2023 CHRYSLER VOYAGER Owners Manual

STARTING AND OPERATING95
Gross Combination Weight Rating (GCWR)
The GCWR is the total permissible 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
Úpage 93.
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.
The electronic TSC (if equipped) 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 Hitch 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
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. TSC and a Weight-Distributing (load equalizing) Hitch
are recommended for heavier TW and may be required
depending on vehicle and trailer configuration/loading to
comply with 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 perfor -
mance, and could result in a collision.

 Weight-Distributing Hitch 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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96STARTING AND OPERATING
TRAILER HITCH CLASSIFICATION
The following chart provides the industry standard 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.
Trailer Hitch Classification Definitions
Class Max. Trailer Hitch Industry Standards
Class I - Light Duty 2,000 lb (907 kg)
Class II - Medium Duty 3,500 lb (1,587 kg)
Class III - Heavy Duty 6,000 lb (2,721 kg)
Class IV - Extra Heavy Duty 10,000 lb (4,535 kg)
Refer to the “Trailer Towing Weights (Maximum Trailer Weight Ratings)” chart for the Maximum Gross Trailer Weight (GTW) towable for your given drivetrain.
All trailer hitches should be professionally installed on your vehicle.

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TRAILER TOWING WEIGHTS (MAXIMUM TRAILER WEIGHT RATINGS)
The following chart provides the maximum trailer weight ratings towable for your given drivetrain.
NOTE:The trailer tongue weight must be considered as part of the combined weight of occupants and cargo, and should never exceed the weight referenced on the Tire And Loading Infor -
mation Placard.
VEHICLE LOADING CHART
Follow these steps to determine the total weight the vehicle can carry:

1. Determine the cargo capacity of your vehicle.

Load Capacity = GVWR – Curb (weight of vehicle full fluids NO occupants).
2. Determine occupant count. For calculation purposes, average weight of an occupant is 150 lb (68 kg).
EXAMPLE:
 GVWR = 6,005 lb (2,723 kg)
 CURB = 4,500 lb (2,041 kg)
 Load Capacity = GVWR – CURB = 6,005 lb (2,723 kg) - 4,500 lb (2,041 kg) = 1,505 lb (682 kg)
4 Occupants (at 150 lb [68 kg]) + Max Trailer =
 1,505 lb (682 kg) – 600 lb (272 kg) (4 x 150 lb [68 kg]) – 360 lb (163 kg) (10% of 3,600 lb [1,632 kg]) = 545 lb (247 kg) of cargo in vehicle
Engine/Transmission Trailer Tow Package GCWRFrontal Area Maximum GTW Maximum Trailer TW
3.6L/Automatic Yes
8,600 lb (3,900 kg) 40 sq ft (3.72 sq m) 3,600 lb (1,632 kg) 360 lb (163 kg)
No 6,500 lb (2,948 kg) 40 sq ft (3.72 sq m) 1500 lb (680 kg) 149 lb (67 kg)
Refer to local laws for maximum trailer towing speeds.
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98STARTING AND OPERATING
Make sure loading does not exceed GAWR of front or rear axles.
 GAWR is found on the certification label in the driver’s side door jamb.
Number Of Persons / Weight Of Occupants Max Cargo No Trailer Maximum Trailer TWMax Cargo With Maximum
TW 360 lb (163 kg)
2 People / 300 lb (136 kg) 1,205 lb (546 kg)1,205 lb (546 kg) – 360 lb
(163 kg) = 845 lb (383 kg)
845 lb (383 kg)
4 people / 600 lb (272 kg) 955 lb (433 kg)955 lb (433 kg) – 360 lb
(163 kg) = 545 lb (247 kg)
545 lb (247 kg)
7 people / 1050 lb (476 kg) 455 lb (206 kg)455 lb (206 kg) – 360 lb
(163 kg) = 95 lb (43 kg)
95 lb (43 kg)

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(Continued)
TRAILER AND TONGUE WEIGHT
Never exceed the maximum tongue weight stamped on
your fascia/bumper or trailer hitch.

Weight Distribution

Consider the following items when computing the weight
on the rear axle of the vehicle:
The tongue weight of the trailer.
 The weight of any other type of cargo or equipment put
in or on your vehicle.
 The weight of the driver and all passengers.
NOTE:
Remember that everything put into or on the trailer adds to the
load on your vehicle. Also, additional factory-installed options or
dealer-installed options must be considered as part of the total
load on your vehicle

Ú
page 221.

TOWING REQUIREMENTS
To promote proper break-in of your new vehicle drivetrain
components, the following guidelines are recommended.
Perform the maintenance listed in “Scheduled Servicing”
Úpage 192. When towing a trailer, never exceed the
GAWR or GCWR ratings.
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!
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
collision.
When hauling cargo or towing a trailer, do not over -
load your vehicle or trailer. Overloading can cause a
loss of control, poor performance or damage to
brakes, axle, engine, transmission, steering, suspen -
sion, 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!
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100STARTING AND OPERATING
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.
 Replacing tires with a higher load carrying capacity will
not increase the vehicle's GVWR and GAWR limits.
 For further information
Úpage 224.
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 actu -
ated 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).
Towing Requirements — Trailer Lights And
Wiring
Whenever you pull a trailer, regardless of the trailer size,
stop lights 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 the trailer wiring connector from the vehicle
(or any other device plugged into vehicle’s electrical
connectors) before launching a boat 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 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.
1 — Ground
2 — Park
3 — Left Stop/Turn
4 — Right Stop/Turn

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STARTING AND OPERATING101

Seven-Pin Connector

TOWING TIPS
Before towing, practice turning, stopping, and backing up
the trailer in an area located away from heavy traffic.
Automatic Transmission
Select the DRIVE range when towing. The transmission
controls include a drive strategy to avoid frequent shifting
when towing. For increased engine braking on steep
downhill grades, select the LOW range.
Cruise Control — If Equipped
Do not use on hilly terrain or with heavy loads.
 When using the Cruise Control, if you experience speed
drops greater than 10 mph (16 km/h), disengage until
you can get back to cruising speed.
 Use Cruise Control in flat terrain and with light loads to
maximize fuel efficiency.
RECREATIONAL TOWING (BEHIND MOTORHOME)
TOWING THIS VEHICLE BEHIND ANOTHER VEHICLE
1 — Backup Lamps
2 — Running Lamps
3 — Left Stop/Turn
4 — Ground
5 — Battery
6 — Right Stop/Turn
7 — Electric Brakes
Towing Condition Wheel OFF The Ground FWD Models
Flat TowNONENOT ALLOWED
Dolly Tow Front
OK
Rear NOT ALLOWED
On Trailer ALLOK
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102STARTING AND OPERATING
NOTE:
To avoid inadvertent Electric Park Brake (EPB) engage -
ment, you must ensure that the Auto Park Brake
feature is disabled before towing this vehicle (if rear
wheels are on the ground). The Auto Park Brake feature
is enabled or disabled via the customer programmable
features
Úpage 105.
 When towing your vehicle, always follow applicable
state and provincial laws. Contact state and provincial
Highway Safety offices for additional details.
 If your vehicle is disabled and in need of commercial
towing service, for further information
Úpage 190.
DO NOT flat tow this vehicle. Damage to the drivetrain will
result. Recreational Towing
Front-Wheel Drive (FWD) Models
Recreational towing is allowed ONLY if the front wheels
are
OFF the ground. This may be accomplished using a tow
dolly (front wheels off the ground) or vehicle trailer (all four
wheels off the ground). If using a tow dolly, follow this
procedure:

1. Properly secure the dolly to the tow vehicle, following the dolly manufacturer's instructions.

2. Drive the front wheels onto the tow dolly.
3. Apply the parking brake.
4. Place the transmission in PARK.
5. Turn the ignition OFF.
6. Properly secure the front wheels to the dolly, following the dolly manufacturer's instructions.
7. Turn the ignition to the ON/RUN position, but do not start the vehicle.
8. Press and hold the brake pedal.
9. Release the parking brake.
10. Turn the ignition OFF.
11. Release the brake pedal.
DRIVING TIPS
DRIVING ON SLIPPERY SURFACES
Information in this section will aid in safe controlled
launches in adverse conditions.
Acceleration

Rapid acceleration on snow covered, wet, or other slippery
surfaces may cause the driving wheels to pull erratically to
the right or left. This phenomenon occurs when there is a
difference in the surface traction under the front (driving)
wheels.

CAUTION!
 DO NOT flat tow this vehicle. Damage to the drive -
train will result. If this vehicle requires towing, make
sure the drive wheels are OFF the ground.
 Ensure that the EPB is released, and remains
released, while being towed.
 Towing this vehicle in violation of the previously listed
requirements can cause severe transmission
damage. Damage from improper towing is not
covered under the New Vehicle Limited Warranty.
WARNING!
Rapid acceleration on slippery surfaces is dangerous.
Unequal traction can cause sudden pulling of the front
wheels. You could lose control of the vehicle and
possibly have a collision. Accelerate slowly and carefully
whenever there is likely to be poor traction (ice, snow,
wet, mud, loose sand, etc.).

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