load capacity CHRYSLER ASPEN 2009 2.G User Guide

Gross Combination Weight Rating (GCWR)
The GCWR is the total permissible weight of your vehicle
and trailer when weighed in combination. (Note that
GCWR ratings include 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.
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 an accident.
Trailer Tongue Weight (TW)
The TW is the downward force exerted on the hitch ball
by the trailer. 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 and 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're commonly used to tow small- and medium-sized
trailers.
350 STARTING AND OPERATING

²GCWR must not be exceeded.
²Total weight must be distributed between the tow
vehicle and the trailer so that the following four
ratings are not exceeded:
1. GVWR
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 Ð Tires
þ
Do not attempt to tow a trailer while using a compact
spare tire.
þProper tire inflation pressures are essential to the safe
and satisfactory operation of your vehicle. For proper
tire inflation procedures, refer to ªTire Pressuresº
under ºTires±General Informationº in Section 5.
þAlso, check the trailer tires for proper tire inflation
pressures before trailer usage.
þCheck for signs of tire wear or visible tire damage
before towing a trailer. For the proper inspection
procedure, refer to ªTread Wear Indicatorsº under
ºTires±General Informationº in Section 5.
þWhen replacing tires, refer to ªReplacement Tiresº
under ªTires±General Informationº in Section 5. Re-
placing tires with a higher load carrying capacity will
not increase the vehicle's GVWR and GAWR limits.
STARTING AND OPERATING 357
5

Towing Requirements Ð Trailer Brakes
þ
Donotinterconnect the hydraulic brake system or
vacuum system of your vehicle with that of the trailer.
This could cause inadequate braking and possible
personal injury.
þAn 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.
þTrailer 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 hy-
draulic brake lines. It can overload your brake sys-
tem 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 dis-
tance. 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.
358 STARTING AND OPERATING

Cargo Organizer........................ 193
Cargo (Vehicle Loading)................... 346
Cellular Phone........................88,254
Center High Mounted Stop Light............ 428
Certification Label....................... 346
Charging.............................. 377
Chart, Tire Sizing........................ 309
Check Engine Light (Malfunction Indicator Light). . 388
Child Restraint........................65,66
Child Restraint Tether Anchors.............68,73
Child Seat.............................. 70
Circuit Breakers......................... 415
Cleaning
Wheels............................. 412
Climate Control......................... 255
Climate Control, Rear Zone..............259,265
Clock........................216,218,221,231
Compact Disc (CD) Maintenance............. 253
Compact Spare Tire...................... 319Compass Calibration..................... 174
Compass Variance....................... 174
Connector
UCI ................................ 241
Universal Consumer Interface (UCI)......... 241
Console, Floor.......................189,192
Console, Overhead....................165,166
Contract, Service........................ 453
Coolant Pressure Cap (Radiator Cap)....385,386,402
Cooling System......................... 400
Adding Coolant (Antifreeze).............. 401
Coolant Capacity...................... 431
Coolant Level......................400,403
Disposal of Used Coolant................ 403
Drain, Flush, and Refill.................. 400
Inspection........................... 403
Points to Remember.................... 404
Pressure Cap......................... 402
Radiator Cap......................... 402
462 INDEX

Chains.............................. 325
Changing............................ 369
Compact Spare........................ 319
General Information.................... 316
High Speed.......................... 319
Inflation Pressures..................... 317
Jacking............................. 371
Life of Tires.......................... 322
Load Capacity........................ 312
Pressure Monitor System (TPMS)........... 328
Pressure Warning Light.................. 213
Quality Grading....................... 456
Radial.............................. 319
Replacement......................... 323
Rotation............................. 327
Safety...........................307,316
Sizes............................... 309
Snow Tires........................... 326
Spare Tire........................... 370Spinning............................ 321
Tread Wear Indicators................... 321
Wheel Mounting....................... 371
Wheel Nut Torque..................... 375
Tongue Weight/Trailer Weight.............. 354
Torque Converter Clutch.................. 283
Tow Hooks, Emergency................... 380
Towing............................... 349
24-Hour Towing Assistance............... 101
Disabled Vehicle....................... 381
Guide.............................. 354
Recreational.......................... 362
Weight.............................. 354
Towing Assistance....................... 101
Traction.............................. 290
Traction Control......................209,300
Trailer Towing.......................... 349
Cooling System Tips.................... 361
Hitches............................. 353
INDEX 475
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