weight DODGE DAKOTA 2010 3.G User Guide

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 the GVWR.
Gross Trailer Weight (GTW)
The GTW is the weight of the trailer plus the weight of all
cargo, consumables and equipment (permanent or tem-
porary) 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 permissible weight of your vehicle
and trailer when weighed in combination.
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.
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.
312 STARTING AND OPERATING

Trailer Tongue Weight (TW)
The tongue weight is the downward force exerted on the
hitch ball by the trailer is the tongue weight. 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 are commonly used to tow small- and medium-
sized trailers.
Weight-Distributing Hitch
A weight-distributing hitch 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 manufacturers’ 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 and may be required depending on vehicle and
trailer configuration/loading to comply with Gross Axle
Weight Rating (GAWR) requirements.
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WARNING!
•An improperly adjusted weight-distributing hitch
may reduce handling, stability, and braking per-
formance, 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.
EXAMPLE — Without Weight-Distributing Hitch(Incorrect)
314 STARTING AND OPERATING

EXAMPLE — With Weight-Distributing Hitch (Correct)EXAMPLE — Improper Adjustment of Weight-Distributing Hitch (Incorrect)
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Trailer Hitch Classification
The rear bumper is intended to tow trailers up to
2,000 lbs (907 kg) without added equipment or alter-
ations to the standard equipment. Your vehicle may be
factory equipped for safe towing of trailers weighing
over 2,000 lbs (907 kg) with the optional Trailer Tow Prep
Package. See your authorized dealer for package content.
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 “Trailer Towing Weights (Maximum Trailer
Weight Ratings)” for the website address that contains
the necessary information for your specific drivetrain.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)
Fifth Wheel/
Gooseneck Greater than 10,000 lbs
(4540 kg)
Refer to the “Trailer Towing Weights (Maximum
Trailer Weight Ratings)” for the Maximum Gross
Trailer Weight (GTW) towable for your given drive-
train.
All trailer hitches should be professionally installed on
your vehicle.
316 STARTING AND OPERATING

Trailer Towing Weights (Maximum Trailer Weight
Ratings)
NOTE:For additional trailer towing information (maxi-
mum trailer weight ratings) refer to the following website
addresses:
•http:// www.dodge.com
•http:// www.dodge.ca (Canada)
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 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. 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.
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STARTING AND OPERATING 317

WARNING! (Continued)
•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.
•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. For four-wheel drive ve-
hicles, make sure the transfer case is not in NEU-
TRAL. Always, block or\bchock\bthe trailer wheels.
(Continued)
WARNING! (Continued)
•GCWR must not be exceeded.
•Total 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 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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Engine Oil........................... 359
Power Steering ........................ 268
Transfer Case ......................... 379
Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts .......... 400
Fog Lights .......................... 132,399
Four Wheel Drive ....................... 258
Operation ........................... 258
Four-Way Hazard Flasher .................. 332
Freeing A Stuck Vehicle ................... 347
Front Axle (Differential) ................... 380
Fuel ................................. 298
Adding ............................. 307
Gauge .............................. 174
Octane Rating ...................... 298,400
Requirements ...................... 298,399
Tank Capacity ........................ 399
Fuel, Flexible ............. See Flexible Fuel Vehicles
Fueling ............................... 307
Fuses ................................ 385 Garage Door Opener (HomeLink) ........... 148
Gas Cap (Fuel Filler Cap)
............307,308,355
Gas Gauge (Fuel Gauge) ................... 174
Gasoline (Fuel) ......................... 298
Gasoline, Reformulated ................... 299
Gauges Coolant Temperature ................... 174
Fuel ............................... 174
Odometer ......................... 177,179
Speedometer ......................... 176
Tachometer .......................... 177
Gear Ranges ........................... 253
General Information ................... 1 15,298
Glass Cleaning .......................... 384
Grocery Bag Retainer ..................... 159
Gross Axle Weight Rating ...............310,312
Gross Cargo Weight ...................... 309
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating ................ 312
GVWR ............................... 309
10
INDEX 437

Snow Tires........................... 292
Spare Tire ........................... 335
Spinning ............................ 286
Tread Wear Indicators ................... 287
Wheel Mounting ...................... 337
Wheel Nut Torque ..................... 341
Tongue Weight/Trailer Weight .............. 317
Torque Converter Clutch .................. 257
Tow Hooks, Emergency ................... 348
Towing ............................... 311
24-Hour Towing Assistance ............... 101
Disabled Vehicle ....................... 349
Guide .............................. 317
Recreational .......................... 325
Weight .............................. 317
Towing Assistance ....................... 101
Traction .............................. 264
Trailer Towing .......................... 311
Cooling System Tips .................... 324 Hitches
............................. 316
Minimum Requirements ................. 318
Trailer and Tongue Weight ............... 317
Wiring .............................. 322
Trailer Towing Guide ..................... 317
Trailer Weight .......................... 317
Transaxle ............................. 252
Automatic ......................... 12,252
Manual .............................. 14
Operation ........................... 252
Transfer Case ........................... 379
Fluid ............................... 401
Transmission ........................ 253,376
Automatic ...................... 249,253,376
Fluid ............................... 401
Maintenance ......................... 376
Transmitter Battery Service
(Remote Keyless Entry) .................... 25
Transmitter, Garage Door Opener (HomeLink) . . 148
446 INDEX

Tread Wear Indicators.................... 287
Trip Computer .......................... 142
Trip Odometer .......................... 179
Trip Odometer Reset Button ................ 187
Turn Signals ................... 133,174,391,392
uconnect™ (Hands-Free Phone) .............. 86
Underhood Fuses ........................ 385
Uniform Tire Quality Grades ................ 429
Universal Transmitter ..................... 148
Unlock, Auto ........................... 32
Utility Rails, Rear Cargo Area ............... 161
Variance, Compass ....................... 147
Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) ............ 6
Vehicle Loading ...................... 280,309
Vehicle Modifications/Alterations .............. 7
Vehicle Storage ......................... 390
Voice Recognition System (VR) .............. 115Warning Lights (Instrument Cluster Description). . 174
Warnings and Cautions ..................... 6
Warranty Information ..................... 426
Washers, Windshield ..................... 136
Washing Vehicle ......................... 380
Water Driving Through ...................... 265
Weight Load Carrying .................... 309
Wheel and Wheel Trim .................... 382
Wheel and Wheel Trim Care ................ 382
Wheel Changing ........................ 333
Wheel Mounting ........................ 337
Wheel Nut Torque ....................... 341
Wind Buffeting .......................... 36
Window Fogging ........................ 241
Windows .............................. 34
Power ............................... 34
Rear Sliding .......................... 162
Windshield Defroster ................... 76,239
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INDEX 447