
11
LANE KEEPING ASSIST (LKA) 
SYSTEM —IF EQUIPPED......................... 128
Turning Lane Keeping Assist On Or
Off ......................................................... 129 Lane Keeping Assist Warning 
Message ...............................................129
REAR BACK UP CAMERA / DYNAMIC 
GRIDLINES ............................................. 132 REFUELING THE VEHICLE ..................... 133
Refueling The Vehicle ..........................133
Refueling Capacity ............................... 133
Refueling Procedure  ...........................133
VEHICLE LOADING ................................. 135
Certification Label................................ 135
TRAILER TOWING................................... 136
Common Towing Definitions ...............137
Trailer Hitch Classification .................. 137
Trailer Towing Weights (Maximum
Trailer Weight Ratings)    .....................138 Trailer And Tongue Weight  ................. 138
Towing Requirements..........................139
Towing Tips ..........................................141
Installing The Receiver ........................ 141
Connecting The Electrical System ......141
Removing The Receiver ....................... 142
SUGGESTIONS FOR DRIVING................ 142
Saving Fuel ...........................................142
Driving Style .........................................142
Conditions Of Use ................................ 142
Performance — Quadrifoglio ...............143
SAFETY
ACTIVE SAFETY SYSTEMS...................... 145
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS)  ........... 145
Active Torque Vectoring (ATV)
System — If Equipped .......................... 145 Dynamic Steering Torque (DST) 
System ................................................. 146 Drive Train Control (DTC) System ....... 146
Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
System ................................................. 146 Hill Descent Control (HDC) System —
If Equipped ........................................... 147 Hill Start Assist (HSA) System ............. 148
Panic Brake Assist (PBA) System ....... 149
Traction Control System (TCS) ............ 149
AUXILIARY DRIVING SYSTEMS .............. 149
Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) System —
If Equipped   ......................................... 150 Active Blind Spot Assist (ABSA)
System — If Equipped  ......................... 152 Driver Attention Assist (DAA) 
System — If Equipped .......................... 155 Forward Collision Warning Plus (FCW+) 
System — If Equipped  ......................... 156 Tire Pressure Monitoring System
(TPMS) .................................................. 161
OCCUPANT RESTRAINT SYSTEMS ........ 163
Occupant Restraint Systems 
Features .............................................. 163 Important Safety Precautions ............ 163
Seat Belt Systems  .............................. 164
Supplemental Restraint Systems 
(SRS) .................................................... 169 Child Restraints   ................................. 178
SAFETY TIPS .......................................... 188
Transporting Passengers .................... 188
Transporting Pets    ............................. 189
Safety Checks You Should Make 
Inside The Vehicle  .............................. 189 Periodic Safety Checks You Should
Make Outside The Vehicle .................. 190 Exhaust Gas    ..................................... 190
Carbon Monoxide Warnings   ............. 191
IN CASE OF EMERGENCY
HAZARD WARNING FLASHERS ............. 192
SOS — EMERGENCY CALL ..................... 192
JACKING AND TIRE CHANGING............. 195
General Instructions ........................... 195
Jack Information And Usage 
Precautions ......................................... 195 Changing Procedure ........................... 196
TIRE SERVICE KIT — IF EQUIPPED ........ 198
Description .......................................... 198
Inflation Procedure ............................. 199
Checking And Restoring Tire 
Pressure............................................... 201
21_GU_OM_EN_USC_t.book  Page 11   

12
JUMP STARTING .................................... 201
Remote Battery Connection Posts......202
Jump Starting Procedure.....................203
Bump Starting     ..................................204
ENGINE OVERHEATING ......................... 204 MANUAL PARK RELEASE ...................... 205TOWING A DISABLED VEHICLE ............. 205
Four-Wheel Drive (AWD) Models .........206
TOW EYES .............................................. 206
ENHANCED ACCIDENT RESPONSE 
SYSTEM (EARS) ..................................... 207EVENT DATA RECORDER (EDR) ............ 207
SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
SCHEDULED SERVICING ....................... 208
Periodic Checks ...................................208
Heavy Usage Of The Vehicle ...............208
Maintenance Plan (2.0L Engine) ........209
Maintenance Plan (2.9L Engine) ........212
ENGINE COMPARTMENT....................... 214
Checking Levels — 2.0L Engine .......... 214
Checking Levels — 2.9L Engine .......... 215
Engine Oil ............................................. 215
Engine Coolant Fluid............................216
Washer Fluid For Windshield/
Headlights ............................................ 217 Brake Fluid ...........................................217
Automatic Transmission Activation 
System Oil ............................................ 217 Useful Advice For Extending The Life Of 
Your Battery..........................................217 Battery ..................................................217
Pressure Washing ................................ 218
BATTERY RECHARGING ......................... 218
Important Notes .................................. 218
VEHICLE MAINTENANCE ........................ 219
Engine Oil ............................................. 219
Engine Oil Filter ................................... 220
Engine Air Cleaner Filter ..................... 220
Air Conditioning System
Maintenance........................................ 220 Lubricating Moving Parts Of The 
Bodywork ............................................. 220 Windshield Wiper................................. 221
Exhaust System ................................... 222
Cooling System .................................... 223
Braking System.................................... 224
Automatic Transmission ..................... 225
Replacing The Battery ......................... 225
Fuses .................................................... 225
Bulb Replacement ............................... 229
TIRES ...................................................... 233
Tire Safety Information    .................... 233
Tires — General Information  .............. 239
Spare Tires — If Equipped  .................. 244
Wheel And Wheel Trim Care    ............ 245
Tire Types ............................................. 246
Tire Chains and Traction Devices ....... 247
Tire Rotation Recommendations........ 247
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION 
UNIFORM TIRE QUALITY GRADES ......... 248
Treadwear ............................................ 248
Traction Grades ................................... 248
Temperature Grades ........................... 248
STORING THE VEHICLE ......................... 249 BODYWORK ........................................... 249
Protection Against Atmospheric 
Agents .................................................. 249 Corrosion Warranty ............................. 250
Preserving The Bodywork  .................. 250
INTERIORS ............................................. 251
Seats And Fabric Parts ....................... 251
Leather Seats ...................................... 251
Plastic And Coated Parts .................... 251
Alcantara Parts — If Equipped ............ 251
Genuine Leather Parts........................ 251
Carbon Fiber Parts .............................. 252
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION 
NUMBER (VIN) ....................................... 253
Vehicle Identification Number............ 253
Vehicle Identification Number 
(VIN) Plate ............................................ 253
ENGINE .................................................. 254
POWER SUPPLY ..................................... 255 TRANSMISSION ..................................... 255BRAKES.................................................. 255
SUSPENSION ......................................... 256
STEERING .............................................. 256
DIMENSIONS ......................................... 257
Luggage Compartment Volume ......... 259
WEIGHTS ................................................ 259
21_GU_OM_EN_USC_t.book  Page 12   

95
REVERSE (R)
Select  this  mode  only  with  the  vehicle  at  a
standstill.NEUTRAL (N)
Use this range when the vehicle is standing for
prolonged  periods  with  the  engine  running.
The engine may be started in this range. Apply
the  EPB  and shift the transmission into PARK
(P) if you must leave the vehicle.
DRIVE (D)
Use this mode in normal driving conditions.
Shifting  from  DRIVE  (D)  to  PARK  (P)  or  REVERSE
(R) modes must take place only after releasing the
accelerator pedal, with vehicle at a standstill and
brake pedal pressed.
This mode ensures automatic engagement of the
most  suitable  gears  for  driving  needs  and
maximum fuel economy in terms of consumption.
In this position, the transmission shifts the gears
automatically,  selecting  the  most  suitable  for
forward driving among those available as you go.
In  this  way  the  vehicle's  optimal  driving  charac
-
teristics are provided for all conditions.
 AutoStick
In  the  case  of  frequent  shifting  (e.g.  for  sport
driving,  when  the  vehicle  is  driven  with  a  heavy
load,  on  slopes,  when  towing  heavy  trailers),  it  is
recommended  to  use  the  AutoStick  (sequential
shifting)  mode  to  select  and  keep  a  lower  fixed
ratio.
In  these  conditions,  the  use  of  a  lower  gear
improves vehicle performance and prevents over
-
heating.
It is possible to shift from DRIVE (D) mode to Auto -
Stick mode regardless of vehicle speed.
Activation
Starting  from  DRIVE  (D)  mode,  to  activate  the
sequential drive mode, move the gear selector to
the  left (–  and  +  indication of  the  trim). The  gear
engaged will be shown on the display.
Shifting  is  made  by  moving  the  gear  selector
forward,  toward  symbol  –  or  backward,  toward
symbol +.
Steering  Column  Mounted  Shift  Paddles  —  If
Equipped
The gear can be manually shifted also by using
the  paddles  behind  the  steering  wheel,  pull
the right paddle (+) toward the steering wheel
and  release  it  to  engage  a  higher  gear,
perform  the  same  operation  with  the  left
paddle (-) to engage a lower gear.
Never leave children alone in a vehicle, or
with  access  to  an  unlocked  vehicle.
Allowing  children  to  be  in  a  vehicle  unat -
tended  is  dangerous  for  a  number  of
reasons.  A  child  or  others  could  be  seri -
ously or fatally injured. Children should be
warned not to touch the park brake, brake
pedal or the transmission gear selector.
Do  not  leave  the  key  fob  in  or  near  the
vehicle (or in a location accessible to chil -
dren), and do not leave the ignition in the
ACC  mode.  A  child  could  operate  power
windows,  other  controls,  or  move  the
vehicle.
 CAUTION!
Before  moving  the  transmission  gear
selector  out  of  PARK,  you  must  push  the
ignition button to cycle from OFF mode to
the  ACC  mode,  and  also  press  the  brake
pedal.  Otherwise,  damage  to  the  gear
selector could result.
DO  NOT  race  the  engine  when  shifting
from PARK or NEUTRAL into another gear
range, as this can damage the drivetrain.
 WARNING!  (Continued)
 WARNING!
Do not coast in NEUTRAL and never turn off
the  ignition  to  coast  down  a  hill.  These  are
unsafe practices that limit your response to
changing  traffic  or  road  conditions.  You
might lose control of the vehicle and have a
collision.
21_GU_OM_EN_USC_t.book  Page 95   

111
Overtake Aid
When driving with ACC engaged and following
a  vehicle  at  a  speed  greater  than  45 mph
(70 km/h),  the  system  will  provide  an  addi-
tional acceleration up to the ACC set speed to
assist  in  passing  the  vehicle.  This  additional
acceleration  is  triggered  when  the  driver
utilizes  the  left  turn  signal  and  will  only  be
active when passing on the left hand side.
The system detects the direction of traffic auto -
matically  when  the  vehicle  passes  from  left
hand  traffic  to  right  hand  traffic.  In  this  case,
the  overtaking  assist  function  is  only  active
when the reference vehicle is overtaken on the
right. The additional acceleration is deactivated
when  the  driver  uses  the  right  direction  indi -
cator and returns to the original lane.
“Stop And Go” Function
The  “Stop  and  Go”  operating  strategy  allows
you  to  maintain  a  safe  distance  from  the
vehicle ahead until the vehicle has completely
stopped.
In  the  event  that  the  ACC  system  brings  your
vehicle  to  a  standstill  while  following  the
vehicle  in  front,  if  the  vehicle  in  front  starts moving  within  two  seconds  of  your  vehicle
coming to a standstill, your vehicle will resume
motion without the need for any driver action.
If  the  vehicle  in  front  does  not  start  moving
within two seconds of your vehicle coming to a
standstill, the driver will have to push the RES/
SET switch upward to restart.
Deactivation
The system is deactivated and the set speed is
canceled if:
The  on/off  button  is  pushed  (when  the
system is on or paused).
The ignition is placed in the OFF position
RACE  mode  is  activated  (Quadrifoglio
models)
The  system  is  canceled  (the  set  speed  and
distance are stored):
When the system is paused 
  
Úpage 108
When the conditions shown in the “Activating
Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)” section occur 
Úpage 108
Limited Operation Warning
If  the  dedicated  message  is  shown  on  the
display,  a  condition  limiting  the  Adaptive
Cruise Control operation may have occurred.
This  could  be  due  to  an  obstruction  of  the
vehicle’s  sensor  or  camera.  It  could  also  be
due to  a fault in the system.  If  an  obstruction
is  detected,  clean  the  area  of  the  windshield
opposite  the  interior  rearview  mirror,  where
the  camera  is  located,  as  well  as  the  area  of
the  front  fascia/bumper  where  the  sensor  is
located.  Then  check  that  the  message  has
disappeared.
When the conditions limiting the system func -
tions end, normal operation will resume.
Should the fault persist, contact an authorized
dealer.
Precautions While Driving With ACC
In  certain  driving  situations,  ACC  may  have
detection  issues.  In  these  cases,  ACC  may
brake  late  or  unexpectedly.  The  driver  needs
to  stay  alert  and  may  need  to  intervene.  The
following are examples of these types of situa -
tions:
Towing A Trailer
Towing a trailer is not advised when using ACC.
Offset Driving
ACC may not detect a vehicle in the same lane
that  is offset from your direct line of travel, or
a  vehicle  merging  in  from  a  side  lane.  There
may  not  be  sufficient  distance  to  the  vehicle
The driver is fully responsible for holding a
safe  distance  from  the  vehicle  ahead
respecting  the  highway  code  in  force  in
the respective country.
 WARNING!  (Continued)
 WARNING!
When  the  ACC  system  is  resumed,  the
driver  must  ensure  that  there  are  no
pedestrians, vehicles or objects in the  path
of  the  vehicle.  Failure  to  follow  these
warnings can result in a collision and death
or serious personal injury.
21_GU_OM_EN_USC_t.book  Page 111   

125
Pushing the button a second time will turn the
system  back  on,  and  the  indicator  light  will
turn off.ParkSense System On/Off Button
For  vehicles  equipped  with  front  and  rear
sensors, to turn the front parking sensors off,
push the ParkSense button located to the left
of  the  headlight  switch.  The  indicator  light
within  the  switch  will  illuminate  when  the
system  is  turned  off.  Pushing  the  button  a
second  time  will  turn  the  front  sensors  back
on, and the indicator light will turn off.
NOTE:
Deactivation of both the front  and rear parking
sensors  can  only  be  done  through  the  radio
system.
The  indicator  light  within  the  ParkSense
system switch will also be on in case of system
failure.  If  the  switch  is  pushed  with  a  system
failure, the indicator light will flash for approx -
imately five seconds. The light will then stay on
constantly.
 NOTE:
When  the  ignition  is  placed  in  the  ON/RUN
position, the ParkSense system keeps the last
state when the engine was stopped (activated
or deactivated) in its memory.
ParkSense Warning Display
Parking  sensor faults,  if  any,  will  be  indicated
when  REVERSE  is  engaged  by  a  message  on
the instrument cluster display  
Ú
page 74.
In  case  of  system  failure,  a  dedicated
message  appears  on  the  instrument  cluster
for about five seconds.
Cleaning  The  Front  Or  Rear  Sensors :  If  the
display  shows  a  message  requiring  the
sensors  to  be  cleaned,  make  sure  that  the
outer surface and the underside of the front
and  rear  bumpers  are  free  of  debris  (e.g.
snow, mud, ice, etc.). Once these areas are
clear, place the ignition in the OFF position,
then return it to ON/RUN. If the message is
still  displayed,  contact  an  authorized
dealer.
Audio  System  Not  Available :  If  the  display
shows  a  message  that  the  audio  system  is
not  available,  it  means  that  the  acoustic
signal  will  be  emitted  by  the  instrument
panel,  and  not  through  the  vehicle’s
speakers.
Operation With A Trailer
The  operation  of  the  ParkSense  system  is
automatically  deactivated  when  a  trailer’s electrical  connector  is  plugged  into  the
vehicle.  The  sensors  are  automatically  reacti
-
vated  when  the  electrical  connector  is
removed.
 WARNING!
Before  using  the  ParkSense  system,  it  is
strongly  recommended  that  the  ball
mount  and  hitch  ball  assembly  is  discon -
nected  from  the  vehicle when  the  vehicle
is not used for towing. Failure to do so can
result  in  injury  or  damage  to  vehicles  or
obstacles  because  the  hitch  ball  will  be
much closer to the obstacle than the rear
fascia when the vehicle sounds the contin -
uous tone. Also, the sensors could detect
the  ball  mount  and  hitch  ball  assembly,
depending on its size and shape, giving a
false indication that an obstacle is behind
the vehicle.
Drivers  must  be careful  when  backing  up
even  when  using  the  ParkSense  system.
Always  check  carefully  behind  your
vehicle,  look  behind  you,  and  be  sure  to
check  for  pedestrians,  animals,  other
vehicles,  obstructions,  and  blind  spots
before backing up. You are responsible for
safety and must continue to pay attention
to your surroundings. Failure to do so can
result in serious injury or death.
21_GU_OM_EN_USC_t.book  Page 125   

STARTING AND OPERATING
126
(Continued)
ParkSense System Usage Precautions
NOTE:
Some  conditions  may  influence  the  perfor-
mance of the ParkSense system: 
Reduced sensor sensitivity could be  due to
the  presence  of  ice,  snow,  mud,  or  thick
paint on the surface of the sensor.
The  sensors  may  detect  a  false  obstacle
(echo interference) due to mechanical inter -
ference,  for  example  when  washing  the
vehicle or in extreme weather.
The  signals  sent  by  the  sensors  can  be
altered  by  the  presence  of  ultrasonic
systems  (e.g.  pneumatic  brake  systems  of
trucks or pneumatic drills) near the vehicle.
System  performance  can  be  influenced  by
the  position  of  the  sensors.  For  example,
due to a change in the ride setting (caused
by  wear  to  the  shock  absorbers  or  suspen -
sion),  by  changing  tires,  overloading  the
vehicle  or  operations  that  require  the
vehicle to be lowered.
Be  sure  not  to  place  bumper  stickers  or
other adhesives over the sensors as this will
affect system performance.
The  presence  of  a  trailer  hitch  without  a
trailer. This may interfere with the operation
of  the  parking  sensors.  Before  using  the
ParkSense  system,  it  is  recommended  to remove  or  close  the  trailer  hitch  assembly
when  the  vehicle  is  not  being  used  for
towing.
LANE DEPARTURE WARNING 
(LDW) SYSTEM
Lane Departure Warning Operation
The  Lane  Departure  Warning  system  uses  a
forward  looking  camera  located  on  the  wind
-
shield  to  detect  lane  markings  and  measure
vehicle position within the lane boundaries.
When one or both lane limits are detected and
the  vehicle  passes  over  one  without  an  acti -
vated turn signal, the system emits a visual as
well as an acoustic signal.
If  the  vehicle  continues  to  go  beyond  the  line
of  the  lane  without  any  intervention  from  the
driver,  the  surpassed  line  will  light  up  on  the
display (left or right) to urge the driver to bring
the vehicle back into the limits of the lane.
 CAUTION!
Projecting loads on the roof of the vehicle
may interfere with the correct operation of
the  camera.  Before  starting,  make  sure
the  load  is  correctly  positioned  in  order
not to cover the camera operating range.
Do  not  cover  the  operating  range  of  the
camera with stickers or other objects.
Do  not  tamper  with  nor  operate  on  the
camera. Do not close the openings in the
aesthetic cover located under the interior
rearview mirror. In the event of a failure of
the  camera,  contact  your  authorized
dealer.
The  camera  may  have  limited  or  absent
operation due to weather conditions such
as: heavy rain, hail, thick fog, heavy snow,
formation of ice layers on the windshield.
Camera  operation  may  also  be  compro -
mised by the presence of dust, condensa -
tion, dirt or ice on the windshield, by traffic
conditions  (e.g.  vehicles  that  are  driving
not aligned with yours, vehicle driving in a
transverse  or  opposite  way  on  the  same
lane,  bend  with  a  small  radius  of  curva -
ture),  by  road  surface  conditions  and  by
driving  conditions  (e.g.  off-road  driving).
Make sure the windshield is always clean.
Use  specific  detergents  and  clean  cloths
to  avoid  scratching  the  windshield.  The
camera  operation  may  also  be  limited  or
absent  in  some  driving,  traffic  and  road
surface conditions.
If the windshield must be replaced due to
scratches,  chipping  or  breakage,  contact
exclusively  an  authorized  dealer.  Do  not
replace  the  windshield  on  your  own.  It  is
advisable to replace the windshield if it is
damaged in the area of the camera.
 CAUTION!  (Continued)
21_GU_OM_EN_USC_t.book  Page 126   

STARTING AND OPERATING
136
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) 
The  GVWR  is  the  total  permissible  weight  of
your  vehicle  including  driver,  passengers,
vehicle,  options  and  cargo.  The  label  also
specifies  maximum  capacities  of  front  and
rear axle systems (GAWR). Total load must be
limited so GVWR and front and rear GAWR are
not exceeded.
Payload
The  payload  of  a  vehicle  is  defined  as  the
allowable  load  weight  a  truck  can  carry,
including  the  weight  of  the  driver,  all  passen-
gers, options and cargo.
Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR)
The  GAWR  is  the  maximum  permissible  load
on  the front and  rear axles. The load must be
distributed in the cargo area so that the GAWR
of each axle is not exceeded.
Each axle GAWR is determined by the compo -
nents  in  the  system  with  the  lowest  load
carrying  capacity  (axle,  springs,  tires  or
wheels).  Heavier  axles  or  suspension  compo -
nents  sometimes  specified  by  purchasers  for
increased  durability  do  not  necessarily
increase the vehicle's GVWR.
Tire Size
The tire size on the Vehicle Certification Label
represents the actual tire size on your vehicle.
Replacement  tires  must  be  equal  to  the  load
capacity of this tire size.
Rim Size
This is  the  rim size  that is  appropriate  for the
tire size listed.
Inflation Pressure
This is  the cold  tire inflation pressure for your
vehicle  for  all  loading  conditions  up  to  full
GAWR.
Curb Weight
The curb weight of a vehicle is defined as the
total  weight  of  the  vehicle  with  all  fluids,
including  vehicle  fuel,  at  full  capacity  condi -
tions,  and  with  no  occupants  or  cargo  loaded
into the vehicle. The front and rear curb weight
values  are  determined  by  weighing  your
vehicle  on  a  commercial  scale  before  any
occupants or cargo are added.
Loading
The  actual  total  weight  and  the  weight  of  the
front and rear of your vehicle at the ground can
best  be  determined  by  weighing  it  when  it  is
loaded and ready for operation.
The entire vehicle should first be weighed on a
commercial  scale  to  ensure  that  the  GVWR
has  not  been  exceeded.  The  weight  on  the
front  and  rear  of  the  vehicle  should  then  be
determined separately to be sure that the load
is  properly  distributed  over  the  front  and  rear
axle.  Weighing  the  vehicle  may  show  that  the
GAWR  of  either  the  front  or  rear  axles  has
been exceeded but the total load is within the specified  GVWR. If so, weight must be shifted
from  front  to  rear  or  rear  to  front  as  appro
-
priate until the specified weight limitations are
met. Store the heavier items down low and be
sure  that  the  weight  is  distributed  equally.
Stow all loose items securely before driving.
Improper  weight  distributions  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  informa -
tion  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  vehi -
cles used for trailer towing.
 CAUTION!
Do  not  load  your  vehicle  any  heavier  than
the  GVWR  or  the  maximum  front  and  rear
GAWR.  If  you  do,  parts  on  your  vehicle  can
break, or it can change the way your vehicle
handles.  This  could  cause  you  to  lose
control.  Also  overloading  can  shorten  the
life of your vehicle.
21_GU_OM_EN_USC_t.book  Page 136   

137
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 
Ú
page 135.
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 oper -
ation" 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 
Ú
 page 135.
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 multi -
plied  by  the  maximum  width  of  the  front  of  a
trailer.
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  direc
-
tions, 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  cross -
winds 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.
Trailer Hitch Classification
The following chart provides the industry stan -
dard  for  the  maximum  trailer  weight  a  given
trailer hitch class can tow and should be used
to  assist  you  in  selecting  the  correct  trailer
hitch for your intended towing condition.
 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.
 WARNING!
An  improperly  adjusted  Weight  Distrib -
uting  Hitch  system  may  reduce  handling,
stability,  braking  performance,  and  could
result in a collision.
Weight  Distributing  Systems  may  not  be
compatible  with  Surge  Brake  Couplers.
Consult  with  the  hitch  and  trailer  manu -
facturer  or  a  reputable  Recreational
Vehicle dealer for additional information.
21_GU_OM_EN_USC_t.book  Page 137