trailer DODGE NITRO 2007 1.G User Guide

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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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 manufacturers’ directions, it
provides 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 Vehicle
and Trailer configuration/loading to comply with gross
axle weight rating (GAWR) requirements.WARNING!
An improperly adjusted Weight Distributing Hitch
system may reduce handling, stability, braking per-
formance, and could result in an accident.
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.
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Trailer Hitch Classification
Your vehicle is capable of towing trailers up to 2,000 lbs
(907 kg) without added equipment or alterations to the
standard equipment. Your vehicle may be factory
equipped for safe towing of trailers weighing over 2,000
lbs (907 kg) with the optional Trailer Tow Prep Package.
See your dealer for package content.
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.
Refer to the Trailer Towing Weights (Maximum Trailer
Weight Ratings) chart for the Max. GTW towable for your
given drivetrain.Trailer Hitch Classification
Class Max. GTW (Gross Trailer
Wt.)
ClassI-LightDuty 2,000lbs(907 kg)
Class II - Medium
Duty3,500 lbs (1 587 kg)
Class III - Heavy Duty 5,000 lbs (2 268 kg)
Class IV - Extra
Heavy Duty10,000 lbs (4 540 kg)
All trailer hitches should be professionally installed on
your vehicle.
Trailer Towing Weights (Maximum Trailer Weight
Ratings)
The following chart provides the maximum trailer
weight ratings towable for your given drivetrain.
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Engine/
TransmissionModel GCWR (Gross Com-
bined Wt. Rating)Frontal Area Max. GTW (Gross
Trailer Wt.)Tongue Wt. (See
Note)
3.7L/6-Speed
Manual4x2 8,500 lbs (3 855 kg) 40 Sq. Ft. (3.72
square meters)3,500 lbs (1 587 kg) 350 lbs (159 kg)
3.7L/6-Speed
Manual4x4 8,750 lbs (3 969 kg) 40 Sq. Ft. (3.72
square meters)3,500 lbs (1 587 kg) 350 lbs (159 kg)
3.7L/
Automatic4x2 7,150 lbs (3 243 kg) 32 Sq. Ft. (2.97
square meters)2,000 lbs (907 kg) 200 lbs (91 kg)
3.7L/
Automatic4x4 7,400 lbs ( 3 356 kg) 32 Sq. Ft. (2.97
square meters)2,000 lbs (907 kg) 200 lbs (91 kg)
3.7L/
Automatic w/
Cooler4x2 9,850 lbs (4 468 kg) 64 Sq. Ft. (5.94
square meters)3,500 lbs (1 588 kg) 350 lbs (159 kg)
3.7L/
Automatic
w/Cooler4x4 10,100 lbs (4 581 kg) 64 Sq. Ft. (5.94
square meters)3,500 lbs (1 588 kg) 350 lbs (159 kg)
4.0L/
Automatic4x2 7,150 lbs (3 243 kg) 32 Sq. Ft. (2.97
square meters)2,000 lbs (907 kg) 200 lbs (91 kg)
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4.0L/
Automatic4x4 7,400 lbs ( 3 356 kg) 32 Sq. Ft. (2.97
square meters)2,000 lbs (907 kg) 200 lbs (91 kg)
4.0L/
Automatic w/
Cooler4x2 9,850 lbs (4 468 kg) 64 Sq. Ft. (5.94
square meters)3,500 lbs (1 588 kg) 350 lbs (159 kg)
4.0L/
Automatic w/
Cooler4x4 10,100 lbs (4 581 kg) 64 Sq. Ft. (5.94
square meters)3,500 lbs (1 588 kg) 350 lbs (159 kg)
Refer to local laws for maximum trailer towing speeds.
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 the Tire–
Safety Information section in this manual.When Towing Trailers with Gross Trailer Weight
(GTW) between 3,500 lbs (1 588 kg) and 5,000 lbs (2 268
kg)
The following chart provides maximum trailer weight
ratings towable for the following engine/transmission
combinations,ONLYif using a weight distributing hitch.
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Engine/
TransmissionModel GCWR (Gross Com-
bined Wt. Rating)Frontal Area Max. GTW (Gross
Trailer Wt.)Tongue Wt. (See
Note)
3.7L/
Automatic w/
Cooler4x2 9,850 lbs (4 468 kg) 64 Sq. Ft. (5.94
square meters)5,000 lbs (2 268 kg) 500 lbs (227 kg)
3.7L/
Automatic
w/Cooler4x4 10,100 lbs (4 581 kg) 64 Sq. Ft. (5.94
square meters)5,000 lbs (2 268 kg) 500 lbs (227 kg)
4.0L/
Automatic w/
Cooler4x2 9,850 lbs (4 468 kg) 64 Sq. Ft. (5.94
square meters)5,000 lbs (2 268 kg) 500 lbs (227 kg)
4.0L/
Automatic w/
Cooler4x4 10,100 lbs (4 581 kg) 64 Sq. Ft. (5.94
square meters)5,000 lbs (2 268 kg) 500 lbs (227 kg)
Refer to local laws for maximum trailer towing speeds.
NOTE:The trailer tongue weight must be considered as
part of the combined weight of occupants and cargo, andshould never exceed the weight referenced on the Tire
and Loading Information placard. Refer to the Tire–
Safety Information section in this manual.
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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 swayseverelyside to side
which will cause loss of control of vehicle and trailer.
Failure to load trailers heavier in front is the cause of
many trailer accidents.
Never exceed the maximum tongue weight stamped on
your bumper or trailer hitch.
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.
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NOTE:Remember that everything put into or on the
trailer adds to the load on your vehicle. Also, additional
factory-installed options, or dealer-installed options,
must be considered as part of the total load on your
vehicle. Refer to the Tire and Loading Information plac-
ard in the Tire Safety Information section of this manual
for the maximum combined weight of occupants and
cargo for your vehicle.
Towing Requirements
To promote proper break-in of your new vehicle driv-
etrain components the following guidelines are recom-
mended:
CAUTION!
•Avoid towing a trailer for the first 500 miles (805
km) of vehicle operation. Doing so may damage
your vehicle.
•During the first 500 miles (805 km) of trailer
towing, limit your speed to 50 mph (80 km/h).
Perform the maintenance listed in Section 8 of this
manual. When towing a trailer, never exceed the GAWR,
or GCWR, ratings.
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WARNING!
Improper towing can lead to an injury accident.
Follow these guidelines to make your trailer towing
as safe as possible:
Make certain that the load is secured in the trailer
and will not shift during travel. When trailering
cargo that is not fully secured, dynamic load shifts
can occur that may be difficult for the driver to
control. You could lose control of your vehicle and
have an accident.
•When hauling cargo or towing a trailer, do not over-
load your vehicle or trailer. Overloading can cause a
loss of control, poor performance or damage to brakes,
axle, engine, transmission, steering, suspension, chas-
sis structure or tires.
•Safety chains must always be used between your
vehicle and trailer. Always connect the chains to the
frame or hook retainers of the vehicle hitch. Cross the
chains under the trailer tongue and allow enough
slack for turning corners.
•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 transmission in
P (Park). With a manual transmission, shift the trans-
mission into R (Reverse). Always, block orchockthe
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
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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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