weight DODGE DURANGO 2016 3.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 Tongue
Weights (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 compat-
ible with Surge Brake Couplers. Consult with your
hitch and trailer manufacturer or a reputable Rec-
reational Vehicle dealer for additional information.
574 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 Definitions
Class Max. Trailer Hitch Industry Standards
Class I - Light Duty 2,000 lbs (907 kg)
Class II - Medium Duty 3,500 lbs (1 587 kg)
Class III - Heavy Duty 5,000 lbs (2 267 kg)
Class IV - Extra Heavy Duty 10,000 lbs (4 535 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.5
STARTING AND OPERATING 575

Trailer Towing Weights (Maximum Trailer Weight Ratings)
EngineModelGCWR (Gross
Combined Wt. Rating) Frontal Area Max. GTW
(Gross Trailer Wt.) Max. Trailer
Tongue Wt. (See Note)
3.6L RWD Light Duty Cooling 8,900 lbs
(4,037 kg) 40 sq ft
(3.72 sq m) 3,500 lbs
(1,588 kg) 350 lbs (159 kg)
3.6L RWD 11,600 lbs (5,262 kg)40 sq ft
(3.72 sq m) 6,200 lbs
(2,812 kg) 620 lbs (281 kg)
3.6L AWD Light Duty Cooling 8,900 lbs
(4,037 kg) 40 sq ft
(3.72 sq m) 3,500 lbs
(1,588 kg) 350 lbs (159 kg)
3.6L AWD 11,600 lbs (5,262 kg)40 sq ft
(3.72 sq m) 6,200 lbs
(2,812 kg) 620 lbs (281 kg)
5.7L RWD 13,100 lbs (5,942 kg)60 sq ft
(5.57 sq m) 7,400 lbs
(3,357 kg) 740 lbs (336 kg)
5.7L AWD 13,100 lbs (5,942 kg)60 sq ft
(5.57 sq m) 7,200 lbs
(3,266 kg) 720 lbs (327 kg)
Refer to local laws for maximum trailer towing speeds.
576 STARTING AND OPERATING

NOTE:
•The trailer tongue weight must be considered as part
of the combined weight of occupants and cargo, and
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. The addition of passengers and cargo
may require reducing trailer tongue load and Gross
Trailer Weight (GTW). Redistributing cargo (to the
trailer) may be necessary to avoid exceeding Rear
Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) of 3,900 lbs
(1 769 kg).
• Vehicles not factory equipped with trailer tow package
are limited to 3,500 lbs (350 lbs tongue weight).Trailer Hitch Receiver Cover Removal — If
Equipped
Your vehicle may be equipped with a trailer hitch re-
ceiver cover, this must be removed to access the trailer
hitch receiver (if equipped). This cover is located at the
bottom center of the rear fascia.
1. Turn the two locking retainers located at the bottom of the hitch receiver cover a 1/4 turn counterclockwise
and pull bottom of the hitch receiver cover outward
(towards you).
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 577

Trailer And Tongue Weight
Always load a trailer with 60% of the weight in the front
of the trailer. This places 10% of the GTW on the tow
hitch of your vehicle. Loads balanced over the wheels or
heavier in the rear can cause the trailer to swayseverely
side 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. Never exceed the maxi-
mum tongue weight stamped on your 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
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 579

WARNING!
Improper towing can lead to a collision. Follow these
guidelines to make your trailer towing as safe as
possible:
•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
(Continued)
WARNING! (Continued)
the 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 transmission in
PARK. For four-wheel drive vehicles, make sure
the transfer case is not in NEUTRAL. Always,
block or \bchock\bthe 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
(Continued)
5
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WARNING!(Continued)
3. GAWR
4. Tongue weight rating for the trailer hitch uti-
lized.
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 the
proper inspection procedure.
• When replacing tires, refer to “Tires – General Infor-
mation” in “Starting And Operating” for the 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
582 STARTING AND OPERATING

Garage Door Opener (HomeLink)..............244
Gasoline, Clean Air ....................... .560
Gasoline (Fuel) .......................... .559
Gasoline, Reformulated .....................560
Gear Ranges ............................ .484
General Information ...................... .559
Glass Cleaning .......................... .675
Gross Axle Weight Rating ...................572
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating ..................571
GVWR ................................ .569
Hazard Warning Flasher ....................599
Headlights ............................. .687
Automatic ........................... .176
Bulb Replacement ...................... .688
Cleaning ............................ .674
On With Wipers ....................... .176
Passing ............................. .184
Replacing ............................ .688Heated Mirrors
...................... .134, 278
Heater, Engine Block ...................... .479
Hill Start Assist .......................... .512
Hitches Trailer Towing ........................ .575
Holder, Cup ............................ .264
HomeLink (Garage Door Opener) ..............244
Hood Release ........................... .173
Ignition Key..................................14
Illuminated Entry ..........................24
Immobilizer (Sentry Key) ....................18
Inside Rearview Mirror ..................124, 125
Instrument Cluster ..............294, 301, 306, 320
Instrument Panel And Controls ...............293
Instrument Panel Lens Cleaning ...............675
Interior Appearance Care ....................673
Intermittent Wipers (Delay Wipers) .............185
10
INDEX 723

Spare Tire...................542, 543, 544, 604
Spinning ............................ .545
Trailer Towing ........................ .582
Tread Wear Indicators ....................546
Wheel Mounting ....................... .616
Tire Safety Information .....................524
Tongue Weight/Trailer Weight ................579
Tow Hooks, Emergency .....................624
Towing ............................ .571, 628
Disabled Vehicle ....................... .628
Guide .............................. .576
Recreational .......................... .587
Weight .............................. .576
Towing Vehicle Behind A Motorhome ...........587
Traction Control ......................... .515
Trailer Sway Control (TSC) ..................522
Trailer Towing .......................... .571
Cooling System Tips .....................586
Hitches ............................. .575Minimum Requirements
..................580
Trailer And Tongue Weight ................579
Wiring .............................. .583
Trailer Towing Guide ...................... .576
Trailer Weight ........................... .576
Transfer Case ........................... .667
Electronically Shifted .....................492
Fluid ............................... .695
Maintenance .......................... .667
Transmission ........................... .483
Automatic ........................ .483, 668
Fluid ............................... .695
Maintenance .......................... .668
Shifting ............................. .480
Transmitter Battery Service (Remote Keyless Entry) . .27
Transmitter, Garage Door Opener (HomeLink) .....244
T

ransmitter Programming (Remote Keyless Entry) ............................. .24, 27
Transmitter, Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) .........2410
INDEX 733