load capacity DODGE JOURNEY 2017 1.G User Guide

Do not exceed the specified Gross Vehicle Weight Rating
(GVWR) or the Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR).
Vehicle Certification Label
Your vehicle has a Vehicle Certification Label affixed to the
drivers side B-Pillar or the rear of the driver ’s door.
The label contains the following information:
•Name of manufacturer
• Month and year of manufacture
• Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR)
• Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) front
• Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) rear
• Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
• Type of vehicle
• Month Day and Hour of Manufacture (MDH)
The bar code allows a computer scanner to read the VIN.
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR)
The GVWR is the total allowable weight of your vehicle.
This includes driver, passengers, and cargo. The total load
must be limited so that you do not exceed the GVWR.
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.
WARNING!
Because the front wheels steer the vehicle, it is impor-
tant 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.
Overloading
The load carrying components (axle, springs, tires, wheels,
etc.) of your vehicle will provide satisfactory service as
long as you do not exceed the GVWR and the front and
rear GAWR.
The best way to figure out the total weight of your vehicle
is to weigh it when it is fully loaded and ready for
operation. Weigh it on a commercial scale to ensure that it
is not over the GVWR.
388 STARTING AND OPERATING

Gross Trailer Weight (GTW)
The GTW is the weight of the trailer plus the weight of all
cargo, consumables and equipment (permanent or tempo-
rary) loaded in or on the trailer in itsloaded 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 permissible 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. 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.
Tongue Weight (TW)
The tongue weight is the downward force exerted on the
hitch ball by the trailer. 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.
390 STARTING AND OPERATING

WARNING!(Continued)
•Vehicles with trailers should not be parked on a
grade. When parking, apply the parking brake on the
tow vehicle. Put the tow vehicle automatic transmis-
sion in PARK. Always, block or chockthe 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
3. GAWR
4. Tongue weight rating for the trailer hitch utilized.
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 Operat-
ing” 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 Informa-
tion” in “Starting And Operating” for information on
replacement tires and 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 per-
sonal injury.
• An electronically actuated trailer brake controller is
required when towing a trailer with electronically actu-
ated brakes. When towing a trailer equipped with a
hydraulic surge actuated brake system, an electronic
brake controller is not required.
396 STARTING AND OPERATING

•Trailer brakes are recommended for trailers over
1,000 lbs (453 kg) and required for trailers in excess of
2,000 lbs (907 kg).
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 a collision.
• 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 a collision.
CAUTION!
If the trailer weighs more than 1,000 lbs (453 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.
Towing Requirements — Trailer Lights And Wiring
(If Equipped)
Whenever you pull a trailer, regardless of the trailer size,
stoplights and turn signals on the trailer are required for
motoring safety.
The Trailer Tow Package may include a four- and seven-pin
wiring harness. Use a factory approved trailer harness and
connector.
NOTE: Do not cut or splice wiring into the vehicles wiring
harness.
The electrical connections are all complete to the vehicle
but you must mate the harness to a trailer connector. Refer
to the following illustrations.
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 397

Cargo Load Floor......................... .210
Cargo Management System ...................210
Rollaway Tonneau Cover ...................212
Tri-Fold Load Floor ...................... .210
Cargo Tie-Downs ...........................211
Cargo (Vehicle Loading) ..................210, 387
Car Washes .............................. .455
Certification Label ......................... .388
Chains, Tire ............................. .371
Changing A Flat Tire ....................... .407
Chart, Tire Sizing .......................... .354
Check Engine Light (Malfunction Indicator Light). . . .432
Checking Your Vehicle For Safety ................81
Checks, Safety .............................81
Child Restraint .............................59
Child Restraints Booster Seats ............................66
Child Restraints ..........................59
Child Seat Installation ......................76
How To Stow An Unused ALR Seat Belt .........74
Infants And Child Restraints .................62
Locating The LATCH Anchorages ..............70
Lower Anchors And Tethers For Children ........68
Older Children And Child Restraints ...........63
Using The Top Tether Anchorage ..............78Child Safety Locks
..........................25
Clean Air Gasoline ........................ .380
Cleaning Wheels ............................... .456
Coin Holder ............................. .206
Cold Weather Operation ..................... .327
Compact Disc (CD) Maintenance ................297
Compact Spare Tire ........................ .367
Computer, Trip/Travel ...................... .247
Connector UCI ................................. .295
Universal Consumer Interface (UCI) ...........295
Conserving Fuel .......................... .245
Console, Floor ............................ .206
Console, Overhead ........................ .188
Contract, Service .......................... .486
Coolant Pressure Cap (Radiator Cap) .............447
Cooling
System........................... .445
Adding Coolant (Antifreeze) .................446
Coolant Capacity ........................ .472
Coolant Level ....................... .445, 448
Disposal Of Used Coolant ..................448
Drain, Flush, And Refill ....................445
Inspection ............................. .448
Points To Remember ..................... .449
492 INDEX

Aging (Life Of Tires)..................... .370
Air Pressure ........................... .362
Chains ............................... .371
Changing ............................. .407
Compact Spare ......................... .367
General Information ...................362, 366
High Speed ............................ .364
Inflation Pressures ....................... .363
Jacking ............................... .407
Life Of Tires ........................... .370
Load Capacity ...................... .358, 359
Pressure Monitor System (TPMS) .............374
Pressure Warning Light ....................235
Quality Grading ........................ .373
Radial ............................... .364
Replacement ........................... .370
Rotation .............................. .372
Safety ............................ .353, 362
Sizes ................................ .354
Snow Tires ............................ .365
Spare Tire ...................... .366, 368, 407
Spinning .............................. .369
Trailer Towing .......................... .396
Tread Wear Indicators .....................369
Tire Safety Information ...................... .353Tongue Weight/Trailer Weight
.................394
To Open Hood ........................... .166
Towing ................................. .389
Behind A Motorhome ..................... .400
Disabled Vehicle ........................ .423
Guide ................................ .393
Recreational ........................... .400
Weight ............................... .393
Towing Vehicle Behind A Motorhome ............400
T

raction ............................. .337, 338
Traction Control .......................... .348
Trailer Towing ............................ .389
Cooling System Tips ..................... .400
Hitches ............................... .392
Minimum Requirements ....................395
Tips ................................. .399
Trailer And Tongue Weight ..................394
Wiring ............................... .397
Trailer Towing Guide ....................... .393
Trailer Weight ............................ .393
Transaxle Autostick ............................. .336
Transmission Automatic ......................... .329, 451
Filter ................................ .453
504 INDEX