weight DODGE JOURNEY 2014 1.G Owner's Manual

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.
Tongue Weight (TW)
The tongue weight is the downward force exerted on the
hitch ball by the trailer. In most cases it should not be less
than 10% of the trailer load. You must consider this as
part of the load on your vehicle.
Frontal Area
The frontal area is the maximum height multiplied by the
maximum width of the front of a trailer.
Trailer Sway Control — Electronic
Refer to “Electronic Brake Control System/Trailer Sway
Control (TSC)” in “Starting and Operating” for further
information.
Trailer Sway Control — Mechanical
The trailer sway control is a 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.
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 the most popular on the market today and
they are commonly used to tow small and medium sized
trailers.
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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 vehicleand trailer configuration/loading to comply with Gross
Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) requirements. Weight Dis-
tribution hitched are recommended for loads in excess of
5,000 lbs (2,268 kg).
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 compatible
with Surge Brake Couplers. Consult with your hitch
and trailer manufacturer or a reputable Recreational
Vehicle dealer for additional information.5
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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 DefinitionsClass 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 (2 268 kg)
Trailer Hitch Classification Definitions Class Max. Trailer Hitch
Industry Standards
Class IV - Extra Heavy Duty 10,000 lbs (4 540 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.
500 STARTING AND OPERATING

Trailer Towing Weights (Maximum Trailer Weight Ratings)
The following chart provides the maximum trailer weight ratings towable for your given drivetrain:
Engine/TransmissionGCWR (Gross Com-bined Wt. Rating)Frontal Area Max. GTW (Gross
Trailer Wt.) Max. Tongue Wt.
2.4L/Automatic 6,000 lbs (2 722 kg) 22 sq ft
(2.0 sq m)1,000 lbs (454 kg)
which includes up to
5 persons & Luggage 100 lbs (45 kg)
3.6L/Automatic 7,300 lbs (3 311 kg) 32 sq ft
(3.0 sq m)2,500 lbs (1 134 kg)
which includes 1 to 2 persons & Luggage 200 lbs (91 kg)
7,300 lbs (3 311 kg) 32 sq ft (3.0 sq m)2,000 lbs (907 kg)
which includes 3 to 4 persons & Luggage 150 lbs (68 kg)
7,300 lbs (3 311 kg) 32 sq ft (3.0 sq m)1,500 lbs (680 kg)
which includes 5 to 7 persons & Luggage 100 lbs (45 kg)
* Except for AWD models
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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.
• * For All Wheel Drive (AWD) models carrying 5 to 7
persons and luggage will exceed the rear Gross Axle
Weight Rating (GAWR) and therefore should not be
attempted.
Trailer And Tongue Weight
Always load a trailer with 60% to 65% of the weight in
the front of the trailer. This places 10% to 15% of the
Gross Trailer Weight (GTW) on the tow hitch of your
vehicle. Loads balanced over the wheels or heavier in the
rear can cause the trailer to sway severelyside 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 maximum tongue weight stamped on
your bumper or trailer hitch.
502 STARTING AND OPERATING

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.
NOTE: Remember that everything put into or on the
trailer adds to the load on your vehicle. Also, additional
factory-installed options or authorized dealer-installed
options must be considered as part of the total load on
your vehicle. Refer to the “Tire and Loading Information”
placard for the maximum combined weight of occupants
and cargo for your vehicle.Towing Requirements
To promote proper break-in of your new vehicle drive-
train components the following guidelines are recom-
mended:
CAUTION!
• Do not tow a trailer at all during the first 500 miles
(805 km) the new vehicle is driven. The engine, axle
or other parts could be damaged.
• Then, during the first 500 miles (805 km) that a
trailer is towed, do not drive over 50 mph (80 km/h)
and do not make starts at full throttle. This helps
the engine and other parts of the vehicle wear in at
the heavier loads.
5
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WARNING!(Continued)
•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
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 pressures 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 information
on replacement tires and for the proper tire replace-
ment procedures. Replacing tires with a higher load
carrying capacity will not increase the vehicle’s GVWR
and GAWR limits.
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Speedometer..........................309
Tachometer ............................302
Gear Ranges ............................ .421
Gear Select Lever Override ..................538
General Information .......................147
Glass Cleaning .......................... .585
Gross Axle Weight Rating ...................495
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating ..................495
GVWR .................................495
Hazard Driving Through Flowing, Rising, or Shallow
Standing Water ........................ .431
Hazard Warning Flasher ....................515
Headlights Automatic ............................226
Bulb Replacement .......................596
Cleaning ............................ .584
Delay ............................... .227High Beam
............................596
High Beam/Low Beam Select Switch .........230
Lights On Reminder .....................227
On With Wipers ........................226
Passing ............................. .230
Switch ...............................225
Time Delay ............................227
Head Restraints ..........................209
Heated Mirrors .......................... .123
Heated Seats ............................ .202
Heater, Engine Block .......................417
High Beam/Low Beam Select (Dimmer) Switch . . . .230
Hill Start Assist .......................... .448
Hitches Trailer Towing ........................ .500
Holder, Coin ............................ .278
Holder, Cup ............................ .275
634 INDEX

Tongue Weight/Trailer Weight................502
To Open Hood .......................... .223
Towing ............................... .496
Behind a Motorhome .....................510
Disabled Vehicle ........................539
Guide ...............................501
Recreational .......................... .510
Weight ...............................501
Towing Vehicle Behind a Motorhome ...........510
Traction ............................... .430
Traction Control ..........................442
Trailer Sway Control (TSC) ..................447
Trailer Towing .......................... .496
Cooling System Tips .....................510
Hitches ............................. .500
Minimum Requirements ..................503
Tips................................ .508
Trailer and Tongue Weight .................502
Wiring ...............................507 Trailer Towing Guide
.......................501
Trailer Weight ............................501
Transaxle Autostick ............................ .427
Transmission Automatic ............................417
Filter ............................... .578
Fluid ............................... .575
Transmitter Battery Service (Remote Keyless Entry) . .25
Transmitter, Garage Door Opener (HomeLink®). . . .256
Transmitter Programming (Remote Keyless Entry) . . .22
Transmitter, Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) .........22
Tread Wear Indicators ..................... .468
Trip Odometer .......................... .304
Turn Signals ............................ .229
UCI Connector .......................... .372
Uconnect® Advanced Phone Connectivity ..............143
10
INDEX 645