engine DODGE JOURNEY 2011 1.G Manual PDF
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Trailer Towing Weights (Maximum Trailer Weight Ratings)
The following chart provides the maximum trailer weight ratings towable for your given drivetrain.
Engine/
Transmission GCWR (Gross Com-
bined Wt. Rating) Frontal Area Max. GTW
(Gross Trailer Wt.) Max. Tongue Wt.
2.4L/
Automatic 6,000 lbs (2 722 kg) 22 sq ft (2.0 sq m) 1,000 lbs (454 kg) which
includes up to 5 persons & Luggage 100 lbs (45 kg)
3.6L/
Automatic 7,300 lbs (3 311 kg) 32 sq ft (3.0 sq m)
2,500 lbs (1 134 kg) which in-
cludes 1 to 2 persons & Luggage 200 lbs (91 kg)
7,300 lbs (3 311 kg) 32 sq ft (3.0 sq m) 2,000 lbs (907 kg) which in-
cludes 3 to 4 persons & Luggage 150 lbs (68 kg)
7,300 lbs (3 311 kg) 32 sq ft (3.0 sq m) 1,500 lbs (680 kg) which in-
cludes 5 to 7 persons & Luggage 100 lbs (45 kg)
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 “Tire Safety Information”
in “Starting and Operating” for further information.
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NOTE:Remember that everything put into or on the
trailer adds to the load on your vehicle. Also, additional
factory-installed options or authorized 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 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 further
information. 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: (Continued)
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WARNING! (Continued)
•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 dam-
age 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.(Continued)
WARNING! (Continued)
•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.
•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:
1. GVWR
2. GTW
3. GAWR
4. Tongue weight rating for the trailer hitch uti-
lized. (This requirement may limit the ability to
always achieve the 10% to 15% range of tongue
weight as a percentage of total trailer weight.)
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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. How-
ever, if frequent shifting occurs while in this range, use
the Autostickfeature to select a lower gear.
NOTE: Using a lower gear range while operating the
vehicle under heavy operating 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 min-
utes of continuous operation, then change the transmis-
sion fluid and automatic transmission filter according to the interval specified for “police, taxi, fleet, or frequent
trailer towing.” Refer to the “Maintenance Schedule” for
the proper maintenance intervals.
NOTE:
Check the automatic transmission fluid level
before towing. The six-speed transmission is sealed and
the fluid level cannot be checked. See your authorized
dealer for assistance.
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 get back to cruising speed.
Use speed control in flat terrain and with light loads to
maximize fuel efficiency.
418 STARTING AND OPERATING