STARTING AND OPERATING77
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
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
Úpage 75.
Gross Combination Weight Rating (GCWR)
The GCWR is the total allowable weight of your
vehicle and trailer when weighed in
combination.
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
put your fully loaded trailer on a vehicle scale.
The entire weight of the trailer must be
supported by the scale.
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
Úpage 75.
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.
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.
4
21_VM_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 77
80STARTING AND OPERATING
(Continued)
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.
When replacing tires with a higher load
carrying capacity they will not increase the
vehicle's GVWR and GAWR limits.
For further information Ú page 234.
WARNING!
Make certain that the load is secured in the
trailer and will not shift during travel. When
trailering cargo that is not fully secured,
dynamic load shifts can occur that may be
difficult for the driver to control. You could
lose control of your vehicle and have a colli -
sion.
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, suspension,
chassis structure or tires.
Safety chains must always be used
between your vehicle and trailer. Always
connect the chains to the hook retainers 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
parking brake on the tow vehicle. Put the
tow vehicle transmission in PARK. For
four-wheel drive vehicles, make sure the
transfer case is not in NEUTRAL. Always,
block or "chock" the trailer wheels.
GCWR must not be exceeded.
Total weight must be distributed between
the tow vehicle and the trailer such that the
following four ratings are not exceeded :
GVWR
GTW
GAWR
Tongue weight rating for the trailer
hitch utilized.
WARNING! (Continued)
21_VM_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 80
STARTING AND OPERATING81
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).
Towing Requirements — Trailer Lights And
Wiring
Whenever you pull a trailer, regardless of the
trailer size, stoplights and turn signals on the
trailer are required for motoring safety.
The Trailer Tow Package may include a four- and
seven-pin wiring harness. Use a factory
approved trailer harness and connector.
NOTE:
Do not cut or splice wiring into the vehicle’s
wiring harness.
The electrical connections are all complete to
the vehicle but you must mate the harness to a
trailer connector. Refer to the following
illustrations. NOTE:
Disconnect trailer wiring connector from the
vehicle before launching a boat (or any other
device plugged into vehicle’s electrical
connect) into water.
Be sure to reconnect once clear from water
area.
Four-Pin Connector
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.
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.
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.
1 — Ground
2 — Park
3 — Left Stop/Turn
4 — Right Stop/Turn
4
21_VM_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 81
240SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
NOTE:
Under a maximum loaded vehicle condition,
gross axle weight ratings (GAWRs) for the front
and rear axles must not be exceeded.
For further information on GAWRs, vehicle
loading, and trailer towing Úpage 75.
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 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).
21_VM_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 240
267
C
Camera, Rear
.................................................. 73Capacities, Fluid............................................ 259Caps, Filler Fuel............................................................. 74Oil (Engine)................................................ 221Power Steering............................................ 68Radiator (Coolant Pressure)...................... 229Car Washes................................................... 252Carbon Monoxide Warning.................. 185, 258Cargo Area Cover............................................. 38Cargo Compartment........................................ 38Cargo Tie-Downs.............................................. 38Cellular Phone............................................... 143Certification Label........................................... 75Chains, Tire.................................................... 249Changing A Flat Tire....................................... 194Chart, Tire Sizing............................................ 235Check Engine Light (Malfunction Indicator
Light)............................................................... 57Checking Your Vehicle For Safety.................. 185Checks, Safety............................................... 185Child Restraint............................................... 170Child RestraintsBooster Seats............................................ 173Child Seat Installation..................... 180, 183How To Stow An unused ALR Seat Belt..... 178Infant And Child Restraints....................... 171
Locating The LATCH Anchorages.............. 177Lower Anchors And Tethers For Children.. 175Older Children And Child Restraints......... 172Seating Positions...................................... 174Clean Air Gasoline......................................... 256CleaningWheels..................................................... 248Climate Control................................................ 31Cold Weather Operation.................................. 58Compact Spare Tire...................................... 247Contract, Service.......................................... 263Cooling Pressure Cap (Radiator Cap)............ 229Cooling System............................................. 227Adding Coolant (Antifreeze)...................... 228Coolant Level............................................ 230Cooling Capacity....................................... 259Disposal Of Used Coolant......................... 229Drain, Flush, And Refill............................. 228Inspection........................................ 228, 230Points To Remember................................ 230Pressure Cap............................................ 229Radiator Cap............................................ 229Selection Of Coolant (Antifreeze)..... 228, 259Corrosion Protection..................................... 252Cruise Light...................................................... 55Customer Assistance.................................... 262Customer Programmable Features.................. 87Cybersecurity................................................... 86
D
Dealer Service............................................... 223Defroster, Windshield................................... 186Deleting A Phone........................................... 114Diagnostic System, Onboard............................56DipsticksOil (Engine)............................................... 222Power Steering............................................68Disable Vehicle Towing................................. 211Disconnecting............................................... 114DisposalAntifreeze (Engine Coolant)...................... 229Disturb.......................................................... 117Door Ajar..........................................................51Door Ajar Light.................................................51Door Locks.......................................................14Doors...............................................................14Driver’s Seat Back Tilt......................................17DrivingThrough Flowing, Rising, Or Shallow Standing Water
.......................................84
E
Electric Brake Control System....................... 146Electric Remote Mirrors...................................26Electrical Outlet, Auxiliary (Power Outlet).........40Electronic Range Select (ERS).........................67Electronic Stability Control (ESC)................... 14611
21_VM_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 267
268
Electronic Throttle Control Warning Light
........ 51Emergency, In Case Of Freeing Vehicle When Stuck...................... 209Jacking...................................................... 194Jump Starting............................................ 204Towing....................................................... 211Emission Control System Maintenance........... 57Engine........................................................... 221Air Cleaner................................................. 224Block Heater............................................... 59Break-In Recommendations........................ 60Checking Oil Level..................................... 222Coolant (Antifreeze)................................... 259Cooling...................................................... 227Exhaust Gas Caution....................... 185, 258Fails To Start............................................... 59Flooded, Starting......................................... 59Jump Starting............................................ 204Oil.................................................... 223, 259Oil Filler Cap.............................................. 221Oil Filter..................................................... 224Oil Selection.................................... 223, 259Oil Synthetic.............................................. 224Overheating............................................... 207Starting....................................................... 58Enhanced Accident Response
Feature................................................ 168, 212Ethanol.......................................................... 257Exhaust Gas Cautions.......................... 185, 258Exhaust System................................... 185, 226Exterior Lights......................................... 27, 187
F
Filters
Air Cleaner
................................................ 224Air Conditioning........................................... 34Engine Oil........................................ 224, 259Engine Oil Disposal................................... 224FlashersHazard Warning........................................ 188Turn Signals.......................................55, 187Flooded Engine Starting................................... 59Fluid Capacities............................................ 259Fluid Leaks................................................... 187Fluid Level ChecksBrake........................................................ 231Engine Oil................................................. 222Power Steering............................................ 68Fluid, Brake.................................................. 261Fog Lights........................................................ 28Fold-Flat Seats................................................. 17Four-Way Hazard Flasher.............................. 188Freeing A Stuck Vehicle................................ 209Fuel............................................................... 256Additives................................................... 257Clean Air................................................... 256Ethanol..................................................... 257Filler Cap (Gas Cap)..................................... 74Gasoline................................................... 256Materials Added....................................... 257Methanol.................................................. 257
Octane Rating.................................. 256, 259Specifications........................................... 259Tank Capacity........................................... 259Fuses............................................................ 188
G
Gas Cap (Fuel Filler Cap)..................................74Gasoline, (Fuel)............................................. 256Gasoline, Clean Air........................................ 256Gasoline, Reformulated................................ 256Gear Ranges....................................................64Gear Selector Override.................................. 209Glass Cleaning.............................................. 254Gross Axle Weight Rating.......................... 76, 77Gross Vehicle Weight Rating.....................76, 77GuideBody Builders................................................. 7GVWR...............................................................76
H
HazardDriving Through Flowing, Rising, Or Shallow Standing Water
.......................................84Hazard Warning Flashers.............................. 188Head Restraints...............................................21HeadlightsCleaning.................................................... 252Passing........................................................28Switch..........................................................27
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270
M
Maintenance Free Battery
............................. 222Maintenance Schedule.................................. 217Malfunction Indicator Light (Check
Engine)..................................................... 54, 57Manual Service...................................................... 264Master CylinderBrakes....................................................... 231Methanol....................................................... 257Mirrors............................................................. 25Electric Powered......................................... 26Electric Remote........................................... 26Exterior Folding........................................... 25Outside........................................................ 25Rearview..................................................... 25Modifications/AlterationsVehicle.......................................................... 8Monitor, Tire Pressure System....................... 149Mopar Parts................................................... 264
N
New Vehicle Break-In Period............................ 60
O
Occupant Restraints...................................... 153Octane Rating, Gasoline (Fuel)............ 256, 259Oil Change Indicator........................................ 46Reset........................................................... 46
Oil Filter, Change.......................................... 224Oil Filter, Selection........................................ 224Oil Pressure Light............................................. 51Oil Reset.......................................................... 46Oil, Engine............................................ 223, 259Capacity.................................................... 259Checking................................................... 222Dipstick.................................................... 222Disposal................................................... 224Filter................................................ 224, 259Filter Disposal........................................... 224Identification Logo.................................... 223Materials Added To.................................. 224Pressure Warning Light............................... 51Recommendation............................ 223, 259Synthetic.................................................. 224Viscosity................................................... 259Onboard Diagnostic System............................. 56Operating Precautions..................................... 56Operator ManualOwner's Manual........................................ 264Outside Rearview Mirrors................................ 25Overheating, Engine...................................... 207
P
Paint Care..................................................... 252Parking Brake.................................................. 60ParkSense System, Rear................................. 70Passing Light................................................... 28
Personal Settings.............................................87Pets............................................................... 184Phone Mode.................................................. 109Placard, Tire And Loading Information.......... 239PowerMirrors.........................................................26Steering................................................67, 68Windows......................................................35Power Steering Fluid..................................... 261Pregnant Women And Seat Belts.................. 159Preparation For Jacking....................... 194, 196PretensionersSeat Belts................................................. 159
R
Radial Ply Tires.............................................. 243Radiator Cap (Coolant Pressure Cap)............ 229Radio Operation............................................ 143Rear Camera....................................................73Rear ParkSense System...................................70Recreational Towing.........................................83Reformulated Gasoline................................. 256Refrigerant.................................................... 225Release, Hood..................................................37Reminder, Seat Belt...................................... 154Remote Keyless EntryProgramming Additional Key Fobs...............11Remote Sound System (Radio) Controls....... 142Replacement Bulbs....................................... 213
21_VM_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 270
272
T
Telescoping Steering Column
.......................... 23Tie Down Hooks, Cargo.................................... 38Tilt Steering Column........................................ 23Tire And Loading Information Placard........... 239Tire Markings................................................. 234Tire Safety Information.................................. 234Tire Service Kit.............................................. 202Tires................................... 187, 242, 247, 250Aging (Life Of Tires)................................... 245Air Pressure............................................... 242Chains....................................................... 249Changing................................................... 194Compact Spare......................................... 247General Information........................ 242, 247High Speed................................................ 243Inflation Pressure...................................... 242Jacking...................................................... 194Life Of Tires............................................... 245Load Capacity............................................ 239Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS).. 53, 149Quality Grading.......................................... 250Radial........................................................ 243Replacement............................................. 245Rotation.................................................... 250Safety.............................................. 234, 242Sizes.......................................................... 235Snow Tires................................................. 246Spare Tires...................................... 247, 248Spinning.................................................... 244
Trailer Towing.............................................. 80Tread Wear Indicators.............................. 244Wheel Nut Torque..................................... 255To Open Hood.................................................. 37Tongue Weight/Trailer Weight......................... 79Towing............................................................. 77Disabled Vehicle....................................... 211Guide........................................................... 79Recreational................................................ 83Weight......................................................... 79Towing Behind A Motorhome........................... 83Traction............................................................ 84Traction Control............................................ 149Trailer Sway Control (TSC)............................. 149Trailer Towing.................................................. 77Hitches........................................................ 78Minimum Requirements.............................. 79Tips.............................................................. 82Trailer And Tongue Weight........................... 79Wiring.......................................................... 81Trailer Towing Guide........................................ 79Trailer Weight................................................... 79Transmission................................................... 63Automatic....................................62, 63, 231Fluid......................................................... 261Maintenance............................................ 231Transporting Pets.......................................... 184Tread Wear Indicators.................................. 244Trip Computer.................................................. 48Turn Signals..................................................... 55
U
Uconnect Phone Call Features
................................. 116Things You Should Know About Your Uconnect Phone................................... 119Uconnect Phone..........................111, 112, 113Answer Or Ignore An Incoming Call — Call Currently In Progress..................... 117Answer Or Ignore An Incoming Call — No Call Currently In Progress................ 117Bluetooth Communication Link................ 121Call Continuation...................................... 118Call Controls............................................. 116Call Termination....................................... 118Cancel Command..................................... 111Connecting To A Particular Mobile Phone Or Audio Device After Pairing................ 114Help Command......................................... 111Join Calls.................................................. 118Making A Phone Or Audio Device AFavorite................................................ 114Making A Second Call While Current Call Is In Progress................................. 118Managing Your Favorites.......................... 115Natural Speech......................................... 111Operation.................................................. 110Overview................................................... 109Pair (Link) Uconnect Phone To A Mobile Phone................................................... 112
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