................................................236Snow Tires................................................247Spare Tires.............................200, 247, 248Spinning...................................................244Trailer Towing...........................................183Tread Wear Indicators..............................245Wheel Nut Torque.....................................257To Open Hood..................................................76Tongue Weight/Trailer Weight......................18111