STARTING AND OPERATING197
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 195.
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 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 195.
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.
Frontal Area
The frontal area is the maximum height multiplied
by the maximum width of the front of a trailer.
Trailer Sway Control (TSC) — If Equipped
The TSC is a telescoping link that can be installed
between the hitch receiver and the trailer tongue.
It typically provides adjustable friction associated
with the telescoping motion to dampen any
unwanted trailer swaying motions while traveling.
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
WARNING!
If the gross trailer weight is 2,000 lb (907 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.
4
23_JT_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 197
STARTING AND OPERATING203
Towing Requirements — Tires
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 395.
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.
NOTE:This vehicle has an aftermarket brake controller
connector under the dash to the left of the brake
pedal. This will be a four pin connector and will be
gray in color.
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.
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.
4
23_JT_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 203
400SERVICING 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 195.
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, see Ú page 195.
23_JT_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 400
SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE401
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 lbs 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).
TIRES — GENERAL INFORMATION
Tire Pressure
Proper tire inflation pressure is essential to the
safe and satisfactory operation of your vehicle.
Four primary areas are affected by improper tire
pressure:
Safety
Fuel Economy
Tread Wear
Ride Comfort and Vehicle Stability
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.
8
23_JT_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 401
442
Tires
................................... 330, 401, 406, 410Aging (Life Of Tires)................................... 404Air Pressure............................................... 401Chains....................................................... 408Changing................................................... 335Compact Spare......................................... 406General Information........................ 401, 406High Speed................................................ 403Inflation Pressure...................................... 402Life Of Tires............................................... 404Load Capacity............................................ 400Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)........................................ 137, 294Quality Grading.......................................... 410Radial........................................................ 403Replacement............................................. 404Rotation.................................................... 409Safety.............................................. 395, 401Sizes.......................................................... 397Snow Tires................................................. 406Spare Tires............................. 338, 406, 407Spinning.................................................... 403Tread Wear Indicators............................... 404Wheel Nut Torque..................................... 418To Open Hood................................................ 109Tongue Weight/Trailer Weight....................... 202Tonneau Cover.............................................. 112Install........................................................ 112Removal.................................................... 114
TopDual............................................................. 82Hard............................................................ 82Removable.................................................. 82Soft.............................................................. 82Tow HooksEmergency................................................ 351Towing........................................ 197, 199, 350Disabled Vehicle....................................... 350Recreational............................................. 205Weight...................................................... 199Towing Behind A Motorhome........................ 205Towing Tips................................................... 204Trac-LokRear Axle.................................................. 165Traction Control............................................ 286TrailCam System........................................... 190Trailer Sway Control (TSC)............................. 286Trailer Towing............................................... 197Hitches..................................................... 199Minimum Requirements........................... 202Trailer And Tongue Weight............... 199, 202Wiring....................................................... 203Trailer Towing Guide..................................... 199Trailer Weight................................................ 199Transfer Case............................................... 381Fluid......................................................... 426Four-Wheel-Drive-Operation............ 161, 163Maintenance............................................ 381
Transmission................................................. 157Automatic........................................ 157, 381Fluid.......................................................... 426Maintenance............................................ 381Manual..................................................... 153Shifting..................................................... 155Transporting Pets.......................................... 329Tread Wear Indicators................................... 404Turn Signals................................140, 394, 395
U
UCI Connector..................................................71UconnectPhone Call Features................................. 249Things You Should Know About Your Uconnect Phone................................... 252Uconnect Settings............................. 21, 215Uconnect Phone................................... 246, 247Answer Or Ignore An Incoming Call — Call Currently In Progress..................... 251Answer Or Ignore An Incoming Call —No Call Currently In Progress................ 250Bluetooth Communication Link................ 254Call Continuation...................................... 252Call Controls............................................. 250Call Termination....................................... 252Cancel Command..................................... 246Connecting To A Particular Mobile Phone Or Audio Device After Pairing..... 248Help Command......................................... 246
23_JT_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 442