load capacity DODGE DURANGO 2012 3.G User Guide

exceed the GVWR. Refer to “Vehicle Loading/Vehicle
Certification Label” in “Starting and Operating” for
further information.
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.
WARNING!
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. If
you use a standard weight-carrying hitch, you could
lose control of your vehicle and cause a collision.
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. Refer to “Vehicle Loading/Vehicle Certifica-
tion Label” in “Starting and Operating” for further
information.
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 a collision.
526 STARTING AND OPERATING

Towing Requirements – Tires

Do not attempt to tow a trailer while using a compact
spare tire.
Proper tire inflation pressures are essential to the safe
and satisfactory operation of your vehicle. Refer to
“Tires – General Information” in “Starting and Oper-
ating” for proper tire inflation procedures.
Check the trailer tires for proper tire inflation pres-
sures before trailer usage.
Check for signs of tire wear or visible tire damage
before towing a trailer. Refer to “Tires – General
Information” in “Starting and Operating” for proper
inspection procedure.
When replacing tires, refer to “Tires – General Infor-
mation” in “Starting and Operating” for proper tire replacement procedures. Replacing tires with a higher
load carrying capacity will not increase the vehicle’s
GVWR and GAWR limits.
Towing Requirements – Trailer Brakes

Do
not interconnect the hydraulic brake system or
vacuum system of your vehicle with that of the trailer.
This could cause inadequate braking and possible
personal injury.
An 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.
Trailer brakes are recommended for trailers over
1,000 lbs (454 kg), and required for trailers in excess of
2,000 lbs (907 kg).
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 535

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
hydraulic brake lines. It can overload your brake
system and cause it to fail. You might not have
brakes when you need them and could have a
collision.(Continued)
WARNING! (Continued)
•Towing any trailer will increase your stopping
distance. When towing, you should allow for ad-
ditional space between your vehicle and the ve-
hicle in front of you. Failure to do so could result
in a collision.
Towing Requirements – 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 includes both a seven-pin and a
four-pin connector at the rear of the vehicle.
The electrical connections are all complete to the vehicle
but you must mate the harness to a trailer connector.
Refer to the following illustrations.
536 STARTING AND OPERATING

Synthetic Engine Oil...................... 589
System, Remote Starting .................... 29
Tachometer ............................ 299
Telescoping Steering Column .............202,203
Temperature Control, Automatic (ATC) ........ 408
Temperature Gauge, Engine Coolant .......... 308
Tether Anchor, Child Restraint ............... 85
Text Messaging ......................... 145
Tie Down Hooks, Cargo ................... 281
Tilt Steering Column ................... 202,203
Tire and Loading Information Placard ......... 484
Tire Identification Number (TIN) ............. 482
Tire Markings .......................... 478
Tire Safety Information .................... 478
Tires ........................... 101,488,661
Air Pressure ........................ 489
Chains ............................ 497
Changing .......................... 552 Compact Spare
...................... 492
General Information .................. 488
High Speed ......................... 491
Inflation Pressures .................... 489
Jacking ............................ 552
Life of Tires ........................ 495
Load Capacity .................... 484,485
Pressure Monitor System (TPMS) ......... 500
Pressure Warning Light ................ 299
Quality Grading ..................... 661
Radial ............................ 491
Replacement ........................ 496
Rotation ........................... 499
Safety ............................. 478
Sizes ............................. 480
Snow Tires ......................... 498
Spare Tire .......................... 554
Spinning ........................... 494
Tread Wear Indicators ................. 494
680 INDEX