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 4
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:
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
page 150.
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.
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
page 150.
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.
The frontal area is the maximum height multiplied by the maximum width of the front of a trailer.
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.
If equipped, the electronic TSC recognizes a swaying trailer and automatically applies individual wheel brakes and/or reduces engine power to attempt to eliminate the trailer sway.
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.
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 TW and may be required depending on vehicle and trailer configuration/loading to comply with GAWR requirements.
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.
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|
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 (1,587 kg) |
|
Class III - Heavy Duty |
6,000 lbs (2,722 kg) |
|
Class IV - Extra Heavy Duty |
10,000 lbs (4,535 kg) |
|
For the Maximum Gross Trailer Weight (GTW) towable for your given drivetrain see page 154. |
|
|
All trailer hitches should be professionally installed on your vehicle. |
TRAILER TOWING WEIGHTS (MAXIMUM TRAILER WEIGHT RATINGS)
The following chart provides the maximum trailer weight ratings towable for your given drivetrain:
|
Engine |
Frontal Area |
Max. GTW (Gross Trailer Wt.) |
Max. Trailer Tongue Wt. (See Note) |
|
3.6L - 4x2 (Std Cooling) |
55 sq ft (5.11 sq m) |
3,500 lbs (1,587 kg) |
350 lbs (158 kg) |
|
3.6L - 4x4 (Std Cooling) |
55 sq ft (5.11 sq m) |
3,500 lbs (1,587 kg) |
350 lbs (158 kg) |
|
3.6L - 4x2 (HD Cooling) |
55 sq ft (5.11 sq m) |
6,200 lbs (2,812 kg) |
620 lbs (281 kg) |
|
3.6L - 4x4 (HD Cooling) |
55 sq ft (5.11 sq m) |
6,200 lbs (2,812 kg) |
620 lbs (281 kg) |
|
5.7L - 4x4 (Std Cooling) |
55 sq ft (5.11 sq m) |
5,000 lbs (2,267 kg) |
500 lbs (226 kg) |
|
5.7L - 4x4 (HD Cooling) |
55 sq ft (5.11 sq m) |
7,200 lbs (3,265 kg) |
720 lbs (326 kg) |
|
Refer to local laws for maximum trailer towing speeds. |
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 page 362. The addition of passengers and cargo may require reducing trailer tongue load and GTW.
TRAILER HITCH RECEIVER COVER REMOVAL — IF EQUIPPED
Your vehicle may be equipped with a trailer hitch receiver cover, this must be removed to access the trailer hitch receiver (if equipped). This hitch receiver cover is located at the bottom center of the rear fascia.
Use a suitable tool such as a coin in the slot of the locking retainer if needed for added leverage.
1 — Hitch Receiver Cover 2 — Locking Retainers
To reinstall the hitch receiver cover after towing repeat the procedure in reverse order.
Be sure to engage all tabs of the hitch receiver cover in the bumper fascia prior to installation.
TRAILER AND TONGUE WEIGHT
Never exceed the maximum tongue weight stamped on your bumper or trailer hitch.
4
Consider the following items when computing the weight on the rear axle of the vehicle:
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 page 367.
TOWING REQUIREMENTS
To promote proper break-in of your new vehicle drivetrain components, the following guidelines are recommended.
Perform the maintenance listed in Scheduled Servicing page 329. When towing a trailer, never exceed the Gross Axle Weight Rating or Gross Combined Weight Rating.
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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.
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.
connect) into water.
6 — Left Stop/Turn 7 — Running Lamps
TOWING TIPS
Before towing, practice turning, stopping, and backing up the trailer in an area located away from heavy traffic.
Select the DRIVE (D) range when towing. The transmission controls include a drive strategy to avoid frequent shifting when towing. However, if frequent shifting does occur while in DRIVE, select TOW mode (if equipped), or use the AutoStick shift control to manually select a lower gear.
Using TOW mode (if equipped), or selecting a lower gear (using the AutoStick shift control) while operating the vehicle under heavy loading conditions, will improve performance and extend transmission life by reducing excessive shifting and heat buildup. This action will also provide better engine braking.
(16 km/h), disengage until you can get back to cruising speed.
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