2019 Dodge Journey Owners Manual - Trailer towing

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. 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 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/Vehicle Certification 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.

TONGUE WEIGHT (TW)

The Tongue Weight 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 — ELECTRONIC

Refer to “Safety Features/Trailer Sway Control (TSC)” in “Safety” for further information.

TRAILER SWAY CONTROL — MECHANICAL

The Trailer Sway Control (TSC) is a 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.

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 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 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:

• 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.

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 TOWING WEIGHTS (MAXIMUM TRAILER WEIGHT RATINGS)

The following chart provides the maximum trailer weight ratings towable for your given drivetrain:

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. Refer to “Tires” in “Servicing And Maintenance” for further information.

TRAILER AND TONGUE WEIGHT

Never exceed the maximum Tongue Weight stamped on your bumper or trailer hitch.

Weight Distribution

CAUTION:

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.

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 the “Tire And Loading Information” placard for the maximum combined weight of occupants and cargo for your vehicle.

TOWING REQUIREMENTS

To promote proper break-in of your new vehicle drivetrain components the following guidelines are recommended:

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 that it 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 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. Always block or "chock" the trailer wheels.

• Total weight must be distributed between the tow vehicle and the trailer such that the following four ratings are not exceeded:

  • GVWR

  • GCWR

  • GAWR

  • Tongue weight rating for the trailer hitch utilized.

Perform the maintenance listed in the “Maintenance Plan”. Refer to “Scheduled Servicing” in “Servicing And Maintenance” for further information. When towing a trailer, never exceed the GAWR, or GCWR, ratings.

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.

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. Refer to “Tires” in “Servicing And Maintenance” for proper tire inflation procedures.

• 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. Refer to “Tires” in “Servicing And Maintenance” for the proper inspection procedure.

• When replacing tires, refer to “Tires” in “Servicing And Maintenance” for the proper tire replacement procedures. 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 (453 kg) and required for trailers in excess of 2,000 lbs (907 kg).

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 lbs (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.

TOWING REQUIREMENTS — TRAILER LIGHTS AND WIRING

Whenever you pull a trailer, regardless of the trailer size, stoplights 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 trailer wiring connector from the vehicle before launching a boat (or any other device plugged into vehicle’s electrical connect) into water.

• Be sure to reconnect after clear from water area.

Four-Pin Connector

Seven-Pin Connector

TOWING TIPS

Before setting out on a trip, practice turning, stopping, and backing up the trailer in an area located away from heavy traffic.

AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

The DRIVE range can be selected when towing. However, if frequent shifting occurs while in DRIVE, use the AutoStick shift control to manually select a lower gear.

Note:

Using a lower gear while operating the vehicle under heavy loading conditions will improve performance and extend transmission life by reducing excessive shifting and heat build up. This action will also provide better engine braking.

If you REGULARLY tow a trailer for more than 45 minutes of continuous operation, then change the transmission fluid and filter as specified for “police, taxi, fleet, or frequent trailer towing”. Refer to the “Scheduled Servicing” in “Servicing And Maintenance” for the proper maintenance intervals.

Note:

Check the automatic transmission fluid level before towing. If you notice fluid leakage or transmission malfunction, see an authorized dealer immediately for assistance.

SPEED CONTROL — IF EQUIPPED

• Do not use on 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 get back to cruising speed.

• Use Speed Control in flat terrain and with light loads to maximize fuel efficiency.

AUTOSTICK

• When using the AutoStick shift control, select the highest gear that allows for adequate performance and avoids frequent downshifts. For example, choose “4” if the desired speed can be maintained. Choose “3” or “2” if needed to maintain the desired speed.

• To prevent excess heat generation, avoid continuous driving at high RPM. Reduce vehicle speed as necessary to avoid extended driving at high RPM. Return to a higher gear or vehicle speed when grade and road conditions allow.

COOLING SYSTEM

To reduce potential for engine and transmission overheating, take the following actions:

City Driving

In city traffic — while stopped, place the transmission in NEUTRAL, but do not increase engine idle speed.

Highway Driving

• Reduce speed.

• Temporarily turn off air conditioning.