weight DODGE CHALLENGER 2010 3.G User Guide

NOTE:The GCWR rating includes 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. Refer to “Vehicle Loading/Vehicle Certifica-
tion 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 an accident.
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 multiplied by the
maximum width of the front of a trailer.
Trailer Sway Control
The trailer sway control 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
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STARTING AND OPERATING 325

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 lever-
age 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 pro-
vides 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 an accident.
•Weight distributing systems may not be compat-
ible with surge brake couplers. Consult with your
hitch and trailer manufacturer or a reputable rec-
reational 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.
Refer to the “Trailer Towing Weights (Maximum Trailer
Weight Ratings)” chart for the Maximum GTW towable
for your given drivetrain.
326 STARTING AND OPERATING

Trailer Hitch Classification DefinitionsClass Max. Trailer Hitch Industry Standards
Class I - Light Duty 2,000 lbs (907 kg)
Class II - Medium
Duty 3,500 lbs (1587 kg)
Class III - Heavy Duty 5,000 lbs (2268 kg)
Class IV - Extra
Heavy Duty 10,000 lbs (4540 kg)
Refer to the “Trailer Towing Weights (Maximum
Trailer Weight Ratings)” chart for the Maximum
Gross Trailer Weight (GTW) towable for your given
drivetrain. All trailer hitches should be professionally installed on
your vehicle.
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STARTING AND OPERATING 327

Trailer Towing Weights (Maximum Trailer Weight Ratings)
The following chart provides the maximum trailer weight ratings towable for your given drivetrain.
Engine/TransmissionFrontal Area Max. GTW (Gross Trailer
Wt.)Max. Tongue Wt.
3.5L Automatic 12 sq ft (1.11 sq m) 1,000 lbs (454 kg) 100 lbs (45 kg)
5.7L Automatic 12 sq ft (1.11 sq m) 1,000 lbs (454 kg) 100 lbs (45 kg)
Refer to local laws for maximum trailer towing speeds
Trailer and Tongue Weight
Always load a trailer with 60% to 65% of the weight in
the front of the trailer. This places 10% to 15% of the
Gross Trailer Weight (GTW) on the tow hitch of your
vehicle. Loads balanced over the wheels or heavier in the
rear can cause the trailer to sway severelyside 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 accidents.
Never exceed the maximum tongue weight stamped on
your bumper or trailer hitch.
328 STARTING AND OPERATING

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 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.
•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.
WARNING!
Improper towing can lead to an injury accident.
Follow these guidelines to make your trailer towing
as safe as possible:
(Continued)
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STARTING AND OPERATING 329

WARNING! (Continued)
•Make certain that the load is secured in the trailer
and 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 an accident.
•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 \bchock\b
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. Max loading as defined on the “Tire and Load-
ing Information” placard.
2. GTW
3. GAWR
(Continued)
330 STARTING AND OPERATING

WARNING! (Continued)
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 – Tires

Do not attempt to tow a trailer while using a compact
spare tire.
Proper tire inflation pressures are essential to the safe
and satisfactory operation of your vehicle. Refer to
“Tires – General Information” in “Starting and Oper-
ating” for proper tire inflation procedures.
Check the trailer tires for proper tire inflation pres-
sures before trailer usage.
Check for signs of tire wear or visible tire damage
before towing a trailer. Refer to “Tires – General
Information” in “Starting and Operating” for the
proper inspection procedure.
When replacing tires, refer to “Tires – General Infor-
mation” in “Starting and Operating” 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

Donot 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.
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Garage Door Opener (HomeLink) ........... 142
Gas Cap (Fuel Filler Cap)...............319,374
Gasoline, Clean Air ...................... 315
Gasoline (Fuel) ......................... 314
Conserving .......................... 182
Gasoline, Reformulated ................... 315
Gauges Coolant Temperature ................... 166
Fuel ............................... 165
Odometer ........................... 170
Speedometer ......................... 165
Tachometer .......................... 165
General Information ...............17,25,113,314
General Maintenance ..................... 377
Glass Cleaning .......................... 405
Gross Axle Weight Rating ...............322,325
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating .............322,324
GVWR ............................... 322 Hands-Free Phone (Uconnect™)
.............. 85
Hazard Driving Through Flowing, Rising, or
Shallow Standing Water ................. 269
Hazard Warning Flasher ................... 339
Head Restraints ......................... 121
Headlights ............................ 415
Automatic ........................... 128
Bulb Replacement ...................... 415
Cleaning ............................ 405
Delay .............................. 128
High Beam/Low Beam Select Switch ........ 131
Lights On Reminder .................... 129
On With Wipers .................... 128,135
Passing ............................. 131
Switch .............................. 127
Time Delay .......................... 128
Heated Mirrors .......................... 83
Heated Seats ........................... 122
10
INDEX 461

TIREFIT.............................. 340
Tires ............................ 75,296,451
Aging (Life of Tires) .................... 302
Air Pressure .......................... 296
Changing ......................... 351,354
Compact Spare ........................ 299
Flat Changing ........................ 351
General Information .................... 296
High Speed .......................... 299
Inflation Pressures ..................... 297
Jacking ........................... 353,354
Life of Tires .......................... 302
Load Capacity ........................ 292
Pressure Monitor System (TPMS) ........... 305
Pressure Warning Light .................. 174
Quality Grading ....................... 451
Radial .............................. 299
Replacement ......................... 302
Rotation ............................ 304 Safety
........................... 287,296
Sizes ............................... 288
Snow Tires ........................... 304
Spare Tire ........................... 351
Spinning ............................ 300
Trailer Towing ........................ 331
Tread Wear Indicators ................... 301
To Open Hood .......................... 126
Tongue Weight/Trailer Weight .............. 328
Towing ............................... 324
24-Hour Towing Assistance ............... 100
Behind a Motor Home .................. 336
Disabled Vehicle ....................... 366
Guide .............................. 328
Recreational .......................... 336
Weight .............................. 328
Towing Assistance ....................... 100
Towing Vehicle Behind a Motor Home ......... 336
Traction Control ......................... 280
10
INDEX 471

Trailer Towing.......................... 324
Cooling System Tips .................... 335
Hitches ............................. 326
Minimum Requirements ................. 329
Tips ................................ 334
Trailer and Tongue Weight ............... 328
Wiring .............................. 333
Trailer Towing Guide ..................... 328
Trailer Weight .......................... 328
Transfer Case Fluid ............................... 423
Transmission ........................... 399
Automatic ...................... 257,262,399
Fluid ............................... 423
Manual ............................. 253
Shifting ............................. 257
Transmitter Battery Service
(Remote Keyless Entry) .................... 25
Transmitter, Garage Door Opener (HomeLink) . . 142 Transmitter Programming
(Remote Keyless Entry)
.................... 20
Transmitter, Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) ........ 20
Transporting Pets ........................ 70
Tread Wear Indicators .................... 301
Trip Odometer ....................... 165,170
Trunk Lid (Deck Lid) .................... 34,35
Trunk Release, Emergency .................. 35
Trunk Release Remote Control ............... 34
Turn Signals ......................... 130,167
UCI Connector ......................... 218
Uconnect™ (Hands-Free Phone) .............. 85
Uniform Tire Quality Grades ................ 451
Universal Consumer Interface (UCI) Connector . . . 218
Universal Transmitter ..................... 142
Unleaded Gasoline ....................... 314
Untwisting Procedure, Seat Belt .............. 42
472 INDEX