weight DODGE DURANGO 2011 3.G Owner's Manual

If the gross trailer weight is 3,500 lbs (1 587 kg) or more,
it is mandatory to use a weight-distributing hitch to
ensure stable handling of your vehicle.
NOTE:Vehicles not factory equipped with trailer tow
package are limited to 3,500 lbs (350 lbs tongue weight).
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 collisions. Consider the following items when computing the
weight on the front/rear axles of the vehicle:
•The trailer 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.
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 431

WARNING! (Continued)
•Make certain that the load is secured in the trailer
and 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 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 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 transmission
in PARK. For four-wheel drive vehicles, make sure
the transfer case is not in NEUTRAL. Always,
block orchockthe 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. GVWR
2. GTW
3. GAWR
4. Trailer 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).5
STARTING AND OPERATING 433

Gear Ranges........................... 343
Gear Select Lever Override ................. 468
General Information ...............20,29,186,409
Glass Cleaning .......................... 511
Gross Axle Weight Rating ...............422,425
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating .............422,425
GVWR ............................... 422
Hands-Free Phone (Uconnect™) ............. 119
Hazard Warning Flasher ................... 448
Headlights ............................ 518
Bulb Replacement .................... 519
Cleaning ........................... 510
High Beam ......................... 248
On With Wipers ..................... 147
Replacing .......................... 519
Heated Mirrors ......................... 110
Heater, Engine Block ..................... 341
Hill Descent Control ..................... 249 Hill Start Assist
......................... 374
Hitches Trailer Towing ....................... 429
Holder, Cup ........................... 222
HomeLink® (Garage Door Opener) Transmitter . . 206
Hood Release .......................... 144
Ignition ............................... 16
Key ............................. 14,16
Ignition Key Removal ..................... 16
Illuminated Entry ........................ 23
Immobilizer (Sentry Key) ................... 18
Infant Restraint ........................ 82,83
Inflation Pressure Tires .................... 388
Information Center, Vehicle ................. 254
Inside Rearview Mirror ................... 107
Instrument Cluster .................... 243,244
Instrument Panel and Controls .............. 242
Instrument Panel Lens Cleaning ............. 511
10
INDEX 561

Tread Wear Indicators................. 394
Tongue Weight/Trailer Weight .............. 431
Torque Converter Clutch .................. 349
Tow Hooks, Emergency ................... 467
Towing ............................ 424,469
Disabled Vehicle ..................... 469
Guide ............................. 430
Recreational ........................ 439
Weight ............................ 430
Traction Control ......................... 368
Trailer Sway Control (TSC) ................. 373
Trailer Towing .......................... 424
Cooling System Tips .................. 438
Hitches ............................ 429
Minimum Requirements ................ 432
Trailer and Tongue Weight .............. 431
Wiring ............................ 435
Trailer Towing Guide ..................... 430
Trailer Weight .......................... 430 Transfer Case
........................... 502
Electronically Shifted .................. 351
Maintenance ........................ 502
Transmission Automatic ....................... 343,503
Maintenance ........................ 503
Shifting ........................... 342
Transmitter Battery Service
(Remote Keyless Entry) .................... 27
Transmitter Programming
(Remote Keyless Entry) .................... 24
Transmitter, Garage Door Opener (HomeLink®) . . 206
Transmitter, Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) ........ 24
Tread Wear Indicators .................... 394
Turn Signals ...................... 248,519,521
UCI Connector ......................... 308
Uconnect™ (Hands-Free Phone) ............. 119
Uniform Tire Quality Grades ................ 551
10
INDEX 571