towing capacity CHRYSLER 300 2021 Owners Manual

114 STARTING AND OPERATING
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
cov

erage, 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
Ú page 113.
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
y
ou

r 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
Ú page 113.
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
The Trailer Sway Control (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
sw

aying 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 the most popular on the
market today and they are commonly used to tow
small and medium sized trailers.
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.

STARTING AND OPERATING 117
(Continued)
Perform the maintenance listed in the “Scheduled
Servicing” Ú page 195.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
tow
ing 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.
For the proper tire replacement procedures.
Replacing tires with a higher load carrying
capacity will not increase the vehicle's GVWR
and GAWR limits.
For further information Ú page 225.
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).
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. 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 :
Max loading as defined on the “Tire and
Loading Information” placard.
GTW
GAWR
Tongue weight rating for the trailer hitch
utilized.
WARNING!
CAUTION!
Do not tow a trailer at all during the first
500
miles (805 km) the new vehicle is driven.
T h
e 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
( 8
0 km/h) and do not make starts at full
t h
rottle. This helps the engine and other parts
of the vehicle wear in at the heavier loads.
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.
4

118 STARTING AND OPERATING
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
se

ven-pin wiring harness. Use a factory approved
trailer harness and connector.
NOTE:
Do not cut or splice wiring into the vehicle’s wiring
h a
rness. The electrical connections are all complete to the
v
e

hicle 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.
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.
WARNING!
1 — Ground
2 — Park
3 — Left Stop/Turn
4 — Right Stop/Turn
1 — Backup Lamps
2 — Running Lamps
3 — Left Stop/Turn
4 — Ground
5 — Battery
6 — Right Stop/Turn
7 — Electric Brakes

SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE 229
Tire Loading And Tire Pressure
NOTE:
The proper cold tire inflation pressure is listed on
t h
e driver’s side B-pillar or the rear edge of the
driver's side door.
Check the inflation pressure of each tire, including
t h

e spare tire (if equipped), at least monthly and
inflate to the recommended pressure for your
vehicle.

Example Tire Placard Location (Door) Example Tire Placard Location (B-pillar)

Tire And Loading Information Placard

Tire And Loading Information Placard

This placard tells you important information about
t h

e:

1. Number of people that can be carried in the ve
hicle.

2. Total weight your vehicle can carry. 3
. T
ire size designed for your vehicle.
4
. C old tire inflation pressures for the front, rear,
a
nd spare tires.
Loading
The vehicle maximum load on the tire must not
exceed the load carrying capacity of the tire on your
vehicle. You will not exceed the tire's load carrying
capacity if you adhere to the loading conditions,
tire size, and cold tire inflation pressures specified
on the Tire and Loading Information placard in
“Vehicle Loading”
Ú page 113.
NOTE:
Under a maximum loaded vehicle condition, gross
a x
le weight ratings (GAWRs) for the front and rear
axles must not be exceeded.
For further information on GAWRs, vehicle loading,
a n

d trailer towing Ú page 113.
To determine the maximum loading conditions of
y ou

r vehicle, locate the statement “The combined
weight of occupants and cargo should never
exceed XXX kg or XXX lbs” on the Tire and Loading
Information placard. The combined weight of
occupants, cargo/luggage and trailer tongue
weight (if applicable) should never exceed the
weight referenced here.8

230 SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
Steps For Determining Correct Load
Limit—
(1) Locate the statement “The combined
we

ight of occupants and cargo should
never exceed XXX kg or XXX lbs.” on your
vehicle's placard.
(2) Determine the combined weight of
th
e driver and passengers that will be
riding in your vehicle.
(3) Subtract the combined weight of the
dri
ver and passengers from XXX kg or
XXX lbs.
(4) The resulting figure equals the
av
ailable amount of cargo and luggage
load capacity. For example, if “XXX”
amount equals 1400 lbs. and there will
be five 150 lb passengers in your
vehicle, the amount of available cargo
and luggage load capacity is 650 lbs.
(1400-750 (5x150) = 650 lbs.) (5) Determine the combined weight of
l
u

ggage and cargo being loaded on the
vehicle. That weight may not safely
exceed the available cargo and luggage
load capacity calculated in Step 4.
(6) If your vehicle will be towing a trailer,
lo
ad from your trailer will be transferred
to your vehicle. Consult this manual to
determine how this reduces the
available cargo and luggage load
capacity of your vehicle.
Metric Example For Load Limit
For example, if “XXX” amount equals 635 kg and
t h

ere will be five 68 kg passengers in your vehicle,
the amount of available cargo and luggage load
capacity is 295 kg (635-340 (5x68) = 295 kg) as
shown in step 4.
NOTE:
If your vehicle will be towing a trailer, load from
your trailer will be transferred to your vehicle.
The following table shows examples on how to
calculate total load, cargo/luggage, and towing
capacities of your vehicle with varying seating
configurations and number and size of occu -
pants. This table is for illustration purposes only
a n

d may not be accurate for the seating and
load carry capacity of your vehicle.
For the following example, the combined weight
of occupants and cargo should never exceed
865 lbs (392 kg).

258
Fluid, Brake...................................................250Fog Lights........................................................42Fold-Flat Seats.................................................27Folding Rear Seats..........................................27Forward Collision Warning.............................146Four-Way Hazard Flasher...............................179Freeing A Stuck Vehicle.................................192Fuel...............................................................246Additives...................................................246Clean Air....................................................246Ethanol......................................................247Gasoline....................................................246Gauge..........................................................75Materials Added........................................246Methanol...................................................247Octane Rating.................................246, 249Requirements...........................................246Specifications............................................249Tank Capacity............................................248Fuses.............................................................214
G
Garage Door Opener (HomeLink)....................37Gasoline, Clean Air........................................246Gasoline, Reformulated.................................246Gauges
Fuel.............................................................75Gear Ranges....................................................87Glass Cleaning...............................................244
Gross Axle Weight Rating.....................113, 114Gross Vehicle Weight Rating................113, 114GVWR............................................................113
H
HazardDriving Through Flowing, Rising, Or
Shallow Standing Water
.......................120Hazard Warning Flashers..............................179Head Restraints........................................32, 33Head Rests...............................................32, 33Headlights....................................................222Automatic....................................................41Cleaning...................................................242High Beam/Low Beam Select Switch..........41Lights On Reminder.....................................42On With Wipers............................................42Passing........................................................41Switch..........................................................40Time Delay...................................................42Washers...................................................201Heated Mirrors.................................................36Heated Seats...................................................30Heater, Engine Block.......................................84High Beam/Low Beam Select (Dimmer)
Switch..............................................................41Hill Start Assist..............................................141Hitches Trailer Towing...........................................115
Holder, Coin.....................................................52HomeLink (Garage Door Opener).....................37Hood Prop........................................................59Hood Release...................................................59
I
Ignition.............................................................15Switch..........................................................15Inside Rearview Mirror...........................34, 179Instrument Cluster....................................64, 66Descriptions.................................................78Display..................................................66, 68Instrument Panel Lens Cleaning...................244Interior Appearance Care..............................243Interior Lights...................................................43
J
Jack Location................................................183Jack Operation..............................................184Jacking Instructions......................................184Jump Starting.......................................186, 187
K
Key FobArm The System
...........................................18Unlatch The Trunk.......................................13Key Fob Battery Service (Remote Keyless
Entry)...............................................................13

260
Outside........................................................35Rearview............................................34, 179Vanity..........................................................34Modifications/Alterations
Vehicle..........................................................8Monitor, Tire Pressure System.......................148Mopar Parts...................................................253MP3 Control....................................................53Multi-Function Control Lever............................40
N
New Vehicle Break-In Period............................84
O
Occupant Restraints......................................151Octane Rating, Gasoline (Fuel)............246, 249Oil Change Indicator........................................67Reset...........................................................67Oil Filter, Change...........................................203Oil Filter, Selection.........................................203Oil Pressure Light............................................74Oil, Engine...........................................202, 249Capacity....................................................248Checking...................................................201Dipstick.....................................................201Disposal....................................................203Filter................................................203, 249Filter Disposal...........................................203Identification Logo.....................................203
Materials Added To...................................203
Pressure Warning Light...............................74Recommendation............................202, 248Synthetic..................................................203Viscosity...................................................248Onboard Diagnostic System.............................79Operating Precautions.....................................79Operator ManualOwner's Manual........................................253Outside Rearview Mirrors................................35Overheating, Engine......................................190
P
Paddle Shift Mode...........................................90Paddle Shifters................................................90Paint Care.....................................................242Parking Brake..................................................84ParkSense System, Rear..............................103Passive Entry...................................................20Pets..............................................................176Placard, Tire And Loading Information..........229PowerBrakes......................................................245Deck Lid Release.........................................60Distribution Center (Fuses).......................217Door Locks..................................................20Mirrors.........................................................35Outlet (Auxiliary Electrical Outlet)................54Seats...........................................................28Steering.......................................................92
Sunroof........................................................58
Tilt/Telescoping Steering Column................24Windows......................................................56Power SeatsForward.......................................................29Lumbar........................................................29Rearward.....................................................29Recline.........................................................29Pregnant Women And Seat Belts..................157Preparation For Jacking................................182PretensionersSeat Belts.................................................157
R
Radial Ply Tires..............................................233Radiator Cap (Coolant Pressure Cap)............210Radio Operation............................................136Rain Sensitive Wiper System...........................46Rear Axle (Differential)..................................213Rear Camera.................................................110Rear Cross Path............................................145Rear ParkSense System................................103Rear Seats, Folding..........................................27Rear Wheel Drive (RWD)Towing......................................................194Recreational Towing......................................119Reformulated Gasoline.................................246Refrigerant....................................................204Release, Hood..................................................59Reminder, Lights On........................................42
Reminder, Seat Belt......................................152

262
Starting............................................................81Automatic Transmission..............................81Button.........................................................15Cold Weather..............................................83Engine Fails To Start...................................83Starting And Operating....................................81Starting Procedures.........................................81Steering...........................................................23Column Lock...............................................23Power..........................................................92Tilt Column...........................................23, 24Wheel, Heated.............................................24Wheel, Tilt............................................23, 24Storage..........................................................242Storage, Vehicle......................................50, 242Storing Your Vehicle......................................242Stuck, Freeing...............................................192Sun Roof..........................................................58Sunglasses Storage.........................................52Supplemental Restraint System – Air Bag.....159Synthetic Engine Oil.......................................203
T
Telescoping Steering Column...................23, 24Temperature Control, Automatic (ATC)............49Tilt Steering Column.................................23, 24Time Delay
Headlight.....................................................42Tire And Loading Information Placard...........229
Tire Markings................................................225Tire Safety Information.................................225Tires...................................177, 232, 236, 241Aging (Life Of Tires)..................................234Air Pressure..............................................232Chains......................................................239Changing.........................................182, 184Compact Spare.........................................236General Information........................232, 236High Speed...............................................233Inflation Pressure.....................................232Jacking.....................................................184Life Of Tires..............................................234Load Capacity...........................................229Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)..76, 148Quality Grading.........................................241Radial.......................................................233Replacement............................................235Rotation....................................................240Safety..............................................225, 232Sizes.........................................................226Snow Tires................................................236Spare Tires.............................183, 236, 237Spinning...................................................234Trailer Towing...........................................117Tread Wear Indicators..............................234Wheel Nut Torque.....................................245To Open Hood..................................................59Tongue Weight/Trailer Weight......................116
Towing...........................................................114Behind A Motorhome................................119Disabled Vehicle.......................................193Guide........................................................116Recreational.............................................119Weight......................................................116Towing Behind A Motorhome........................119Traction.........................................................119Traction Control............................................142Trailer Towing................................................114Hitches.....................................................115Minimum Requirements...........................116Tips...........................................................118Trailer And Tongue Weight........................116Wiring.......................................................118Trailer Towing Guide.....................................116Trailer Weight................................................116Transfer CaseFluid.................................................213, 250Maintenance............................................213Transmission....................................................87Automatic..........................................87, 212Fluid..........................................................250Maintenance............................................212Shifting........................................................85Transporting Pets..........................................176Tread Wear Indicators...................................234Trunk Lid (Deck Lid).........................................60Trunk Release Remote Control........................60
Turn Signals..............................................43, 78