2020 JEEP PATRIOT tow bar

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.
214

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.
215

7. Move the gear selector to the NEUTRAL
position.
8.
The vehicle may then be started in NEUTRAL.
9. Reinstall the gear selector override access
cover.
TOW EYE USAGE
Your vehicle is equipped with a tow eye that can
be used to tow a disabled vehicle.
When using a tow eye be sure to follow the “Tow
Eye Usage Precautions” and the “Towing A
Disabled Vehicle” instructions in this section.Tow Eye Usage Precautions
NOTE:
•Ensure that the tow eye is properly seated
and secure in the mounting receptacle.
•The tow eye is recommended for use with
an approved tow bar and or rope.
•Do not use the tow eye to pull the vehicle
onto a flatbed truck.
•Do not use the tow eye to free a stuck
vehicle. Refer to “Freeing A Stuck Ve-
hicle” in this section for further
information.
WARNING!
Stand clear of vehicles when pulling with tow
eyes.
•Do not use a chain with a tow eye. Chains
may break, causing serious injury or
death.
(Continued)
WARNING!(Continued)
•Do not use a tow strap with a tow eye. Tow
straps may break or become disengaged,
causing serious injury or death.
•Failure to follow proper tow eye usage may
cause components to break resulting in
serious injury or death.
Tow Eye
Tow Eye Warning Label
245

CAUTION!
•
The tow eye must be used exclusively for
roadside assistance operations. Only use
the tow eye with an appropriate device in
accordance with the highway code (a rigid
bar or rope) to flat tow the vehicle for a short
distance to the nearest service location.
•Tow eyes MUST NOT be used to tow
vehicles off the road or where there are
obstacles.
•In compliance with the above conditions,
towing with a tow eye must take place with
two vehicles (one towing, the other towed)
aligned as much as possible along the
same center line. Damage to your vehicle
may occur if these guidelines are not fol-
lowed.
Front Tow Eye InstallationThe front tow eye receptacle is located on the
lower right side of the front fascia.
To install the tow eye, remove the rubber plug
and thread the tow eye into the receptacle.
Insert the flat end of the jack handle through the
eye and tighten, refer to “Jacking and Tire
Changing in Section 6 for information”. The tow
hook must be fully seated to the attaching
bracket through the lower front fascia as shown.
If the tow hook is not fully seated to the attach-
ing bracket, the vehicle should not be towed.Rear Tow Eye InstallationThe rear tow eye receptacle is located behind a
door, located on the left rear bumper fascia.
To install the tow eye, open the door using the
vehicle key or a small screwdriver, and thread
the tow eye into the receptacle.
Insert the flat end of the jack handle through the
eye and tighten, refer to “Jacking and Tire
Changing in Section 6 for information”. The tow
hook must be fully seated to the attaching
bracket through the lower front fascia as shown.
If the tow hook is not fully seated to the attach-
ing bracket, the vehicle should not be towed.
Front Tow EyeRear Tow Eye
246