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 re- view this information to tow your load as efficiently and safely as possible. To maintain warranty coverage, follow the requirements and recommendations in this manual concerning ve- hicles 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. Refer to “Vehicle Loading/Vehicle Certification Label” in “Starting and Operating” for further information.
Gross Trailer Weight (GTW)
The GTW is the weight of the trailer plus the weight of all cargo, consumables and equipment (permanent or tem- porary) 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.
NOTE: The GCWR rating includes a 150 lbs (68 kg) allowance for the presence of a driver.
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/Vehicle Certifica- tion Label” in “Starting and Operating” for further information.
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.
Trailer Tongue Weight (TW)
The tongue weight is the downward force exerted on the hitch ball by the trailer is the tongue weight. In most cases it should not be less than 10% or more than 15% of the trailer load. 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.
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 kind of hitches are the most popular on the market today and they 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 the manufacturers’ directions, it pro- vides 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 and may be required depending on vehicle and trailer configuration/loading to comply with Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) requirements.
WARNING!
• An improperly adjusted weight-distributing hitch
may reduce handling, stability, and braking per- formance, and could result in a collision.
• Weight-Distributing Systems may not be compat- ible with surge brake couplers. Consult with your hitch and trailer manufacturer or a reputable rec- reational vehicle dealer for additional information.
EXAMPLE — Without Weight-Distributing Hitch (Incorrect)
EXAMPLE — With Weight-Distributing Hitch (Correct)
EXAMPLE — Improper Adjustment of Weight- Distributing Hitch (Incorrect)
Trailer Hitch Classification
The rear bumper is intended to tow trailers up to 2,000 lbs (907 kg) without added equipment or altera- tions to the standard equipment. Your vehicle may be factory equipped for safe towing of trailers weighing over 2,000 lbs (907 kg) with the optional Trailer Tow Prep Package. See your authorized dealer for package content. 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. Refer to “Trailer Towing Weights (Maximum Trailer Weight Ratings)” for the website address that contains the necessary information for your specific drivetrain.
Trailer Hitch Classification Definitions Class Max. Trailer Hitch Industry
Standards
Class I - Light Duty 2,000 lbs (907 kg) Class II - Medium Duty
3,500 lbs (1587 kg)
Class III - Heavy Duty 5,000 lbs (2268 kg) Class IV - Extra Heavy Duty
10,000 lbs (4540 kg)
Fifth Wheel/ Gooseneck
Greater than 10,000 lbs (4540 kg)
Refer to the “Trailer Towing Weights (Maximum Trailer Weight Ratings)” for the Maximum Gross Trailer Weight (GTW) towable for your given drive- train.
All trailer hitches should be professionally installed on your vehicle.
Trailer Towing Weights (Maximum Trailer Weight Ratings) NOTE: For additional trailer towing information in- cluding maximum trailer and tongue weight rating for your vehicle, refer to the following website addresses: • http:// www.dodge.com/bodybuilder
• http:// www.dodge.ca (Canada)
Trailer And Tongue Weight
Always load a trailer with 60% to 65% of the weight in the front of the trailer. This places 10% to 15% of the Gross Trailer Weight (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 vehicle and trailer. Failure to load trailers heavier in front is the cause of many trailer collisions.
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. Refer to “Tire Safety Information/Tire and Load- ing Information Placard” in “Starting and Operating” for further information.
Towing Requirements
To promote proper break-in of your new vehicle drive- train components the following guidelines are recom- mended:
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.
(Continued)
CAUTION! (Continued)
• 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.
Perform the maintenance listed in the Maintenance Schedule. Refer to “Maintenance Schedule” for the proper maintenance intervals. When towing a trailer, never exceed the GAWR or GCWR ratings.
WARNING! Improper towing can lead to a collision. Follow these guidelines to make your trailer towing as safe as possible:
• 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 dam- age to brakes, axle, engine, transmission, steering, suspension, chassis structure or tires.
(Continued)
WARNING! (Continued)
• Safety chains must always be used between your
vehicle and trailer. Always connect the chains to the frame or 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 automatic transmission in PARK. For four-wheel drive ve- hicles, make sure the transfer case is not in NEU- TRAL. Always, block or chock the trailer wheels.
• GCWR must not be exceeded.
• Total weight must be distributed between the tow
vehicle and the trailer so that the following four ratings are not exceeded: 1. GVWR
(Continued)
WARNING! (Continued) 2. GTW 3. GAWR 4. Tongue weight rating for the trailer hitch utilized (This requirement may limit the ability to always achieve the 10% to 15% range of tongue weight as a percentage of total trailer weight.)
Towing Requirements – Tires
− Do not attempt to tow a trailer while using a compact
spare tire. − Proper tire inflation pressures are essential to the safe
and satisfactory operation of your vehicle. For proper tire inflation procedures, refer to “Tires – General Information” in “Starting and Operating” for further information.
− Check the trailer tires for proper tire inflation pres- sures before trailer usage.
− Check for signs of tire wear or visible tire damage before towing a trailer. For the proper inspection procedure, refer to “Tires – General Information” in “Starting and Operating” for further information.
− When replacing tires, refer to “Tires – General Infor- mation” in “Starting and Operating” for further infor- mation. Replacing tires with a higher load carrying capacity will not increase the vehicle’s GVWR and GAWR limits.
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 lbs (454 kg) and required for trailers in excess of 2,000 lbs (907 kg).
CAUTION! If the trailer weighs more than 1,000 lbs (454 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!
• 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 a collision.
• 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 a collision.
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 har- ness 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:
Four-Pin Connector
1 — Female Pins 4 — Park 2 — Male Pin 5 — Left Stop/Turn 3 — Ground 6 — Right Stop/Turn
Towing Tips
Before setting out on a trip, practice turning, stopping and backing the trailer in an area away from heavy traffic.
Automatic Transmission
The “DRIVE” range can be selected when towing. How- ever, if frequent shifting occurs while in this range, the TOW/HAUL feature should be selected.
NOTE: Using the TOW/HAUL feature while operating the vehicle under heavy operating conditions will im- prove performance and extend transmission life by re- ducing excessive shifting and heat build up. This action will also provide better engine braking. The automatic transmission fluid and filter should be changed if you REGULARLY tow a trailer for more than 45 minutes of continuous operation. Refer to “Mainte- nance Schedule” for the proper maintenance intervals.
Seven-Pin Connector
1 — Battery 5 — Ground 2 — Backup Lamps 6 — Left Stop/Turn 3 — Right Stop/Turn 7 — Running Lamps 4 — Electric Brakes
NOTE: Check the automatic transmission fluid level before towing.
Tow/Haul – If Equipped
To reduce potential for automatic transmission overheat- ing, turn the TOW/HAUL feature ON when driving in hilly areas or shift the transmission to Drive position 2 on more severe grades.
Electronic Speed Control – If Equipped
− Do not use in hilly terrain or with heavy loads. − When using the speed control, if you experience speed
drops greater than 10 mph (16 km/h), disengage until you can resume cruising speed.
− Use speed control in flat terrain and with light loads to maximize fuel efficiency.
Cooling System
To reduce potential for engine and transmission over- heating, take the following actions:
− City Driving
When stopped for short periods of time, shift the trans- mission into NEUTRAL and increase engine idle speed.
− Highway Driving
Reduce speed.
− Air Conditioning
Turn off temporarily.
SNOWPLOW
Snow plows, winches, and other aftermarket equipment should not be added to the front end of your vehicle. The airbag crash sensors may be affected by the change in the front end structure. The airbags could deploy unexpect- edly or could fail to deploy during a collision.
WARNING! Do not add a snow plow, winches, or any other aftermarket equipment to the front of your vehicle. This could adversely affect the functioning of the airbag system in a collision and you could be injured.
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