weight DODGE CHARGER 2013 7.G Owner's Manual

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 TongueWeights (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 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.
494 STARTING AND OPERATING

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 DefinitionsClass Max. Trailer Hitch
Industry Standards
Class I - Light Duty 2,000 lbs (907 kg)
Class II - Medium Duty 3,500 lbs (1 587 kg)
Trailer Hitch Classification Definitions Class Max. Trailer Hitch
Industry Standards
Class III - Heavy Duty 5,000 lbs (2 268 kg)
Class IV - Extra Heavy
Duty 10,000 lbs (4 540 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 495

Trailer Towing Weights (Maximum Trailer Weight Ratings)
The following chart provides the maximum trailer weight ratings towable for your given drivetrain.
Engine/TransmissionFrontal AreaMax. GTW (Gross
Trailer Weight) Max. Tongue Weight
(See Note)
3.6L Automatic 22 sq ft (2.04 sq m) 1,000 lbs (454 kg) 100 lbs (45 kg)
5.7L Automatic 32 sq ft (2.97 sq m) 1,000 lbs (454 kg) 100 lbs (45 kg)
Refer to local laws for maximum trailer towing speeds.
NOTE: The trailer tongue weight must be considered as
part of the combined weight of occupants and cargo, and
it 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.
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 collisions.
496 STARTING AND OPERATING

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.
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STARTING AND OPERATING 497

WARNING!(Continued)
•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.
• 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.
(Continued)
WARNING! (Continued)
•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 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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STARTING AND OPERATING 499

Fuel Saver............................. .336
Fuses ................................. .570
Gasoline, Clean Air ....................... .477
Gasoline (Fuel) .......................... .476
Conserving ........................... .336
Gasoline, Reformulated .....................477
Gauges Coolant Temperature .....................325
Fuel ................................ .320
Speedometer ......................... .320
Tachometer ........................... .316
Gear Ranges ............................ .405
Gear Select Lever Override ..................524
General Information ........................18
Glass Cleaning .......................... .568
Gross Axle Weight Rating ...................490
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating ..................490 GVWR
................................ .490
Hazard Driving Through Flowing, Rising, or Shallow
Standing Water ........................ .425
Hazard Warning Flasher ....................508
Headlights ............................. .581
Automatic ........................... .220
Cleaning ............................ .568
Delay ............................... .222
High Beam/Low Beam Select Switch .........225
Lights On Reminder .....................223
On With Wipers ....................... .220
Passing ............................. .225
Switch .............................. .219
Time Delay ........................... .222
Washers ............................. .550
Headlight Washers ....................... .550
10
INDEX 615

Replacement.......................... .461
Rotation ............................. .465
Safety .............................. .441
Sizes ............................... .443
Snow Tires ........................... .456
Spare Tire ............................ .510
Spinning ............................ .460
Trailer Towing ........................ .500
Tread Wear Indicators ....................460
Tire Safety Information .....................441
Tongue Weight/Trailer Weight ................496
Towing ............................... .491
Disabled Vehicle ....................... .527
Guide .............................. .496
Recreational .......................... .505
Weight .............................. .496
Traction ............................... .424
Traction Control ......................... .434
Trailer Towing .......................... .491Cooling System Tips
.....................504
Hitches ............................. .495
Minimum Requirements ..................498
Tips................................ .503
Trailer and Tongue Weight .................496
Wiring .............................. .501
Trailer Towing Guide ...................... .496
Trailer Weight ........................... .496
Transfer Case ........................... .563
Fluid ............................... .563
Maintenance .......................... .563
Transmission Automatic ........................... .399
Fluid ............................... .561
Maintenance .......................... .561
Shifting ............................. .399
T

ransmitter Battery Service (Remote Keyless Entry) . .25
Transmitter Programming (Remote Keyless Entry) . . .21
Transmitter, Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) .........21
10
INDEX 625