load capacity DODGE GRAND CARAVAN 2008 5.G User Guide

4. Trailer tongue weight rating for that trailer hitch.
(This requirement may limit the ability to always
achieve the 10% to 15% range of trailer tongue weight
as a percentage of total trailer weight.)
Towing Requirements Ð Tires
²
Do not attempt to tow a trailer while using a compact
spare tire.
²Proper tire inflation pressures are essential to the safe
and satisfactory operation of your vehicle. Refer to the
Tires±General Information section of this manual on
Tire Pressures for proper tire inflation procedures.
²Also, check the trailer tires for proper tire inflation
pressures before trailer usage.
²Check for signs of tire wear or visible tire damage
before towing a trailer. Refer to the Tires±General
Information section of this manual on Tread Wear
Indicators for the proper inspection procedure.
²When replacing tires refer to the Tires±General Infor-
mation section of this manual on Replacement Tires
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 Ð Trailer Brakes
²
Donotinterconnect the hydraulic brake system or
vacuum system of your vehicle with that of the trailer.
This could cause inadequate braking and possible
personal injury.
²An 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.
402 STARTING AND OPERATING

²Trailer brakes are recommended for trailers over 1,000
lbs (454 kg) and required for trailers in excess of 2,000
lbs (907 kg).
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 hy-
draulic brake lines. It can overload your brake sys-
tem and cause it to fail. You might not have brakes
when you need them and could have an accident.
Towing any trailer will increase your stopping dis-
tance. When towing you should allow for additional
space between your vehicle and the vehicle in front
of you. Failure to do so could result in an accident.
STARTING AND OPERATING 403
5

Synthetic Engine Oil...................... 444
System, Navigation...................... 283
System, Remote Starting.................... 28
Tachometer............................ 229
Temperature Control, Automatic (ATC)........ 309
Temperature Gauge, Engine Coolant........226,411
Tether Anchor, Child Restraint............... 86
Tilt Steering Column..................... 171
Tip Start............................... 13
Tire and Loading Information Placard......... 353
Tire Identification Number (TIN)............. 352
Tire Markings.......................... 348
Tire Safety Information.................... 348
Tires ............................94,357,505
Aging (Life of Tires).................... 364
Air Pressure.......................... 357
Alignment........................... 366
Chains.............................. 367Changing............................ 412
Compact Spare........................ 361
Flat Changing........................ 422
General Information.................... 357
High Speed.......................... 360
Inflation Pressures..................... 358
Jacking...........................412,415
Life of Tires.......................... 364
Load Capacity.....................353,354
Pressure Monitor System (TPMS)........... 369
Quality Grading....................... 505
Radial.............................. 361
Replacement......................... 365
Rotation............................. 368
Safety...........................348,357
Sizes............................... 350
Snow Tires........................... 368
Spare Tire........................... 414
Spinning............................ 363
524 INDEX