load capacity DODGE MAGNUM 2008 1.G User Guide

4. Tongue weight rating for the trailer hitch utilized
(This requirement may limit the ability to always
achieve the 10% to 15% range of tongue weight as a
percentage of total trailer weight).
Towing Requirements Ð Tires
þ
Do not attempt to tow a trailer while using a compact
spare tire.
þProper tire inflation pressures are essential to the safe
and satisfactory operation of your vehicle. Refer to the
ªTires±General Informationº in this section for infor-
mation on tire pressures and for proper tire inflation
procedures.
þAlso, check the trailer tires for proper tire inflation
pressures before trailer usage.
þCheck for signs of tire wear or visible tire damage
before towing a trailer. Refer to ªTires±General Infor-
mationº in this section for information on tread wear
indicators and for the proper inspection procedure.
þWhen replacing tires, refer to ªTires±General Informa-
tionº in this section 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 Ð Trailer Brakes
þ
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.
þAn electronically actuated trailer brake controller is
required when towing a trailer with electronically
352 STARTING AND OPERATING

actuated brakes. When towing a trailer equipped with
a hydraulic surge actuated brake system, an electronic
brake controller is not required.
þTrailer 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.
Towing Requirements Ð Trailer Lights & Wiring
Whenever you pull a trailer, regardless of the trailer size,
stoplights and turn signals on the trailer are required for
motoring safety.
STARTING AND OPERATING 353
5

Flat Changing........................ 362
General Information.................... 311
High Speed.......................... 314
Inflation Pressures..................... 312
Jacking...........................363,366
Life of Tires.......................... 317
Load Capacity.....................307,308
Pressure Monitor System (TPMS)........... 322
Quality Grading....................... 456
Radial.............................. 314
Replacement......................... 318
Rotation............................. 321
Safety............................302,311
Self-Sealing.......................... 320
Sizes............................... 304
Snow Tires........................... 321
Spare Tire........................... 364
Spinning............................ 316
Trailer Towing........................ 352Tread Wear Indicators................... 317
To Open Hood.......................... 123
Tongue Weight/Trailer Weight.............. 349
Torque Converter Clutch.................. 279
Towing............................... 342
Behind a Motor Home.................. 357
Disabled Vehicle....................... 377
Guide.............................. 347
Recreational.......................... 357
Weight.............................. 347
Towing Vehicle Behind a Motor Home......... 357
Traction Control......................... 296
Traction Control Light.................... 296
Traction Control Switch................... 296
Trailer Towing.......................... 342
Cooling System Tips.................... 356
Hitches............................. 346
Minimum Requirements................. 350
Trailer and Tongue Weight................ 349
INDEX 479
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