2023 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE trailer

186STARTING AND OPERATING
(Continued)
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 184.
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 used to tow small and
medium sized trailers.
Weight-Distributing Hitch
A weight-distributing 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
(TSC) 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!
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!
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.

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RECOMMENDED DISTRIBUTION HITCH
ADJUSTMENT

1. Verify that the vehicle is at the Normal Ride
Height.

NOTE:The vehicle must remain in the engine run position
with all doors closed while attaching a trailer for
proper leveling of the air suspension system.
2. Position the vehicle to be ready to connect to the trailer (do not connect the trailer). 3. For vehicles equipped with Quadra-Lift air
suspension, use the touchscreen radio
settings to enable Tire/Jack mode. Tire/Jack
mode will be canceled and the procedure must
be restarted if the vehicle is driven at speeds
above 5mph (8 km/h).
4. Measure the height from the top of the front wheel opening on the fender to ground; this is
height H1.

Measuring Height (H)

5. Attach the trailer to the vehicle without the weight distribution bars connected.
6. Measure the height from the top of the front wheel opening on the fender to the ground;
this is height H2. 7. Install and adjust the tension in the weight
distributing bars per the manufacturer’s
recommendations so that the height of the
front fender is approximately (H2-H1)/2+H1
(about 1/2 the difference between H2 and H1
above Normal Ride Height [H1]).
8. Use the touchscreen radio settings and switch off Tire/Jack mode. Make sure the truck
returns to Normal Ride Height. Perform a
visual inspection of the trailer and
weight-distributing hitch to confirm the
manufacturers’ recommendations have been
met.
9. The vehicle can now be driven.
An improperly adjusted weight-distributing
hitch system may reduce handling, stability,
braking performance, and could result in a
collision.
Weight-distributing 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.
WARNING!
Measurement Example Example Height (mm)
H1
925
H2 946
H2-H1 21
(H2-H1)/2 10.5
(H2-H1)/2 + H1 935.5
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188STARTING 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 (2,722kg)
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)
Grand Cherokee — 2nd Row Seats
Engine ModelGCWRFrontal Area Maximum GTW Maximum Trailer TW
(See Note)
2.0L AWD Without Trailer Tow
Prep Group 9,625 lb (4,366 kg) 30 sq ft (2.79 sq m) 3,500 lb (1,588 kg) 350 lb (159 kg)
2.0L AWD With Trailer Tow
Prep Group 12,125 lb (5,568 kg) 40 sq ft (3.72 sq m) 6,000 lb (2,722 kg) 600 lb (272 kg)
3.6L AWD Without Trailer Tow
Prep Group 8,600 lb (3,901 kg) 30 sq ft (2.79 sq m) 3,500 lb (1,588 kg) 350 lb (159 kg)
3.6L AWD With Trailer Tow
Prep Group 11,300 lb (5,126 kg) 40 sq ft (3.72 sq m) 6,200 lb (2,812 kg) 620 lb (281 kg)
3.6L RWD Without Trailer Tow
Prep Group 8,500 lb (3,856 kg) 30 sq ft (2.79 sq m) 3,500 lb (1,588 kg) 350 lb (159 kg)
3.6L RWD With Trailer Tow
Prep Group 11,200 lb (5,080 kg) 40 sq ft (3.72 sq m) 6,200 lb (2,812 kg) 620 lb (281 kg)
5.7L AWD With Trailer Tow
Prep Group 12,700 lb (5,761 kg) 40 sq ft (3.72 sq m) 7,200 lb (3,266 kg) 720 lb (327 kg)
Refer to local laws for maximum trailer towing speeds.
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190STARTING AND OPERATING
Grand Cherokee L — 3rd Row Seats
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 Information Placard Úpage 374. The addition of passengers and cargo may require reducing trailer tongue weight and Gross Trailer Weight
(GTW). Redistributing cargo (to the trailer) may be necessary to avoid exceeding Rear Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR).
Vehicles not factory-equipped with the trailer tow package are limited to 3,500 lb (1,588 kg) GTW and 350 lb (158 kg) TW.
Engine ModelGCWRFrontal Area Maximum GTW Maximum Trailer TW
(See Note)
3.6L RWD Without Trailer Tow
Prep Group 9,000 lb (4,082 kg) 30 sq ft (2.79 sq m) 3,500 lb (1,588 kg) 350 lb (159 kg)
3.6L RWD With Trailer Tow
Prep Group 11,700 lb (5,307 kg) 40 sq ft (3.72 sq m) 6,200 lb (2,812 kg) 620 lb (281 kg)
3.6L AWD Without Trailer Tow
Prep Group 9,000 lb (4,082 kg) 30 sq ft (2.79 sq m) 3,500 lb (1,588 kg) 350 lb (159 kg)
3.6L AWD With Trailer Tow
Prep Group 11,700 lb (5,307 kg) 40 sq ft (3.72 sq m) 6,200 lb (2,812 kg) 620 lb (281 kg)
5.7L AWD With Trailer Tow
Prep Group 13,100 lb (5,942 kg) 40 sq ft (3.72 sq m) 7,200 lb (3,266 kg) 720 lb (327 kg)
Refer to local laws for maximum trailer towing speeds.

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STARTING AND OPERATING191
TRAILER HITCH RECEIVER COVER
R
EMOVAL — IF EQUIPPED
Your vehicle may be equipped with a trailer hitch
receiver cover, this must be removed to access the
trailer hitch receiver. This cover is located at the
bottom center of the rear fascia/bumper.

1. Turn the two locking retainers located at the
bottom of the hitch receiver cover a quarter
turn counterclockwise and pull bottom of the
hitch receiver cover outward (towards you).

2. Pull the bottom of the cover outward (towards you) then downwards to disengage the tabs
located at the top of the hitch receiver cover to
remove.

Hitch Receiver Cover
To reinstall the cover after towing repeat the
procedure in reverse order.NOTE:Be sure to engage all tabs of the hitch receiver
cover in the fascia/bumper prior to installation.
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 equip
-
ment 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. Refer to the Tire And Loading Infor -
mation Placard for the maximum combined weight
of occupants and cargo for your vehicle.
1 — Hitch Receiver Cover
2 — Locking Retainers
WARNING!
Always load a trailer with 60% of the weight in
the front of the trailer. This places 10% of the
GTW on the tow hitch of your vehicle. Loads
balanced over the wheels or heavier in the rear
can cause the trailer to sway severely side to
side which will cause loss of control of the
vehicle and trailer. Failure to load trailers heavier
in front is the cause of many trailer collisions.
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192STARTING AND OPERATING
(Continued)
(Continued)
TOWING REQUIREMENTS
To promote proper break-in of the new vehicle
drivetrain components, the following guidelines
are recommended.
Perform the maintenance listed in the Scheduled
Servicing Ú
page 330. When towing a trailer,
never exceed the GAWR or GCWR ratings.
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 Ú page 374.
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
overload your vehicle or trailer. Overloading can
cause a loss of control, poor performance or
damage to brakes, axle, engine, transmission,
steering, suspension, 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 (P). For four-wheel drive
vehicles, make sure the transfer case is not in
NEUTRAL (N). 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
WARNING!
GAWR
Tongue weight rating for the trailer hitch
utilized
WARNING!

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STARTING AND OPERATING193
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).
Towing Requirements — Trailer Lights And
Wiring
Whenever pulling 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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