STARTING AND OPERATING137
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 Ú page 136.
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 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 Úpage 136.
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.
WARNING!
Do not load your vehicle any heavier than the
GVWR, maximum payload 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.
Overloading can shorten the life of your vehicle.
WARNING!
If the gross trailer weight is 5,000 lb (2,267 kg)
or more, it is recommended to use a
weight-distributing hitch to ensure stable
handling of your vehicle. If you use a standard
weight-carrying hitch, you could lose control of
your vehicle and cause a collision.
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.
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23_WD_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 137
142STARTING 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.
Replacing tires with a higher load carrying
capacity will not increase the vehicle's GVWR
and GAWR limits.
For further information Úpage 281.
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).
Integrated Trailer Brake Module (ITBM) —
If Equipped
Your vehicle may have an ITBM for electric and
Electric Over Hydraulic (EOH) trailer brakes.
NOTE:This module has been designed and verified with
electric trailer brakes and EOH systems. Some
previous EOH systems may not be compatible with
ITBM.
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!
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.
WARNING!
23_WD_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 142
286SERVICING 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 136.
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 Ú page 136.
23_WD_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 286
SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE287
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).
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314 Blind Spot Monitoring
.................................... 183Body Mechanism Lubrication........................ 261B-Pillar Location............................................. 286Brake Assist System...................................... 178Brake Control System, Electronic.................. 178Brake Fluid.......................................... 268, 307Brake System...................................... 268, 302Anti-Lock (ABS).......................................... 302Fluid Check............................................... 268Master Cylinder......................................... 268Parking...................................................... 102Warning Light.............................................. 88Brake/Transmission Interlock....................... 104Bulb Replacement............................... 278, 280Bulbs, Light.................................................... 227
C
Camera, Rear................................................ 134Capacities, Fluid............................................ 306Caps, Filler Oil (Engine)................................................ 253Radiator (Coolant Pressure)...................... 267Car Washes................................................... 299Carbon Monoxide Warning............................ 228Cargo Area Cover............................................. 73Cargo Compartment........................................ 73Light............................................................ 73Luggage Carrier........................................... 74Cargo Light...................................................... 73Cargo Tie-Downs.............................................. 74
Cellular Phone.............................................. 176Center High Mounted Stop Light................... 280Certification Label......................................... 136Chains, Tire................................................... 296Chart, Tire Sizing........................................... 282Check Engine Light
(Malfunction Indicator Light)............................ 96Checking Your Vehicle For Safety................. 225Checks, Safety.............................................. 225Child Restraint.............................................. 210Child RestraintsBooster Seats........................................... 213Child Seat Installation.............................. 222How To Stow An unused ALR Seat Belt.... 220Infant And Child Restraints....................... 212Locating The LATCH Anchorages.............. 217Lower Anchors And Tethers For Children.. 214Older Children And Child Restraints......... 212Seating Positions...................................... 214Child Safety Locks........................................... 25Clean Air Gasoline......................................... 304CleaningWheels..................................................... 295Climate Control................................................ 53Automatic.................................................... 53Cold Weather Operation............................... 101Compact Spare Tire...................................... 293Contract, Service.......................................... 310Cooling Pressure Cap (Radiator Cap)............ 267
Cooling System............................................. 265Adding Coolant (Antifreeze)...................... 266Cooling Capacity....................................... 306Disposal Of Used Coolant......................... 267Drain, Flush, And Refill............................. 266Inspection................................................. 266Points To Remember................................ 267Pressure Cap............................................ 267Radiator Cap............................................. 267Selection Of Coolant(Antifreeze)......................... 266, 306, 307Corrosion Protection..................................... 299Cruise Control (Speed Control)............. 115, 117Cruise Light............................................... 94, 95Customer Assistance.................................... 308Cybersecurity................................................ 153
D
Daytime Running Lights...................................46Defroster, Windshield................................... 226De-Icer, Remote Start......................................20Diagnostic System, Onboard............................96DipsticksOil (Engine)............................................... 255Disabled Vehicle Towing............................... 246DisposalAntifreeze (Engine Coolant)...................... 267Door Ajar...................................................89, 90Door Ajar Light..........................................89, 90
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316 Fuel
............................................................... 303Additives................................................... 304Clean Air.................................................... 304Economy Mode.......................................... 104Ethanol...................................................... 304Gasoline.................................................... 303Materials Added........................................ 304Methanol................................................... 304Octane Rating........................................... 303Requirements................................. 303, 306Specifications............................................ 307Tank Capacity............................................ 306Fueling........................................................... 135Fuses............................................................. 270
G
Garage Door Opener (HomeLink).................... 41Gasoline, (Fuel)............................................. 303Gasoline, Clean Air........................................ 304Gasoline, Reformulated................................. 304Gear Ranges.................................................. 105Glass Cleaning............................................... 301Gross Axle Weight Rating............................... 137Gross Vehicle Weight Rating.......................... 137GVWR............................................................ 136
H
Hazard Warning Flashers.............................. 229Head Restraints............................................... 36
Headlights Automatic.................................................... 47Cleaning................................................... 299High Beam/Low Beam Select Switch.......... 46Lights On Reminder..................................... 48On With Wipers............................................ 47Passing........................................................ 47Heated Mirrors................................................. 41Heated Seats................................................... 35Heated Steering Wheel.................................... 26Hill Start Assist.............................................. 181HitchesTrailer Towing........................................... 139HomeLink (Garage Door Opener)..................... 41Hood Prop........................................................ 71Hood Release.................................................. 71
I
Ignition............................................................. 16Key Fob Battery Low Or Dead...................... 16Key Fob Not Detected................................. 16Keyless Ignition........................................... 16Keyless Push Button................................... 16Push Button Ignition.................................... 16Switch.......................................................... 16Illuminated Entry.............................................. 51Immobilizer (Sentry Key).................................. 16Inside Rearview Mirror............................40, 229
Instrument Cluster....................................78, 79Display........................................... 79, 80, 83Menu Items.................................................84Instrument Cluster
b
.....................................79Instrument Cluster DisplayAudio...........................................................86Driver Assist.................................................85Messages....................................................86Screen Setup...............................................86Speedometer...............................................84Trailer Tow...................................................85Trip..............................................................85Vehicle Info..................................................84Instrument Panel Lens Cleaning................... 301Integrated Trailer Brake Control.................... 142Interior And Instrument Lights.........................49Interior Appearance Care.............................. 300Interior Lights...................................................49Intermittent Wipers (Delay Wipers)..................51InverterPower...........................................................67iPod/USB/MP3 Control....................................63
J
Jack Location................................................ 233Jack Operation.............................................. 236JACKING AND TIRE CHANGING
b
................ 232Jacking And Tire Changing Instructions......... 232Jacking Instructions...................................... 236Jump Starting................................................ 239
23_WD_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 316
321
T
Telescoping Steering Column
................... 25, 26Temperature Control, Automatic (ATC)............ 59Tie Down Hooks, Cargo.................................... 74Tilt Steering Column................................. 25, 26Tire And Loading Information Placard........... 286Tire Markings................................................. 281Tire Safety Information.................................. 281Tires................................... 227, 289, 293, 298Aging (Life Of Tires)................................... 291Air Pressure............................................... 289Chains....................................................... 296Changing................................................... 232Compact Spare......................................... 293General Information........................ 289, 293High Speed................................................ 290Inflation Pressure...................................... 289
Life Of Tires.............................................. 291Load Capacity........................................... 286Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)..93, 188Quality Grading......................................... 298Radial....................................................... 290Replacement............................................ 292Rotation.................................................... 297Safety.............................................. 281, 289Sizes......................................................... 282Snow Tires................................................ 293Spare Tires............................. 234, 293, 294Spinning................................................... 291Trailer Towing........................................... 142Tread Wear Indicators.............................. 291Wheel Nut Torque..................................... 302To Open Hood.................................................. 71Tongue Weight/Trailer Weight...................... 140
Tow N Go....................................................... 111Towing.................................................. 137, 246Disabled Vehicle....................................... 246Guide........................................................ 139Recreational............................................. 146Weight...................................................... 139Towing Behind A Motorhome........................ 146Traction Control............................................ 182Trailer Sway Control (TSC)............................. 183Trailer Towing................................................ 137Hitches..................................................... 139Minimum Requirements........................... 141Tips........................................................... 145Trailer And Tongue Weight........................ 140Wiring....................................................... 144Trailer Towing Guide..................................... 139Trailer Weight................................................ 139
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