load capacity DODGE DAKOTA 2009 3.G User Guide

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.
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).
STARTING AND OPERATING 319
5

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.
Towing Requirements Ð 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 4 and 7-pin
wiring harness. Use a factory approved trailer harness
and connector.
NOTE:Do not cut or splice wiring into the vehicle's
wiring harness.
The electrical connections are all complete to the vehicle
but you must mate the harness to a trailer connector.
Refer to the following illustrations:
320 STARTING AND OPERATING

High Speed.......................... 282
Inflation Pressures..................... 281
Jacking............................. 337
Life of Tires.......................... 286
Load Capacity.....................276,277
Pressure Monitor System (TPMS)........... 292
Pressure Warning Light.................. 176
Quality Grading....................... 422
Radial.............................. 283
Replacement......................... 287
Rotation............................. 291
Safety...........................272,280
Sizes............................... 273
Snow Tires........................... 291
Spare Tire........................... 334
Spinning............................ 285
Tread Wear Indicators................... 286
Wheel Mounting....................... 337
Wheel Nut Torque..................... 341Tongue Weight/Trailer Weight.............. 316
Torque Converter Clutch.................. 250
Tow Hooks, Emergency................... 346
Towing............................... 310
24-Hour Towing Assistance................ 96
Disabled Vehicle....................... 347
Guide.............................. 316
Recreational.......................... 324
Weight.............................. 316
Towing Assistance........................ 96
Traction.............................. 263
Trailer Towing.......................... 310
Cooling System Tips.................... 323
Hitches............................. 315
Minimum Requirements................. 317
Trailer and Tongue Weight................ 316
Wiring.............................. 320
Trailer Towing Guide..................... 316
Trailer Weight.......................... 316
442 INDEX