load capacity DODGE NITRO 2007 1.G User Guide

Each axle GAWR is determined by the components in the
system with the lowest load carrying capacity (axle,
springs, tires or wheels). Heavier axles or suspension
components sometimes specified by purchasers for in-
creased durability does not necessarily increase the vehi-
cle’s GVWR.
Tire Size
The tire size on the Label represents the actual tire size on
your vehicle. Replacement tires must be equal to the load
capacity of this tire size.
Rim Size
This is the rim size that is appropriate for the tire size
listed.
Inflation Pressure
This is the cold tire inflation pressure for your vehicle for
all loading conditions up to full GAWR.
Curb Weight
The curb weight of a vehicle is defined as the total weight
of the vehicle with all fluids, including vehicle fuel, at full
capacity conditions, and with no occupants or cargo
loaded into the vehicle. The front and rear curb weight
values are determined by weighing your vehicle on a
commercial scale before any occupants or cargo are
added.
Loading
The actual total weight and the weight of the front and
rear of your vehicle at the ground can best be determined
by weighing it when it is loaded and ready for operation.
The entire vehicle should first be weighed on a commer-
cial scale to insure that the GVWR has not been exceeded.
The weight on the front and rear of the vehicle should
then be determined separately to be sure that the load is
properly distributed over front and rear axle. Weighing
the vehicle may show that the GAWR of either the front
304 STARTING AND OPERATING

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!
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 an accident.
Tongue Weight (TW)
The downward force exerted on the hitch ball by the
trailer. In most cases it should not be less than 10% or
more than 15% of the trailer load. You must consider this
as part of the load on your vehicle.
Frontal Area
The maximum height and maximum width of the front of
a trailer.
Trailer Sway Control
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 kind of
hitches are the most popular on the market today and
they’re commonly used to tow small- and medium-sized
trailers.
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5

3. GAWR
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 — 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 the
Tires–General Information section of this manual on
Tire Pressures for proper tire inflation procedures.
Also, 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 the Tires–GeneralInformation section of this manual on Tread Wear
Indicators for the proper inspection procedure.
When 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 — 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.
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5

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 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 — Trailer Lights & Wiring
Whenever you pull a trailer, regardless of the trailer size,
stop lights and turn signals on the trailer are required for
motoring safety.
The Trailer Tow Package may includea4and7pin
wiring harness. Use a factory approved trailer harness
and connector.
318 STARTING AND OPERATING

CargoLight ............................ 150
Cargo Load Floor........................ 151
Cargo Slide Out System
LoadNGo ........................... 153
Cargo Tie-Downs........................ 150
Catalytic Converter...................... 348
CD (Compact Disc) Player Maintenance........ 227
Cellular Phone.......................... 84
Center High Mounted Stop Light............ 381
Certification Label....................... 303
Changing A Flat Tire..................... 326
Charging.............................. 332
Chart, Tire Sizing........................ 270
Check Engine Light
(Malfunction Indicator Light)............... 341
Checks, Safety......................... 75,76
Child Restraint.................... 64,65,69,72
Child Restraint Tether Anchors............. 68,69
Child Safety Locks........................ 30Climate Control......................... 228
Clock ...........................193,208,219
Compact Disc (CD) Maintenance............. 227
Compass........................175,178,183
Compass Calibration..................178,184
Compass Variance....................177,184
Computer, Trip/Travel.................... 182
Console.............................. 149
Console, Floor.......................... 149
Contract, Service........................ 414
Converter, Catalytic...................... 348
Cooling System......................... 355
Adding Coolant (Antifreeze).............. 357
Coolant Capacity...................... 382
Coolant Level......................... 359
Disposal of Used Coolant................ 358
Drain, Flush, and Refill.................. 356
Inspection........................... 355
Points to Remember.................... 359
Pressure Cap......................... 358
422 INDEX

Odometer
Trip ................................ 174
Oil, Engine.........................343,383
Capacity............................ 382
Dipstick............................. 343
Filter ............................346,383
Identification Logo..................... 345
Materials Added to..................... 346
Recommendation...................345,382
Viscosity..........................346,382
Onboard Diagnostic System..............340,341
Opener, Garage Door (HomeLink) ........... 134
Outside Rearview Mirrors.................. 82
Overdrive.......................171,251,257
Overdrive OFF Switch.................251,257
Overheating, Engine...................165,325
Owner’s Manual (Operator Manual).......... 416
PaintCare ............................. 366Paint Damage.......................... 366
Panic Alarm............................ 23
Parking Brake.......................... 263
Parking On Hill......................... 263
Passing Light........................... 121
PCVValve ............................ 350
Personal Settings........................ 188
Pets.................................. 73
Pets, Transporting........................ 73
Phone, Cellular.......................... 84
Phone, Hands-Free (UConnect™)............. 84
Placard, Tire and Loading Information......... 274
PolishingandWaxing ..................... 367
Power
Distribution Center (Fuses)............... 371
Door Locks........................... 29
Inverter............................. 146
Mirrors .............................. 83
Steering..........................268,352
430 INDEX

System, Navigation...................... 219
System, Remote Starting.................... 26
Table, Utility........................... 152
Tachometer............................ 170
Temperature Gauge, Engine Coolant.......... 164
Tether Anchor, Child Restraint............... 68
Tie Down Hooks, Cargo................... 150
Tilt Steering Column..................... 124
Tip Start.............................. 240
Tire and Loading Information Placard......... 274
Tire Identification Number (TIN)............. 272
Tire Markings.......................... 269
Tire Safety Information.................... 269
Tires ............................ 76,278,417
Air Pressure.......................... 279
Alignment and Balance.................. 284
Chains.............................. 285
Changing............................ 326General Information.................... 278
High Speed.......................... 281
Inflation Pressures..................... 279
Jacking............................. 326
LifeofTires .......................... 283
Load Capacity.....................274,275
Pressure Monitor System (TPMS)........... 287
Quality Grading....................... 417
Radial.............................. 281
Replacement......................... 283
Rotation............................. 286
Safety............................ 76,269
Sizes ............................... 270
Spare Tire........................... 327
Spinning ............................ 281
Tread Wear Indicators................... 282
Tongue Weight/Trailer Weight.............. 314
Torque Converter Clutch................254,258
Towing ............................... 305
434 INDEX