trailer DODGE DURANGO 2023 User Guide

118STARTING AND OPERATING
Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) Operation
The buttons on the right side of the steering wheel
operate the ACC system.

Adaptive Cruise Control Buttons

Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) Menu
The instrument cluster display will show the
current ACC system settings. The information it
displays depends on ACC system status.
Push the Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) on/off
button until one of the following appears in the
instrument cluster display:
Adaptive Cruise Control Off
When ACC is deactivated, the display will read
“Adaptive Cruise Control Off.”
Adaptive Cruise Control Ready
When ACC is activated but the vehicle speed
setting has not been selected, the display will read
“Adaptive Cruise Control Ready.”
Adaptive Cruise Control Set
When the SET (+) or the SET (-) button is pushed,
the display will read “ACC SET.”
When ACC is set, the set speed will show in the
instrument cluster display.
The ACC screen may display once again if any of
the following ACC activity occurs:
System Cancel
Driver Override
System Off
ACC Proximity Warning
ACC Unavailable Warning
Does not always fully recognize complex
driving conditions, which can result in
wrong or missing distance warnings.
Will bring the vehicle to a complete stop
while following a target vehicle and hold
the vehicle for two seconds in the stop
position. If the target vehicle does not
start moving within two seconds the ACC
system will display a message that the
system will release the brakes and that
the brakes must be applied manually. An
audible chime will sound when the brakes
are released.
You should switch off the ACC system:
When driving in fog, heavy rain, heavy snow,
sleet, heavy traffic, and complex driving situa -
tions (i.e., in highway construction zones).
When entering a turn lane or highway
off-ramp; when driving on roads that are
winding, icy, snow-covered, slippery, or have
steep uphill or downhill slopes.
When towing a trailer up or down steep slopes.
When circumstances do not allow safe driving
at a constant speed.
WARNING!
1 — CANC/Cancel
2 — Fixed Speed Cruise Control On/Off
3 — Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) On/Off
4 — Distance Decrease Button
5 — SET (+)/Accel
6 — RES/Resume
7 — SET (-)/Decel
8 — Distance Increase Button

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120STARTING AND OPERATING
NOTE:
Keeping your foot on the accelerator pedal can
cause the vehicle to continue to accelerate
beyond the set speed. If this occurs, the
message “DRIVER OVERRIDE” will display in the
instrument cluster display.
If you continue to accelerate beyond the set
speed while ACC is enabled, the system will not
be controlling the distance between your vehicle
and the vehicle ahead. The vehicle speed will
only be determined by the position of the accel-
erator pedal.
To Cancel
The following conditions cancel the ACC or Fixed
Speed Cruise Control systems:
The brake pedal is applied
The CANC (cancel) button is pushed
The Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) activates
The gear selector is removed from the DRIVE
position
The Electronic Stability Control/Traction Control
System (ESC/TCS) activates
The vehicle parking brake is applied
The Trailer Sway Control (TSC) activates
The driver switches ESC to Full Off mode
The braking temperature exceeds normal range
(overheated) The following conditions will only cancel the ACC
system:
Driver seat belt is unbuckled at low speeds
Driver door is opened at low speeds
To Turn Off
The system will turn off and erase the set speed in
memory if:
The Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) on/off button
is pushed
The Fixed Speed Cruise Control on/off button is
pushed
The ignition is placed in the OFF position
4WD Low is engaged
To Resume
If there is a set speed in memory, push the RES
(resume) button and remove your foot from the
accelerator pedal. The instrument cluster display
will show the last set speed.
Resume can be used at any speed above 20 mph
(32 km/h) when only Fixed Speed Cruise Control is
being used.
Resume can be used at any speed above 0 mph
(0 km/h) when ACC is active.
NOTE:
While in ACC mode, when the vehicle comes to
a complete stop longer than two seconds, the
system will cancel. The driver will have to apply
the brakes to keep the vehicle at a standstill.
ACC cannot be resumed if there is a stationary
vehicle in front of your vehicle in close proximity.
To Vary The Speed Setting
To Increase Or Decrease The Set Speed
After setting a speed, you can increase the set
speed by pushing the SET
(+) button, or decrease
speed by pushing the SET (-) button.
WARNING!
The Resume function should only be used if
traffic and road conditions permit. Resuming a
set speed that is too high or too low for
prevailing traffic and road conditions could
cause the vehicle to accelerate or decelerate too
sharply for safe operation. Failure to follow these
warnings can result in a collision and death or
serious personal injury.

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124STARTING AND OPERATING
SERVICE ACC/FCW WARNING
If the system turns off, and the instrument cluster
display reads “ACC/FCW Unavailable Service
Required” or “Cruise/FCW Unavailable Service
Required”, there may be an internal system fault or
a temporary malfunction that limits ACC
functionality. Although the vehicle is still drivable
under normal conditions, ACC will be temporarily
unavailable. If this occurs, try activating ACC again
later, following an ignition cycle. If the problem
persists, see an authorized dealer.
Precautions While Driving With ACC
In certain driving situations, ACC may have
detection issues. In these cases, ACC may brake
late or unexpectedly. The driver needs to stay alert
and may need to intervene. The following are
examples of these types of situations:
TOWING A TRAILER
ACC while towing a trailer is recommended only
with an Integrated Trailer Brake Controller.
Aftermarket trailer brake controllers will not
activate the trailer brakes when ACC is braking.
OFFSET DRIVING
ACC may not detect a vehicle in the same lane that
is offset from your direct line of travel, or a vehicle
merging in from a side lane. There may not be
sufficient distance to the vehicle ahead. The offset
vehicle may move in and out of the line of travel,
which can cause your vehicle to brake or
accelerate unexpectedly.

Offset Driving Condition Example

TURNS AND BENDS
When driving on a curve with ACC engaged, the
system may increase or decrease the vehicle
speed for stability, with no vehicle ahead detected.
Once the vehicle is out of the curve, the system will
resume your original set speed. This is a part of
normal ACC system functionality.
NOTE:On tight turns ACC performance may be limited.
USING ACC ON HILLS
ACC performance may be limited when driving on
hills. ACC may not detect a vehicle in your lane
depending on the speed, vehicle load, traffic
conditions, and the steepness of the hill.
ACC Hill Example

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STARTING AND OPERATING129
NOTE:If the radio is on, ParkSense will reduce the volume
of the radio when the system is sounding an audio
tone.
Front Park Assist Audible Alerts
ParkSense will turn off the Front Park Assist
audible alert (chime) after approximately three
seconds when an obstacle has been detected, the
vehicle is stationary, and brake pedal is applied.
Adjustable Chime Volume Settings
Front and Rear chime volume settings can be
selected from the Uconnect system
Úpage 153.
The chime volume settings include low,
medium, and high.
ParkSense will retain its last known configura -
tion state through ignition cycles.
PARKSENSE WARNING DISPLAY
The ParkSense Warning screen is located within
the instrument cluster display Ú page 79. It
provides visual warnings to indicate the distance
between the rear fascia/bumper and/or front
fascia/bumper and the detected obstacle.
The ParkSense Warning screen will only be
displayed if Sound and Display is selected from the
Customer Programmable Features section of the
Uconnect system Ú page 153.
ENABLING AND DISABLING PARKSENSE
ParkSense can be enabled and disabled
with the ParkSense switch.
When the ParkSense switch is pressed to
disable the system, the LED light on the switch will
be illuminated.
When the ParkSense switch is pushed to disable
the system, the instrument cluster will display the
“PARKSENSE OFF” message for approximately five
seconds. When the gear selector is moved to
REVERSE and the system is disabled, the
instrument cluster display will display the
“PARKSENSE OFF” message for as long as the
vehicle is in REVERSE.
NOTE:When ParkSense is disabled and the gear selector
is moved to the DRIVE position, no warning
message will be displayed.
The ParkSense switch LED will be on when
ParkSense is disabled or requires service. The
ParkSense switch LED will be off when the system
is enabled. When the system is disabled due to a
fault, the LED light on the switch will be
illuminated. If the driver tries to press the
ParkSense switch to activate the system, the
button will blink for five seconds to show the
request was received, but cannot be fulfilled.
OPERATION WITH A TRAILER
For vehicles equipped with an Integrated Trailer
Brake Module (ITBM), the operation of the rear
sensors is automatically deactivated when the
trailer's electric plug is inserted in the vehicle's tow
hook socket. The front system is still functional,
and the arcs will be overlaid with a “Trailer”
message. The rear sensors are automatically
reactivated when the trailer's cable plug is
removed.
When the vehicle is connected to a trailer, the
instrument cluster display will show the "Rear
ParkSense Unavailable Trailer Connected"
message in the following situations:
For five seconds at vehicle start up
For five seconds when the ParkSense button is
pushed, as long as an object is not detected in
the front
As long as the vehicle is in REVERSE (vehicle
graphic displayed with a trailer overlay)
NOTE:
For more information on the Integrated Trailer
Brake Module, see Ú page 142.
For vehicles not equipped with ITBM, the
automatic braking may falsely be applied if a trailer
is hooked up, and Park Assist is not manually
deactivated. It is also possible, the trailer may be
mistaken as a close object.
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STARTING AND OPERATING131
(Continued)
result in the system not working properly. The
ParkSense system might not detect an obstacle
behind or in front of the fascia/bumper, or it
could provide a false indication that an obstacle
is behind or in front of the fascia/bumper.
Use the ParkSense switch to turn the ParkSense
system off if objects such as bicycle carriers,
trailer hitches, etc. are placed within 12 inches
(30 cm) of the rear fascia/bumper. Failure to do
so can result in the system misinterpreting a
close object as a sensor problem, causing the
“PARKSENSE UNAVAILABLE SERVICE
REQUIRED” message to be displayed in the
instrument cluster.
ParkSense should be disabled when the liftgate
is in the open position. An opened liftgate could
provide a false indication that an obstacle is
behind the vehicle.
LANESENSE — IF EQUIPPED
LANESENSE OPERATION
The LaneSense system is operational at speeds
above 37 mph (60 km/h) and below 112 mph
(180 km/h). The LaneSense system uses a
forward looking camera to detect lane markings
and measure vehicle position within the lane
boundaries.
When both lane markings are detected and the
driver drifts out of the lane (no turn signal applied),
the LaneSense system provides a haptic warning
in the form of torque applied to the steering wheel
to prompt the driver to remain within the lane
boundaries. If the driver continues to drift out of
the lane, the LaneSense system provides a visual
warning through the instrument cluster display to
prompt the driver to remain within the lane
boundaries.
The driver may manually override the haptic
warning by applying force to the steering wheel at
any time.
When only a single lane marking is detected and
the driver drifts across the lane marking (no turn
signal applied), the LaneSense system provides
visual warnings through the instrument cluster
display to prompt the driver to remain within the
lane. When only a single lane marking is detected,
a haptic or a torque warning will not be provided.
WARNING!
Drivers must be careful when backing up even
when using ParkSense. Always check carefully
behind your vehicle, look behind you, and be
sure to check for pedestrians, animals, other
vehicles, obstructions, and blind spots before
backing up. You are responsible for safety and
must continue to pay attention to your
surroundings. Failure to do so can result in
serious injury or death.
Before using ParkSense, it is strongly recom
-
mended that the ball mount and hitch ball
assembly be disconnected from the vehicle
when the vehicle is not used for towing.
Failure to do so can result in injury or damage
to vehicles or obstacles because the hitch ball
will be much closer to the obstacle than the
rear fascia when the vehicle sounds the
continuous tone. Also, the sensors could
detect the ball mount and hitch ball assembly,
depending on its size and shape, giving a false
indication that an obstacle is behind the
vehicle.
CAUTION!
ParkSense is only a parking aid and it is
unable to recognize every obstacle, including
small obstacles. Parking curbs might be
temporarily detected or not detected at all.
Obstacles located above or below the sensors
will not be detected when they are in close
proximity.
The vehicle must be driven slowly when using
ParkSense in order to be able to stop in time
when an obstacle is detected. It is recom -
mended that the driver looks over his/her
shoulder when using ParkSense.
WARNING!
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134STARTING AND OPERATING
CHANGING LANESENSE STATUS
The LaneSense system has settings to adjust the
intensity of the torque warning and the warning
zone sensitivity (early/late) that you can configure
through the Uconnect system Ú page 153.
NOTE:
When enabled the system operates above
37 mph (60 km/h) and below 112 mph
(180 km/h).
The warnings are disabled with use of the turn
signal.
The system will not apply torque to the steering
wheel whenever a safety system engages
(Anti-Lock Brakes, Traction Control System,
Electronic Stability Control, Forward Collision
Warning, etc.).
PARKVIEW REAR BACK UP CAMERA

Your vehicle is equipped with the ParkView Rear
Back Up Camera that allows you to see an on-screen
image of the rear surroundings of your vehicle
whenever the gear selector is put into REVERSE. The
image will be displayed on the Navigation/
Multimedia radio display screen along with a caution
note to “Check Entire Surroundings” across the top
of the screen. After five seconds this note will
disappear. The ParkView camera is located on the
rear of the vehicle above the rear license plate.
When the vehicle is shifted out of REVERSE with
camera delay turned off, the rear camera mode is
exited and the previous screen appears.
Manual Activation Of The Back Up Camera

1. Press the Vehicle Menu button located at the
bottom of the Uconnect display. Then select
the Controls tab.

2. Press the Rear View Camera button to turn the Rear View Camera system on.
3. Alternatively, the Rear View Camera feature can be enabled by pressing the Rear View
Camera button in the App Drawer.
NOTE:The ParkView Rear Back Up Camera has program -
mable modes of operation that may be selected
through the Uconnect system Ú page 153. In
certain radio configurations, these modes of oper -
ation will be found in the Camera section of the
vehicle settings menu.
When the vehicle is shifted out of REVERSE with
camera delay turned off, the rear camera mode is
exited and the previous screen appears. When the
vehicle is shifted out of REVERSE with camera
delay turned on, the camera image will continue to
be displayed for up to 10 seconds after shifting out
of REVERSE unless the following conditions occur:
the vehicle speed exceeds 8 mph (13 km/h), the
vehicle is shifted into PARK, the vehicle’s ignition is
placed in the OFF position, or the touchscreen X button to disable the display of the Rear View
Camera is pressed.
When enabled, active guidelines are overlaid on
the image to illustrate the width of the vehicle and
its projected back up path based on the steering
wheel position. A dashed center line overlay
indicates the center of the vehicle to assist with
parking or aligning to a hitch/receiver. Different
colored zones indicate the distance to the rear of
the vehicle.
The following table shows the approximate
distances for each zone:
Rear View Camera — Viewing At Speed
When the vehicle is in PARK, NEUTRAL or
DRIVE, the Rear View Camera can be
activated with the Rear View Camera
button in the Controls tab of the Vehicle
Menu. This feature allows the customer to monitor
the area directly behind the vehicle (or trailer, if
equipped) for up to 10 seconds while driving. If the
vehicle speed remains below 8 mph (13 km/h), Zone
Distance To The Rear Of
The Vehicle
Red 0 - 1 ft (0 - 30 cm)
Yellow 1 ft - 6.5 ft (30 cm - 2 m)
Green 6.5 ft or greater
(2 m or greater)

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STARTING AND OPERATING137
TRAILER TOWING
In this section you will find safety tips and
information on limits to the type of towing you can
reasonably do with your vehicle. Before towing a
trailer, carefully review this information to tow your
load as efficiently and safely as possible.
To maintain the New Vehicle Limited Warranty
coverage, follow the requirements and
recommendations in this manual concerning
vehicles used for trailer towing.
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 Ú page 136.
Gross Trailer Weight (GTW)
The GTW is the weight of the trailer plus the weight
of all cargo, consumables and equipment
(permanent or temporary) loaded in or on the
trailer in its "loaded 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 allowable weight of your
vehicle and trailer when weighed in combination.
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 Úpage 136.
Tongue Weight (TW)
The TW is the downward force exerted on the hitch
ball by the trailer. You must consider this as part of
the load on your vehicle.
Trailer Frontal Area
The frontal area is the maximum height multiplied
by the maximum width of the front of a trailer.
Trailer Sway Control (TSC)
The TSC can be a mechanical telescoping link that
can be installed between the hitch receiver and the
trailer tongue that typically provides adjustable
friction associated with the telescoping motion to
dampen any unwanted trailer swaying motions
while traveling.
If equipped, the electronic TSC recognizes a
swaying trailer and automatically applies individual
wheel brakes and/or reduces engine power to
attempt to eliminate the trailer sway.
WARNING!
Do not load your vehicle any heavier than the
GVWR, maximum payload or the maximum front
and rear GAWR. If you do, parts on your vehicle
can break, or it can change the way your vehicle
handles. This could cause you to lose control.
Overloading can shorten the life of your vehicle.
WARNING!
If the gross trailer weight is 5,000 lb (2,267 kg)
or more, it is recommended 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.
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.
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138STARTING AND OPERATING
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 kinds of hitches are commonly used to tow
small and medium sized trailers.
Weight-Distributing Hitch

A weight-distributing system 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
manufacturer's directions, it provides 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 (TSC) 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.

RECOMMENDED DISTRIBUTION HITCH
ADJUSTMENT

1. Measure the height from the top of the front
wheel opening on the fender to the ground;
this is height H1.

Measuring Height (H)
2. Attach the trailer to the vehicle without the
weight distribution bars connected.
3. Measure the height from the top of the front wheel opening on the fender to the ground;
this is height H2.
4. Install and adjust the tension in the weight distributing bars per the manufacturers’
recommendations so that the height of the
front fender is approximately (H2-H1)/2+H1
(about 1/2 the difference between H2 and H1
above normal ride height [H1]).
NOTE:This method is approximate. If available, use
scales for greater accuracy when setting the
weight distribution hitch, especially for trailer loads
near or at the maximum trailer weight rating.
5. The vehicle can now be driven.
NOTE:For all towing conditions, we recommend towing
with tow haul mode engaged (if equipped).
WARNING!
An improperly adjusted weight-distributing
hitch system may reduce handling, stability,
braking performance, and could result in a
collision.
Weight-distributing hitch systems may not be
compatible with surge brake couplers. Consult
with your hitch and trailer manufacturer or a
reputable Recreational Vehicle dealer for
additional information.
Measurement
Example Example Height (mm)
H1
925
H2 946
H2-H1 21
(H2-H1)/2 10.5
(H2-H1)/2 + H1 935.5

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STARTING AND OPERATING139
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 TOWING WEIGHTS (MAXIMUM TRAILER WEIGHT RATINGS)
Trailer Hitch Classification Definitions
Class Max. Trailer Hitch Industry Standards
Class I - Light Duty 2,000 lb (907 kg)
Class II - Medium Duty 3,500 lb (1,588 kg)
Class III - Heavy Duty 6,000 lb (2,721 kg)
Class IV - Extra Heavy Duty 10,000 lb (4,535 kg)
For the Maximum Gross Trailer Weight (GTW) towable for your given drivetrain see Ú page 139.
All trailer hitches should be professionally installed on your vehicle.
Engine GCWRMaximum GTWMaximum Trailer TW (See Note)
3.6L - RWD Light Duty Cooling 8,900 lb (4,037 kg)3,500 lb (1,588 kg) 350 lb (159 kg)
3.6L - RWD 11,600 lb (5,262 kg) 6,200 lb (2,812 kg) 620 lb (281 kg)
3.6L - AWD Light Duty Cooling 8,900 lb (4,037 kg)3,500 lb (1,588 kg) 350 lb (159 kg)
3.6L - AWD 11,600 lb (5,262 kg) 6,200 lb (2,812 kg) 620 lb (281 kg)
5.7L - RWD 13,100 lb (5,942 kg) 7,400 lb (3,357 kg) 740 lb (336 kg)
5.7L - AWD 13,100 lb (5,942 kg) 7,200 lb (3,266 kg) 720 lb (327 kg)
5.7L - AWD R/T Tow N Go 14,600 lb (6,622 kg)8,700 lb (3,946 kg) 870 lb (395 kg)
Refer to local laws for maximum trailer towing speeds.
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140STARTING 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 refer -
enced on the Tire and Loading Information placard
Ú page 281. The addition of passengers and cargo
may require reducing trailer tongue load and Gross
Trailer Weight (GTW).
TRAILER HITCH RECEIVER COVER
R
EMOVAL — IF EQUIPPED
Your vehicle may be equipped with a trailer hitch
receiver 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/
bumper.

1. Turn the two locking retainers located at the
bottom of the hitch receiver cover a quarter
turn counterclockwise and pull bottom of the
hitch receiver cover outward (towards you).
Hitch Receiver Cover

2. Pull the bottom of the cover outward (towards you) then downwards to disengage the tabs
located at the top of the hitch receiver cover to
remove.

Hitch Receiver Cover
To reinstall the cover after towing, repeat the
procedure in reverse order.
NOTE:Be sure to engage all tabs of the hitch receiver
cover in the bumper fascia prior to installation.
TRAILER AND TONGUE WEIGHT
Never exceed the maximum tongue weight
stamped on your bumper or trailer hitch.

Weight Distribution

1 — Hitch Receiver Cover
2 — Locking Retainers

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