2023 JEEP CHEROKEE towing capacity

114STARTING AND OPERATING
Payload
The payload of a vehicle is defined as the allowable load
weight a truck can carry, including the weight of the driver,
all passengers, options and cargo.
Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR)
The GAWR is the maximum permissible load on the front
and rear axles. The load must be distributed in the cargo
area so that the GAWR of each axle is not exceeded.
Each axle GAWR is determined by the components in the
system with the lowest load carrying capacity (axle,
springs, tires or wheels). Heavier axles, or suspension
components sometimes specified by purchasers for
increased durability, do not necessarily increase the
vehicle's GVWR.
Tire Size
The tire size on the Vehicle Certification Label represents
the actual tire size on your vehicle. Replacement tires
must be equal to the load capacity of this tire size.
Rim Size
This is the rim size that is appropriate for the tire size
listed.
Inflation Pressure
This is the cold tire inflation pressure for your vehicle for
all loading conditions up to full GAWR.
Curb Weight
The curb weight of a vehicle is defined as the total weight
of the vehicle with all fluids, including vehicle fuel, at full
capacity conditions, and with no occupants or cargo
loaded into the vehicle. The front and rear curb weight
values are determined by weighing your vehicle on a
commercial scale before any occupants or cargo are
added.
Loading
The actual total weight and the weight of the front and rear
of your vehicle at the ground can best be determined by
weighing it when it is loaded and ready for operation.
The entire vehicle should first be weighed on a commercial
scale to ensure that the GVWR has not been exceeded.
The weight on the front and rear of the vehicle should then
be determined separately to be sure that the load is
properly distributed over the front and rear axle. Weighing
the vehicle may show that the GAWR of either the front or
rear axles has been exceeded but the total load is within
the specified GVWR. If so, weight must be shifted from
front to rear or rear to front as appropriate until the
specified weight limitations are met. Store the heavier
items down low and be sure that the weight is distributed
equally. Stow all loose items securely before driving.
Improper weight distributions can have an adverse effect
on the way your vehicle steers and handles and the way
the brakes operate.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 113.
WARNING!
Do not load your vehicle any heavier than the GVWR 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.

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STARTING AND OPERATING115
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. Refer to “Vehicle Loading”
Úpage 113 for
further information.
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 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!
If the Gross Trailer Weight (GTW) is 3,500 lb (1,587 kg)
or more, it is mandatory 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.
WARNING!
 An improperly adjusted weight-distributing hitch
system may reduce handling, stability, braking
performance, 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 informa -
tion.
4

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118STARTING 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 use.
 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.
 Refer to Tires for further information
Úpage 235.
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.
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 acci -
dent.
 Towing any trailer will increase your stopping
distance. When towing, you should allow for addi -
tional space between your vehicle and the vehicle in
front of you. Failure to do so could result in an acci -
dent.
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.

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SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE239
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 113.
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
Úpage 113.
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.
8

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240SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
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).
WARNING!
Overloading of your tires is dangerous. Overloading can cause tire failure, affect vehicle handling, and increase your stopping distance. Use tires of the recommended load capacity
for your vehicle. Never overload them.

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244SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
TIRE TYPES
All Season Tires — If Equipped
All Season tires provide traction for all seasons (Spring,
Summer, Autumn, and Winter). Traction levels may vary
between different All Season tires. All Season tires can be
identified by the M+S, M&S, M/S or MS designation on the
tire sidewall. Use All Season tires only in sets of four;
failure to do so may adversely affect the safety and
handling of your vehicle.
Summer Or Three Season Tires —
If Equipped
Summer tires provide traction in both wet and dry
conditions, and are not intended to be driven in snow or on
ice. If your vehicle is equipped with Summer tires, be aware these tires are not designed for Winter or cold
driving conditions. Install Winter tires on your vehicle when
ambient temperatures are less than 40°F (5°C) or if
roads are covered with ice or snow. For more information,
contact an authorized dealer.
Summer tires do not contain the all season designation or
mountain/snowflake symbol on the tire sidewall. Use
Summer tires only in sets of four; failure to do so may
adversely affect the safety and handling of your vehicle.
Snow Tires
Some areas of the country require the use of snow tires
during the Winter. Snow tires can be identified by a
mountain/snowflake symbol on the tire sidewall.
If you need snow tires, select tires equivalent in
size and type to the original equipment tires.
Use snow tires only in sets of four; failure to do
so may adversely affect the safety and handling
of your vehicle.

Snow tires generally have lower speed ratings than what
was originally equipped with your vehicle and should not be
operated at sustained speeds over 75 mph (120 km/h). For
speeds above 75 mph (120 km/h) refer to original
equipment or an authorized tire dealer for recommended
safe operating speeds, loading and cold tire inflation
pressures.
While studded tires improve performance on ice, skid and
traction capability on wet or dry surfaces may be poorer
than that of non-studded tires. Some states prohibit
studded tires; therefore, local laws should be checked
before using these tire types.
SPARE TIRES — IF EQUIPPED
NOTE:For vehicles equipped with Tire Service Kit instead of a
spare tire, please refer to Tire Service Kit Úpage 196.
Refer to Towing Requirements - Tires for restrictions when
towing with a spare tire designated for temporary
emergency use
Úpage 118.
Spare Tire Matching Original Equipped Tire
And Wheel — If Equipped
Your vehicle may be equipped with a spare tire and wheel
equivalent in look and function to the original equipment
tire and wheel found on the front or rear axle of your
vehicle. This spare tire may be used in the tire rotation for
your vehicle. If your vehicle has this option, refer to an
authorized tire dealer for the recommended tire rotation
pattern.

Never use a tire with a smaller load index or capacity,
other than what was originally equipped on your
vehicle. Using a tire with a smaller load index could
result in tire overloading and failure. You could lose
control and have a collision.
 Failure to equip your vehicle with tires having
adequate speed capability can result in sudden tire
failure and loss of vehicle control.
CAUTION!
Replacing original tires with tires of a different size may
result in false speedometer and odometer readings.
WARNING!
WARNING!
Do not use Summer tires in snow/ice conditions. You
could lose vehicle control, resulting in severe injury or
death. Driving too fast for conditions also creates the
possibility of loss of vehicle control.CAUTION!
Because of the reduced ground clearance, do not take
your vehicle through an automatic car wash with a
compact or limited use temporary spare installed.
Damage to the vehicle may result.

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264
Care And Maintenance ................................................ 250
Cargo Area Cover ............................................................59
Cargo Compartment ....................................................... 59
Cargo Load Floor ............................................................. 59
Cargo Tie-Downs ............................................................. 59
Cellular Phone .............................................................. 140
Center Seat Storage Compartment ...............................50
Certification Label ........................................................ 113
Changing A Flat Tire ..................................................... 191
Chart, Tire Sizing .......................................................... 236
Chassis Fluids And Lubricants .................................... 257
Check Engine Light (Malfunction Indicator Light) .........75
Checking Your Vehicle For Safety ............................... 186
Checks, Safety.............................................................. 186
Child Restraint.............................................................. 176
Child Restraints
Booster Seats.......................................................... 178
How To Stow An Unused ALR Seat Belt................. 183
Infant And Child Restraints .................................... 177Lower Anchors And Tethers For Children .............. 179Older Children And Child Restraints ...................... 177
Seating Positions .................................................... 178
Clean Air Gasoline........................................................ 254
Cleaning Wheels ..................................................................... 245
Climate Control ............................................................... 45
Cold Weather Operation .................................................77
Compact Spare Tire ..................................................... 245
Console Storage ....................................................................... 50
Contract, Service .......................................................... 260
Cooling Pressure Cap (Radiator Cap) ......................... 224
Cooling System............................................................. 222 Adding Coolant (Antifreeze) ................................... 223Coolant Level .......................................................... 224 Cooling Capacity ...................................................... 256
Disposal Of Used Coolant ....................................... 224
Drain, Flush, And Refill............................................223
Inspection ...................................................... 223
, 224
Points To Remember............................................... 224
Pressure Cap ...........................................................224
Radiator Cap ............................................................224 Selection Of Coolant (Antifreeze) ...........................223
Corrosion Protection ..................................................... 250
Cruise Control (Speed Control) ...................................... 90 Cruise Light .............................................................. 74
, 75
Customer Assistance ....................................................258
Cybersecurity ................................................................ 126
DDaytime Running Lights ................................................. 40
Defroster, Windshield ...................................................187
De-Icer, Remote Start ..................................................... 19 Diagnostic System, Onboard.......................................... 75
Dipsticks Oil (Engine)............................................................... 214
Disable Vehicle Towing................................................. 205
Disposal Antifreeze (Engine Coolant) ....................................224
Door Ajar.......................................................................... 69 Door Ajar Light ................................................................ 69
Door Locks Automatic ............................................................ 23
, 24
Doors ............................................................................... 20
Driver Memory Settings .................................................. 26
Driver’s Seat Back Tilt .................................................... 28 Driving ...........................................................................123
EEasy Entry Seats ............................................................. 31
Electric Brake Control System ..................................... 143 Anti-Lock Brake System .......................................... 143Electronic Roll Mitigation ...............................144
, 150
Electric Parking Brake.................................................... 78
Electrical Power Outlets ................................................. 51 Electronic Stability Control (ESC) ................................ 145
Electronic Throttle Control Warning Light ..................... 69
Emergency SOS Emergency Call................................................ 189
Emergency Gas Can Refueling .................................... 202
Emergency, In Case Of Gear Selector Override ........................................... 203
Hazard Warning Flasher ......................................... 189Jacking ..................................................................... 191Jump Starting .......................................................... 200
Tow Hooks ............................................................... 206
Emission Control System Maintenance ........................ 75
Engine ..................................................................212
, 213
Air Cleaner ............................................................... 216 Break-In Recommendations..................................... 78
Checking Oil Level ................................................... 214
Cooling ..................................................................... 222 Exhaust Gas Caution............................................... 188
Fails To Start ............................................................. 78
Flooded, Starting....................................................... 78
Fuel Requirements.................................................. 254
Jump Starting .......................................................... 200
Oil ............................................................................. 215 Oil Filler Cap ...................................................212
, 213
Oil Filter.................................................................... 216
Oil Reset .................................................................... 64

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265
Oil Selection ............................................................ 215
Oil Synthetic ............................................................ 215
Overheating ............................................................. 203
Engine Fluids And Lubricants...................................... 256
Enhanced Accident Response Feature ............. 175
, 207
Ethanol.......................................................................... 254
Exhaust Gas Cautions.................................................. 188
Exhaust System ............................................................ 222
Exterior Lights........................................................ 39
, 188
FFilters Air Cleaner ............................................................... 216Air Conditioning................................................ 48
, 218
Engine Oil ................................................................ 216 Engine Oil Disposal ................................................. 215
Flashers Hazard Warning ...................................................... 189
Turn Signals ..................................................... 74
, 188
Flash-To-Pass ..................................................................40
Flat Tire Changing ............................................... 235
, 244
Flat Tire Stowage ................................................ 235, 244
Flooded Engine Starting .................................................78
Fluid Capacities ............................................................ 256
Fluid Leaks ................................................................... 188
Fluid Level Checks Brake ....................................................................... 225Engine Oil ................................................................ 214
Fob, Key ...........................................................................13
Fog Lights ........................................................................41 Fold-Flat Seats ................................................................28Folding Rear Seats..........................................................29Forward Collision Warning ........................................... 154
Four Wheel Drive............................................................. 85 Freeing A Stuck Vehicle................................................ 204
Fuel
Additives...................................................................255Clean Air ...................................................................254Ethanol .....................................................................254
Light............................................................................ 71
Materials Added ...................................................... 255
Methanol .................................................................. 254
Tank Capacity .......................................................... 256
Fueling ...........................................................................113
Fuses .............................................................................226
GGarage Door Opener (HomeLink®) ............................... 35 Gasoline, Clean Air ....................................................... 254
Gasoline, Reformulated ............................................... 254
Gear Ranges ................................................................... 82Gear Selector Override ................................................. 203
Glass Cleaning .............................................................. 252
Gross Axle Weight Rating ............................................. 115
Gross Combination Weight Rating............................... 115
Gross Trailer Weight ..................................................... 115
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating ........................................ 114
GVWR.............................................................................113
HHazard Warning Flashers ............................................. 189
Head Restraint Removal ................................................ 32
Head Restraints .............................................................. 32
Head Rests...................................................................... 32
Headlights ....................................................................... 39 Automatic ................................................................... 40
Automatic High Beam ............................................... 40 Cleaning ................................................................... 250
High Beam .......................................................... 39
, 40
High Beam/Low Beam Select Switch ...................... 40
On With Wipers.......................................................... 41
Passing ............................................................... 39
, 40
Switch ........................................................................ 39
Time Delay ................................................................. 41
Heated Mirrors ............................................................... 35 Heated Seats .................................................................. 31
Heated Steering Wheel .................................................. 24
Hill Descent Control ..................................................... 146
Hill Descent Control Indicator...................................... 146
Hill Start Assist ............................................................. 148
Hitches Trailer Towing .......................................................... 116
HomeLink® (Garage Door Opener)............................... 35
Hood Prop ....................................................................... 56
Hood Release ................................................................. 56
IIgnition ............................................................................ 16 Switch ........................................................................ 16
Ignition Pak Interlock ..................................................... 81
Illuminated Entry ............................................................ 43
Indicator light Blue ............................................................................ 75
Green ......................................................................... 73
White .......................................................................... 74
Yellow......................................................................... 73
Inside Rearview Mirror .......................................... 34
, 189
Instrument Cluster Descriptions

S
.......................................... 61, 63, 74
Display ....................................................................... 63
Display Controls ........................................................ 6311

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