weight DODGE CHALLENGER 2017 3.G User Guide

The best way to figure out the total weight of your vehicle
is to weigh it when it is fully loaded and ready for
operation. Weigh it on a commercial scale to ensure that it
is not over the GVWR.
Figure out the weight on the front and rear of the vehicle
separately. It is important that you distribute the load
evenly over the front and rear axles.
Overloading can cause potential safety hazards and
shorten useful service life. Heavier axles or suspension
components do not necessarily increase the vehicle’s
GVWR.
Loading
To load your vehicle properly, first figure out its empty
weight, axle-by-axle and side-by-side. Store heavier items
down low and be sure you distribute their weight as
evenly as possible. Stow all loose items securely before
driving. If weighing the loaded vehicle shows that you
have exceeded either GAWR, but the total load is within
the specified GVWR, you must redistribute the weight.
Improper weight distribution can have an adverse effect on
the way your vehicle steers and handles and the way the
brakes operate.NOTE:
Refer to the “Vehicle Certification Label” affixed to
the rear of the driver’s door for your vehicle’s GVWR and
GAWRs.
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 warranty coverage, follow the requirements
and recommendations in this manual concerning vehicles
used for trailer towing.
Manual Transmission — If Equipped
Trailer towing with this vehicle is not recommended.
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
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STARTING AND OPERATING 371

the GVWR. Refer to “Vehicle Loading/Vehicle Certification
Label” in “Starting And Operating” for further informa-
tion.
Gross Trailer Weight (GTW)
The GTW is the weight of the trailer plus the weight of all
cargo, consumables and equipment (permanent or tempo-
rary) loaded in or on the trailer in itsloaded 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.
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 infor-
mation.
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.
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.
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 supported by 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.
372 STARTING AND OPERATING

If equipped, the electronic Trailer Sway Control (TSC)
recognizes a swaying 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.
Weight-Distributing Hitch
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 addi-
tion 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) andmay 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 per-
formance, and could result in a collision.
• Weight Distributing Systems may not be compatible
with Surge Brake Couplers. Consult with your hitch
and trailer manufacturer or a reputable Recreational
Vehicle dealer for additional information.
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STARTING AND OPERATING 373

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.
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 5,000 lbs (2,267 kg)
Class IV - Extra Heavy Duty 10,000 lbs (4,535 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.
Trailer Towing Weights (Maximum Trailer Weight Ratings)
The following chart provides the maximum trailer weight ratings towable for your given drivetrain.
Engine/Transmission Frontal AreaMax. GTW (Gross Trailer
Wt.) Max. Tongue Wt.
3.6L 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)
6.4L Automatic Trailer towing with this vehicle is not recommended.
Refer to local laws for maximum trailer towing speeds.
374 STARTING AND OPERATING

Trailer And Tongue Weight
Never exceed the maximum tongue weight stamped on
your bumper or trailer hitch.
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 drivetrain
components the following guidelines are recommended:
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.
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STARTING AND OPERATING 375

WARNING!
Improper towing can lead to a collision. Follow these
guidelines to make your trailer towing as safe as
possible:
•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 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 damage
to brakes, axle, engine, transmission, steering, sus-
pension, 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 transmis-
sion in PARK. Always block or chockthe 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 Loading
Information” placard.
2. GTW
3. GAWR
4. Tongue weight rating for the trailer hitch utilized.
Towing Requirements — Tires
• Do not attempt to tow a trailer while using a compact
spare tire.
376 STARTING AND OPERATING

Cooling System......................... .430
Engine Oil ......................... .417, 418
Transfer Case .......................... .438
Fluids, Lubricants And Genuine Parts ............462
Fog Lights .............................. .107
Folding Rear Seat ......................... .101
Forward Collision Warning ....................138
Freeing A Stuck Vehicle ..................... .402
Fuel ................................... .363
Adding .............................. .368
Additives ............................. .366
Clean Air ............................. .365
Ethanol .............................. .365
Filler Cap (Gas Cap) ..................... .368
Gasoline .............................. .363
Light ................................ .189
Materials Added ........................ .366
Methanol ............................. .365
Octane Rating .................363, 462, 464, 465
Requirements .......................... .363
Specifications .....................462, 464, 465
Tank Capacity ...................... .460, 461
Fueling ................................. .368
Fuses .................................. .444Garage Door Opener (HomeLink)
............150, 155
Gas Cap (Fuel Filler Cap) .................368, 415
Gasoline, Clean Air ........................ .365
Gasoline (Fuel) ........................... .363
Gasoline, Reformulated ..................... .365
Gear Ranges ............................. .310
Glass Cleaning ........................... .443
Gross Axle Weight Rating .................370, 372
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating ...............370, 371
GVWR ................................. .370
Hazar

d
Driving Through Flowing, Rising,
Or Shallow Standing Water .................319
Hazard Warning Flasher ..................... .382
Headlights .............................. .459
Automatic ............................ .105
Cleaning .............................. .443
Delay ................................ .107
High Beam/Low Beam Select Switch ...........109
Lights On Reminder ..................... .107
On With Wipers ..................... .105, 113
Passing ............................... .109
Switch ............................... .104
Time Delay ............................ .107
10
INDEX 491

Replacement........................ .353, 398
Rotation .............................. .355
Safety ............................ .335, 345
Sizes ................................ .336
Snow Tires ............................ .348
Spare Tire ...................... .349, 351, 393
Spinning .............................. .352
Trailer Towing .......................... .376
Tread Wear Indicators .....................352
Wheel Mounting ........................ .398
Tire Safety Information ...................... .335
Tire Service Kit ............383, 384, 385, 387, 389, 390
Tongue Weight/Trailer Weight .................375
To Open Hood ........................... .102
Towing ................................. .371
Disabled Vehicle ........................ .406
Guide ................................ .374
Recreational ........................... .380
Weight ............................... .374
Towing Vehicle Behind A Motorhome ............380
Traction ................................ .318
Traction Control .......................... .329
Trailer Towing ............................ .371
Cooling System Tips ..................... .380
Hitches ............................... .374Minimum Requirements
....................375
Tips ................................. .379
Trailer And Tongue Weight ..................375
Wiring ............................... .378
Trailer Towing Guide ....................... .374
Trailer Weight ............................ .374
Transfer Case ............................ .438
Fluid ............................. .438, 463
Maintenance ........................... .438
Transmission ............................. .437
Automatic ...................... .308,

309, 437
Fluid .................437, 462, 463, 464, 465, 466
Manual ............................... .304
Shifting .............................. .308
Transporting Pets ...........................68
Tread Wear Indicators ...................... .352
Trunk Lid (Deck Lid) ..................... .30, 31
Trunk Release, Emergency .....................31
Trunk Release Remote Control ..................30
Turn Signals .......................... .108, 194
Uconnect Customer Programmable Features .........223, 241
Operation ..............................211
Uconnect Settings ..................17, 223, 241
500 INDEX