2021 DODGE CHARGER towing capacity

116STARTING AND OPERATING
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 114.
Tongue Weight (TW)
The TW 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 (TSC)
The TSC 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 TSC recognizes a
swaying trailer and automatically 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 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.
WARNING!
An improperly adjusted weight-distributing
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 your hitch and trailer manufacturer or a
reputable Recreational Vehicle dealer for
additional information.

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STARTING AND OPERATING119
Perform the maintenance listed in the “Scheduled
Servicing” for the proper maintenance intervals
Ú page 245. 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.
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. For the proper
inspection procedure.
Replacing tires with a higher load carrying
capacity will not increase the vehicle's GVWR
and GAWR limits.
For further information Ú page 275.
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 inadequate 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 lb (453 kg) and required for trailers
in excess of 2,000 lb (907 kg).
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.
WARNING!
Do not connect trailer brakes to your vehicle'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 stopping
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 lb (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.
4

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280SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
Tire Loading And Tire Pressure
NOTE:The proper cold tire inflation pressure is listed on
the driver’s side B-pillar or the rear edge of the
driver's side door.
Check the inflation pressure of each tire, including
the spare tire (if equipped), at least monthly and
inflate to the recommended pressure for your
vehicle.

Example Tire Placard Location (Door) Example Tire Placard Location (B-pillar)

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
Úpage 114.
NOTE:Under a maximum loaded vehicle condition, Gross
Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) for the front and rear
axles must not be exceeded.
For further information on GAWR, vehicle loading,
and trailer towing Ú page 114.

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SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE281

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.
(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 occu
-
pants. 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).
8

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307
AUX
................................................................ 220AUX Cord.......................................................... 56Auxiliary Electrical Outlet (Power Outlet).......... 57AWD Towing....................................................... 244Axle Fluid....................................................... 301Axle Lubrication............................................. 301
B
Back-Up......................................................... 112Battery.................................................... 75, 252Charging System Light................................. 75Keyless Key Fob Replacement.................... 14Location.................................................... 252Battery Saver Feature...................................... 45Belts, Seat..................................................... 220BluetoothConnecting To A Particular Mobile Phone Or Audio Device After Pairing
................156Body Mechanism Lubrication........................ 256B-Pillar Location............................................. 280Brake Assist System...................................... 181Brake Control System.................................... 181Brake Fluid.......................................... 262, 301Brake System...................................... 262, 296Fluid Check..................................... 262, 301Master Cylinder......................................... 262Parking........................................................ 87Warning Light..................................... 74, 296Brake/Transmission Interlock......................... 89
Break-In Recommendations, New Vehicle....... 86Brightness, Interior Lights................................ 46Bulb Replacement........................................ 271Bulbs, Light.......................................... 222, 271
C
Camera, Rear................................................ 112Capacities, Fluid........................................... 299Caps, FillerOil (Engine)............................................... 249Radiator (Coolant Pressure)..................... 261Car Washes................................................... 293Carbon Monoxide Warning............................ 222CargoVehicle Loading........................................ 114Cargo Area Cover............................................. 64Cargo Compartment........................................ 64CD................................................................. 150Certification Label......................................... 114Chains, Tire................................................... 290Chart, Tire Sizing........................................... 276Check Engine Light (Malfunction
Indicator Light)................................................. 82Checking Your Vehicle For Safety................. 220Checks, Safety.............................................. 220Child Restraint.............................................. 208Child RestraintsBooster Seats........................................... 211Child Seat Installation.............................. 218
How To Stow An unused ALR Seat Belt..... 216Infant And Child Restraints....................... 210Lower Anchors And Tethers For Children.. 213Older Children And Child Restraints.......... 210Seating Positions...................................... 212Child Safety Locks............................................24Clean Air Gasoline......................................... 297CleaningWheels...................................................... 289Climate Control................................................48Automatic....................................................48Manual........................................................51Coin Holder......................................................55Cold Weather Operation...................................85Compact Spare Tire...................................... 287ConsoleFloor............................................................55Contract, Service........................................... 303Controls........................................................ 141Cooling Pressure Cap (Radiator Cap)............ 261Cooling System............................................. 259Adding Coolant (Antifreeze)...................... 260Coolant Level................................... 260, 261Cooling Capacity....................................... 299Disposal Of Used Coolant......................... 261Drain, Flush, And Refill............................. 260Inspection................................................. 261Points To Remember................................ 26111

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309
F
Filters Air Cleaner
................................................. 254Air Conditioning.................................. 54, 255Engine Oil........................................ 254, 300Engine Oil Disposal................................... 254Flashers......................................................... 223Hazard Warning......................................... 223Turn Signals................................ 44, 80, 222Flash-To-Pass.................................................. 43Flooded Engine Starting.................................. 85Floor Console................................................... 55Fluid Capacities............................................. 299Fluid Leaks.................................................... 222Fluid Level ChecksBrake........................................................ 262Cooling System.......................................... 260Engine Oil.................................................. 251Fluid, Brake................................................... 301Fog Lights........................................................ 44Fold-Flat Seats................................................. 29Folding Rear Seats.......................................... 30Forward Collision Warning............................. 188Four-Way Hazard Flasher............................... 223Freeing A Stuck Vehicle................................. 242Fuel............................................................... 297Additives................................................... 298Clean Air.................................................... 297
Ethanol..................................................... 298Gasoline................................................... 297Materials Added....................................... 298Methanol.................................................. 298Octane Rating.................................. 297, 300Requirements.................................. 297, 299Specifications........................................... 300Tank Capacity........................................... 299Fuses............................................................ 264
G
Garage Door Opener (HomeLink)..................... 38Gasoline, Clean Air........................................ 297Gasoline, Reformulated................................ 297Gear Ranges.................................................... 90Glass Cleaning.............................................. 295Gross Axle Weight Rating..................... 114, 116Gross Vehicle Weight Rating................ 114, 115GVWR............................................................ 114
H
HazardDriving Through Flowing, Rising, Or Shallow Standing Water
.................................... 122Hazard Warning Flashers.............................. 223Head Restraints........................................ 34, 35Head Rests............................................... 34, 35
HeadlightsAutomatic....................................................43Cleaning.................................................... 293High Beam/Low Beam Select Switch..........43Lights On Reminder.....................................44On With Wipers............................................43Passing........................................................43Switch..........................................................41Time Delay...................................................44Washers.................................................... 251Heated Mirrors.................................................38Heater, Engine Block........................................86High Beam/Low Beam Select (Dimmer)
Switch..............................................................43Hill Start Assist.............................................. 184HitchesTrailer Towing........................................... 117Holder, Coin.....................................................55HomeLink (Garage Door Opener).....................38Hood Prop........................................................62Hood Release...................................................62
11

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314 Starting Procedures
......................................... 83Steering........................................................... 25Column Lock............................................... 25Power.......................................................... 94Tilt Column.................................................. 25Wheel, Heated............................................. 25Wheel, Tilt................................................... 25Steering Wheel Audio Controls...................... 141Steering Wheel Mounted Sound System.......141Storage................................................... 55, 292Storage, Vehicle...................................... 54, 292Store Radio Presets....................................... 148Storing Your Vehicle...................................... 292Stuck, Freeing............................................... 242Sun Roof................................................... 60, 61Sunglasses Storage......................................... 56Supplemental Restraint System – Air Bag..... 201Symbol Glossary................................................ 9Synthetic Engine Oil....................................... 253System, Remote Starting................................. 17
T
Telescoping Steering Column.......................... 25Temperature Control, Automatic (ATC)............ 53Tilt Steering Column........................................ 25Time Delay Headlight..................................................... 44Tire And Loading Information Placard........... 280Tire Markings................................................. 275Tire Safety Information.................................. 275
Tire Service Kit............................ 231, 232, 233Tires...................................221, 283, 287, 291Aging (Life Of Tires).................................. 285Air Pressure.............................................. 283Chains...................................................... 290Changing.................................................. 226Compact Spare......................................... 287General Information........................ 283, 287High Speed............................................... 284Inflation Pressure..................................... 283Jacking..................................................... 226Life Of Tires.............................................. 285Load Capacity........................................... 280Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)..78, 190Quality Grading......................................... 291Radial....................................................... 284Replacement............................................ 286Rotation.................................................... 291Safety.............................................. 275, 283Sizes......................................................... 276Snow Tires................................................ 287Spare Tires............................. 227, 287, 288Spinning................................................... 285Trailer Towing........................................... 119Tread Wear Indicators.............................. 285Wheel Nut Torque..................................... 296To Open Hood.................................................. 62Tongue Weight/Trailer Weight...................... 118
Towing........................................................... 115Behind A Motorhome................................ 121Disabled Vehicle....................................... 243Guide........................................................ 117Recreational............................................. 121Weight...................................................... 117Towing Behind A Motorhome........................ 121Traction......................................................... 122Traction Control............................................ 185Trailer Towing................................................ 115Hitches..................................................... 117Minimum Requirements........................... 118Tips........................................................... 121Trailer And Tongue Weight........................ 118Wiring....................................................... 120Trailer Towing Guide..................................... 117Trailer Weight................................................ 117Transfer CaseFluid.......................................................... 301Transmission....................................................89Automatic.......................................... 89, 263Fluid.......................................................... 301Maintenance............................................ 263Shifting........................................................88Transporting Pets.......................................... 220Tread Wear Indicators................................... 285Trunk Lid (Deck Lid).........................................63Trunk Release Remote Control........................63Turn Signals..............................................44, 80

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