O2TIN (Tire Identification Number)
for a new tire (example: DOT XXX
XXXXXX XXXX)
1. DOT: Abbreviation for the “Depart- ment Of Transportation”. The sym-
bol can be placed above, below or
to the left of the Tire Identification
Number.
2. Three-digit code: Manufacturer's identification mark. 3. Six-digit code: Descriptive code
used to identify significant charac-
teristics of the tire.
4. Four numbers represent the week and year the tire was built. For ex-
ample, the numbers 3103 means
the 31st week of 2003.
O3Tire ply composition and material
The number of layers or plies of
rubber-coated fabric in the tire. Tire
manufacturers also must indicate the
materials in the tire, which include
steel, nylon, polyester and others.
O4Maximum permissible inflation
pressure
This number is the greatest amount of
air pressure that should be put in the
tire. Do not exceed the maximum per-
missible inflation pressure.
O5Maximum load rating
This number indicates the maximum
load in kilograms and pounds that can
be carried by the tire. When replacing
the tires on the vehicle, always use a
tire that has the same load rating as
the factory installed tire.
LDI3639
Example (Type B) (if so equipped)
8-34Do-it-yourself
1. Locate the statement “The com-bined 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 lug-
gage load capacity. For example, if
the “XXX” amount equals 1400 lbs.
and there will be five 150 lb. pas-
sengers in your vehicle, the amount
of available cargo and luggage
load capacity is 650 lbs. (1400-
750 (5 X 150) = 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 calcu-
lated 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.
Before driving a loaded vehicle, con-
firm that you do not exceed the GVWR
or the GAWR for your vehicle. For ad-
ditional information, see “Measure-
ment of weights” (P. 10-19).
Also check tires for proper inflation
pressures. For additional information,
see “Tire and Loading Information la-
bel” (P. 8-29).
SECURING THE LOAD
There are luggage hooks located in the cargo
area as shown. The hooks can be used to
secure cargo with ropes or other types of
straps.
When securing items using luggage hooks
located on the side finisher do not apply a
load over more than 6.5 lbs. (29 N) to a single
hook.
The luggage hooks that are located on the
floor should have loads less than 110 lbs.
(490 N) to a single hook.
LTI2331
Cargo area luggage hooks
Technical and consumer information10-17
A weight-distributing hitch system (Class IV)
is recommended if you plan to tow trailers
with a maximum weight over 5,000 lbs.
(2,268 kg). Check with the trailer and towing
equipment manufacturers to determine if
they recommend the use of a weight-
distributing hitch system.
NOTE:
A weight-distributing hitch system may af-
fect the operation of trailer surge brakes. If
you are considering use of a weight-
distributing hitch system with a surge
brake-equipped trailer, check with the surge
brake, hitch or trailer manufacturer to de-
termine if and how this can be done.
Follow the instructions provided by the
manufacturer for installing and using the
weight-distributing hitch system.
General set-up instructions are as follows:
1. Park unloaded vehicle on a level surface.With the ignition switch in the ON position
and the doors closed, allow the vehicle to
stand for several minutes so that it can
level.
2. Measure the height of a reference point on the front and rear bumpers at the cen-
ter of the vehicle. 3. Attach the trailer to the vehicle and adjust
the hitch equalizers so that the front bum-
per height is within0-.5inches (0 – 13
mm) of the reference height measured in
step 2. The rear bumper should be no
higher than the reference height mea-
sured in step 2.
WARNING
Properly adjust the weight distributing
hitch so the rear of the bumper is no higher
than the measured reference height when
the trailer is attached. If the rear bumper is
higher than the measured reference height
when loaded, the vehicle may handle un-
predictably which could cause a loss of ve-
hicle control and cause serious personal in-
jury or property damage.
Sway control device
Sudden maneuvers, wind gusts, and buffet-
ing caused by other vehicles can affect trailer
handling. Sway control devices may be used
to help control these affects. If you choose to
use one, contact a reputable trailer hitch sup-
plier to make sure the sway control device will
work with the vehicle, hitch, trailer and the
trailer's brake system. Follow the instructions
provided by the manufacturer for installing
and using the sway control device.
Class I hitch
Class I trailer hitch equipment (receiver, ball
mount and hitch ball) can be used to tow
trailers of a maximum weight of 2,000 lbs.
(907 kg).
Class II hitch
Class II trailer hitch equipment (receiver, ball
mount and hitch ball) can be used to tow
trailers of a maximum weight of 3,500 lbs.
(1,587 kg).
Tire pressures
• When towing a trailer, inflate the vehicle tires to the recommended
cold tire pressure indicated on the
Tire and Loading Information label.
• Trailer tire condition, size, load rating and proper inflation pressure should
be in accordance with the trailer and
tire manufacturer's specifications.
Safety chains
Always use suitable safety chains between
your vehicle and the trailer. The safety chains
should be crossed and should be attached to
the hitch, not to the vehicle bumper or axle.
Technical and consumer information10-25
