load capacity DODGE GRAND CARAVAN 2013 5.G User Guide

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. 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 operationcondition. 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 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 infor-
mation.
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.
542 STARTING AND OPERATING

•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
•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.
•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).
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 hydrau-
lic 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)
552 STARTING AND OPERATING

Odometer...............................312
Oil Change Indicator.......................313
Oil Change Indicator, Reset..................313
Oil, Engine..............................597
Capacity.............................638
Change Interval........................597
Checking.............................597
Disposal..............................599
Filter................................599
Filter Disposal.........................599
Identification Logo......................598
Materials Added to......................599
Recommendation.......................597
Synthetic.............................598
Viscosity.............................598
Oil Filter, Selection........................599
Onboard Diagnostic System..................592
Opener, Garage Door (HomeLink®)............256
Operator Manual (Owner’s Manual).............4Outside Rearview Mirrors...................130
Overhead Console.........................252
Overhead Travel Information Center............252
Overheating, Engine.......................322
Owner’s Manual (Operator Manual).............4
Paint Care..............................619
Panic Alarm..............................25
Parking Brake............................481
Park Sense System, Rear....................241
Pedals, Adjustable.........................235
Personal Settings..........................342
Pets, Transporting.........................112
Placard, Tire and Loading Information..........502
Power
Door Locks............................37
Lift Gate..............................53
Mirrors..............................133
Outlet (Auxiliary Electrical Outlet)
...........26910
INDEX 673

Sway Control, Trailer.......................492
Synthetic Engine Oil.......................598
System, Remote Starting.....................30
Tachometer..............................311
Telescoping Steering Column.................232
Temperature Control, Automatic (ATC)..........440
Temperature Gauge, Engine Coolant............322
Tilt Steering Column.......................232
Tire and Loading Information Placard...........502
Tire Markings............................496
Tires ..................................120
Aging (Life of Tires).....................515
Air Pressure...........................506
Chains...............................517
Changing.............................561
Compact Spare.........................511
General Information.....................506
High Speed...........................509Inflation Pressures.......................507
Jacking...............................561
Life of Tires...........................515
Load Capacity.........................502
Pressure Monitor System (TPMS)............520
Pressure Warning Light...................315
Quality Grading........................657
Radial...............................509
Replacement...........................515
Rotation..............................518
Safety...............................496
Sizes................................497
Snow Tires............................510
Spare Tire.............................563
Spinning.............................514
Trailer Towing.........................551
Tread Wear Indicators....................514
Tire Safety Information.....................496
Tongue Weight/Trailer Weight................548
10
INDEX 677