2020 JEEP PATRIOT Owner handbook (in English)

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 recom-
mendations in this manual concerning vehicles
used for trailer towing.
Common Towing DefinitionsThe 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.
Gross Trailer Weight (GTW)
The GTW is the weight of the trailer plus the
weight of all cargo, consumables and equip-ment (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 sup-
ported by the scale.
Gross Combination Weight Rating (GCWR)
The GCWR is the total permissible weight of
your vehicle and trailer when weighed in com-
bination.
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.
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.Tongue Weight (TW)
The tongue weight is the downward force ex-
erted on the hitch ball by the trailer. Tongue
weight must not exceed the lesser of either the
hitch certification rating, or the trailer tongue
chassis rating. You must consider tongue load
as part of the load on your vehicle and its
GAWR.
WARNING!
An improperly adjusted hitch system may
reduce handling, stability and braking perfor-
mance and could result in an accident. Con-
sult with your hitch and trailer manufacturer
or a reputable trailer/caravan dealer for ad-
ditional information.
Frontal Area
The frontal area is the maximum height multi-
plied by the maximum width of the front of a
trailer.
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Trailer Sway ControlThe trailer sway control can be a mechanical
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.
If equipped, the electronic Trailer Sway Control
(TSC) recognizes a swaying trailer and auto-
matically applies individual wheel brakes and/or
reduces engine power to attempt to eliminate
the trailer sway.
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 frontaxle and the trailer axle(s). When used in ac-
cordance 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 dis-
tributing (load equalizing) hitch are recom-
mended for heavier Tongue Weights (TW) and
may be required depending on vehicle and
trailer configuration/loading to comply with
Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) require-
ments.
WARNING!
•An improperly adjusted Weight Distributing
Hitch system may reduce handling, stabil-
ity, braking performance, and could result
in a collision.
(Continued)
WARNING!(Continued)
•Weight Distributing Systems may not be
compatible with Surge Brake Couplers.
Consult with your hitch and trailer manu-
facturer or a reputable Recreational Ve-
hicle dealer for additional information.
Breakaway Cable AttachmentEuropean braking regulations for braked trailers
up to 7,700 lbs (3,500 kg), require trailers to be
fitted with either a secondary coupling or break-
away cable.
The recommended location for attaching the
normal trailer’s breakaway cable is in the
stamped slot located on the sidewall of the hitch
receiver.
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With Attachment Point
•For detachable tow bar pass the cable
through the attachment point and clip it back
onto itself.
•
For fixed ball tow bar attach the clip directly to
the designated point. This alternative must be
specifically permitted by the trailer manufac-
turer since the clip may not be sufficiently
strong for use in the way.
Without Attachment Points
•For detachable ball tow bar you must follow
the recommended manufacturer or supplier
procedure.•For fixed ball tow bar loop the cable around
the neck of the tow ball. If you fit the cable
like this, use a single loop only.
Trailer Towing Weights (Maximum
Trailer Weight Ratings)
The following chart provides the maximum
trailer weight ratings towable for your given
drivetrain.
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Engine/Transmission Frontal Area Max. GTW (Gross Trailer Wt.) Max. Tongue Wt. (See Note 1)
2.0L Auto/Man 22 sq ft (2.04 sq m) 2,645 lbs (1,199 kg) 132 lbs (59 kg)
2.4L Auto/Man 22 sq ft (2.04 sq m) 3,307 lbs (1,500 kg) 165 lbs (74 kg)
When towing a trailer the technically permissible laden weight may be exceeded by not more than 10% or 220 lbs (99 kg), whichever is lower pro-
vided that the operating speed is restricted to 62 mph (100 km/h) or less.
Refer to local laws for maximum trailer towing speeds
Note 1 – The trailer tongue weight must be
considered as part of the combined weight of
occupants and cargo, and should never exceed
the weight referenced on the Tire and Loading
Information placard.
Trailer And Tongue WeightNever exceed the maximum tongue weight
stamped on your 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 consid-
ered as part of the total load on your vehicle.
Refer to the Tire and Loading Information
placard, located on the drivers door pillar,
for the maximum combined weight of occu-
pants and cargo for your vehicle.
Towing RequirementsTo promote proper break-in of your new vehicle
drivetrain components the following guidelines
are recommended:
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.
•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.
216

WARNING!
Improper towing can lead to an injury acci-
dent. Follow these guidelines to make your
trailer towing as safe as possible:
•Make certain that the load is secured in the
trailer and that it will not shift during travel.
When trailering cargo that is not fully se-
cured, dynamic load shifts can occur that
may be difficult for the driver to control. You
could lose control of your vehicle and have
an accident.
•All trailer hitches should be professionally
installed on your vehicle.
•When hauling cargo or towing a trailer, do
not overload your vehicle or trailer. Over-
loading can cause a loss of control, poor
performance, or damage to brakes, axle,
engine, transmission, steering, suspen-
sion, chassis structure, or tires.
(Continued)
WARNING!(Continued)
•Safety chains must always be used be-
tween your vehicle and trailer. Always con-
nect the chains to the frame or hook re-
tainers of the vehicle hitch. Cross the
chains under the trailer tongue and allow
enough slack for turning corners.
•Vehicles with trailers should not be parked
on a grade. When parking, apply the park-
ing brake on the tow vehicle. Always, block
or"chock"the trailer wheels.
•GCWR must not be exceeded.
•Total weight must be distributed be-
tween the tow vehicle and the trailer
such that the following four ratings are
not exceeded:
1. GVWR
2. GTW
3. GAWR
4. Tongue weight rating for the trailer hitch
utilized.Towing Requirements — Tires
•Do not attempt to tow a trailer while using a
compact spare tire.
•Proper tire inflation pressures are essential
for the safe and satisfactory operation of your
vehicle. Refer to “Tires – General Informa-
tion” in “Starting and Operating” 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 – General Information” in “Starting and
Operating” for the proper inspection
procedure.
•When replacing tires, refer to “Tires – Gen-
eral Information” in “Starting and Operating”
for proper tire replacement procedures. Re-
placing tires with a higher load carrying ca-
pacity will not increase the vehicle’s GVWR
and GAWR limits.
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Towing Requirements — Trailer Brakes
–Donotinterconnect the hydraulic brake sys-
tem or vacuum system of your vehicle with
that of the trailer. This could cause inad-
equate braking and possible personal injury.
– When towing a trailer equipped with a hy-
draulic 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 1,653 lbs (749 kg).
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.
WARNING!
•Do not connect trailer brakes to your vehi-
cle’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 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.
Towing Requirements – Trailer Lights And
Wiring
Whenever you pull a trailer, regardless of the
trailer size, stop lights and turn signals on the
trailer are required for motoring safety.The Trailer Tow Package may includea7ora
13–pin wiring harness. Use a factory approved
trailer harness 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.
7-Pin Connector
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Pin Number Function Wire Color
1 Left Turn Signal Yellow
2 Rear Fog Light Blue
3 Ground/Common Return White
4 Right Turn Signal Green
5 Right Rear Position, Side Marker Lights, and Rear Registration Plate Illumination
Device.
bBrown
6 Stop Lights Red
7 Left Rear Position, Side Marker Lights, and Rear Registration Plate Illumination
Device.
bBlack
bThe rear position registration plate illumination device shall be connected such that no light of the device has a common connection with both pins
5 and 7.
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Pin Number Function Wire Color
1 Left Turn Signal Yellow
2 Rear Fog Light Blue
3
aGround/Common Return for Contacts (Pins) 1
and2and4to8White
4 Right Turn Signal Green
5 Right Rear Position, Side Marker Lights, and
Rear Registration Plate Illumination Device.
bBrown
6 Stop Lights Red
13-Pin Connector
220