weight DODGE NITRO 2007 1.G Owner's Manual

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.
310 STARTING AND OPERATING

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.
312 STARTING AND OPERATING

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.
STARTING AND OPERATING 313
5

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.
314 STARTING AND OPERATING

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.
STARTING AND OPERATING 315
5

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
316 STARTING AND OPERATING

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.
STARTING AND OPERATING 317
5

Gauges
Coolant Temperature.................... 164
Fuel................................ 164
Odometer........................... 172
Speedometer......................... 166
Tachometer.......................... 170
Gear Ranges......................245,249,255
General Information.................... 19,295
Glass Cleaning.......................... 370
Gross Axle Weight Rating.................. 307
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating................ 306
GVWR ............................... 303
Hands-Free Phone (UConnect™).............. 84
Hazard Warning Flasher................... 324
Head Restraints......................... 113
Head Rests............................ 113
Headlights
Bulb Replacement...................... 379Dimmer Switch....................... 120
Replacing............................ 379
Switch .............................. 120
Heated Seats........................... 113
Heater, Engine Block..................... 243
High Beam Indicator..................... 166
Hitches
TrailerTowing ........................ 310
Holder,Cup ........................... 147
HomeLink(Garage Door Opener) Transmitter . . . 134
Hood Release.......................... 117
Hoses.............................360,361
Hydraulic Clutch Fluid.................... 364
Ignition............................... 14
Key ................................. 14
Ignition Key Removal..................... 14
Illuminated Entry........................ 20
Infant Restraint........................ 64,65
426 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

Disabled Vehicle....................... 334
Guide .............................. 310
Recreational.......................... 321
Weight .............................. 310
Traction Control......................129,169
TrailerTowing .......................... 305
Cooling System Tips.................... 321
Hitches............................. 310
Minimum Requirements................. 315
Trailer and Tongue Weight................ 314
Wiring .............................. 318
TrailerTowingGuide ..................... 310
TrailerWeight .......................... 310
Transaxle............................. 247
Automatic........................... 247
Operation........................... 247
Transfer Case........................... 365
Fluid ............................... 384
Maintenance.......................... 365Transmission........................249,254
Automatic........................249,254
Fluid ............................... 384
Maintenance.......................363,364
Manual............................. 243
Transmitter Battery Service
(Remote Keyless Entry).................... 24
Transmitter, Garage Door
Opener (HomeLink) ..................... 134
Transmitter Programming
(Remote Keyless Entry).................... 24
Tread Wear Indicators.................... 282
Trip Computer.......................... 175
Trip Odometer.......................... 172
Trip Odometer Reset Button................ 174
Turn Signals...................121,167,379,381
UConnect™ (Hands-Free Phone).............. 84
Uniform Tire Quality Grades................ 417
INDEX 435
10