towing DODGE NITRO 2011 1.G Owner's Manual

WARNING! (Continued)
•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 a collision.
•When hauling cargo or towing a trailer, do not
overload your vehicle or trailer. Overloading can
cause a loss of control, poor performance or dam-
age to brakes, axle, engine, transmission, steering,
suspension, chassis 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.(Continued)
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 transmission
in PARK. 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
3. GAWR
4. Tongue weight rating for the trailer hitch uti-
lized. (This requirement may limit the ability to
always achieve the 10% to 15% range of tongue
weight as a percentage of total trailer weight).
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 371

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 Oper-
ating” for proper tire inflation procedures.
Check the trailer tires for proper tire inflation pres-
sures 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 Infor-
mation” in “Starting and Operating” for proper tirereplacement 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
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.
Trailer brakes are recommended for trailers over
1,000 lbs (454 kg) and required for trailers in excess of
2,000 lbs (907 kg).
372 STARTING AND OPERATING

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
hydraulic brake lines. It can overload your brake
system and cause it to fail. You might not have
brakes when you need them and could have a
collision.(Continued)
WARNING! (Continued)
•Towing any trailer will increase your stopping
distance. When towing you should allow for addi-
tional space between your vehicle and the vehicle
in front of you. Failure to do so could result in a
collision.
Towing Requirements – Trailer Lights and 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 include a four-pin 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.5
STARTING AND OPERATING 373

Towing Tips
Before setting out on a trip, practice turning, stopping
and backing up the trailer in an area away from heavy
traffic.
Automatic Transmission
The “D” range can be selected when towing. However, if
frequent shifting occurs while in this range, the “TOW/
HAUL” button (if equipped) or a lower gear range
should be selected.
NOTE:Using the “TOW/HAUL” button (3.7L engine)
or “4” range (4.0L engine) while operating the vehicle
under heavy operating conditions will improve perfor-
mance and extend transmission life by reducing exces-
sive shifting and heat build up. This action will also
provide better engine braking. The automatic transmission fluid and filter should be
changed if you regularly tow a trailer for more than
45 minutes of continuous operation. Refer to “Mainte-
nance Schedule” for the proper maintenance intervals.
TOW/HAUL – If Equipped
To reduce potential for automatic transmission overheat-
ing, press the “TOW/HAUL” button when driving in
hilly areas or shift the transmission to DRIVE position 2
on more severe grades. Refer to “Automatic Transmis-
sion” in “Starting and Operating” for further
information.
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 375

RECREATIONAL TOWING (BEHIND MOTORHOME, ETC.)
Towing This Vehicle Behind Another Vehicle
Towing Condition Wheel OFF the Ground Two-Wheel Drive Models Four-Wheel Drive ModelsFlat Tow NONENOT ALLOWED NOT ALLOWED
Dolly Tow Front
NOT ALLOWED NOT ALLOWED
Rear OKNOT ALLOWED
On Trailer ALL OK OK
Recreational Towing — Two-Wheel Drive Models
Recreational towing is allowed if the rear wheels are OFF
the ground. This may be accomplished using a tow dolly
or vehicle trailer. If using a tow dolly, follow this proce-
dure:
1. Properly secure the dolly to the tow vehicle, following
the dolly manufacturer’s instructions.
2. Drive the rear wheels onto the tow dolly. 3. Firmly set the parking brake. Place the transmission in
PARK.
4. Properly secure the rear wheels to the dolly, following
the dolly manufacturer’s instructions.
5. Turn the ignition switch to the unlocked OFF position.
6. Install a suitable clamping device, designed for tow-
ing, to secure the front wheels in the straight position.
7. Disconnect the negative battery cable and secure it
away from the battery post.5
STARTING AND OPERATING 377

Flat towing (with all four wheels on the ground) is
allowed ONLY if the driveshaft is removed.Towing
with the rear wheels on the ground while the driveshaft
is connected will result in severe transmission damage.
WARNING!
If the driveshaft is removed, the vehicle can roll even
if the transmission is in PARK, which could cause
serious injury or death.
The parking brake mustbe firmly engaged and the
wheels chocked during driveshaft removal and installa-
tion. The parking brake must remainengaged unless the
vehicle is securely and properly connected to the tow
vehicle, or the driveshaft is completely reinstalled. See
your authorized dealer for proper driveshaft removal
and reinstallation procedures, including flange
orientation/alignment, use of thread-locking compound,
proper bolt torque specifications, etc.
CAUTION!
Towing with the rear wheels on the ground (while the
driveshaft is connected) will cause severe transmis-
sion damage. Damage from improper towing is not
covered under the New Vehicle Limited Warranty.
Recreational Towing — Four-Wheel Drive Models
Recreational towing is not allowed. These models do
not have a NEUTRAL position in the transfer case.
NOTE:
This vehicle may be towed on a flatbed or vehicle
trailer provided all four wheels are OFF
the ground.
CAUTION!
Towing this vehicle in violation of the above require-
ments can cause severe transmission and/or transfer
case damage. Damage from improper towing is not
covered under the New Vehicle Limited Warranty.
378 STARTING AND OPERATING

WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES
CONTENTS
Hazard Warning Flashers ................ 380
 If Your Engine Overheats ................ 380
 Jacking And Tire Changing ............... 381
▫ Jack Location ....................... 382
▫ Spare Tire Stowage ................... 382
▫ Spare Tire Removal ................... 383
▫ Preparations For Jacking ............... 383
▫ Jacking Instructions ................... 384 
Jump-Starting Procedures ................ 388
▫ Preparations For Jump-Start ............. 388
▫ Jump-Starting Procedure ............... 390
 Freeing A Stuck Vehicle ................. 392
 Shift Lever Override ................... 393
 Towing A Disabled Vehicle ............... 394
▫ Towing Without The Ignition Key FOB ..... 396
▫ Two-Wheel Drive Models .............. 396
▫ Four-Wheel Drive Vehicles .............. 397
6

5. Using a screwdriver, reach into the opening and press
and hold the shift override lever down.6. Move the shift lever into the NEUTRAL position.
7. The vehicle may then be started in NEUTRAL.
8. Reinstall the shift lever override access cover.
TOWING A DISABLED VEHICLE
This section describes procedures for towing a disabled
vehicle using a commercial wrecker service. If the trans-
mission and drivetrain are operable, disabled vehicles
may also be towed as described under “Recreational
Towing” in the “Starting and Operating” section.
Shift Lever Override Access
394 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

Towing Condition Wheels OFFthe Ground 2WD Models
4WD Models
Flat Tow NONE If transmission is operable:
•Trans in
NEUTRAL
•30 mphmax(48 km/h)
•15 miles (24 km) maxdistance NOT ALLOWED
Wheel Lift or Dolly To w Front
NOT ALLOWED
Rear OKNOT ALLOWED
Flatbed ALL BEST METHOD OK
Proper towing or lifting equipment is required to prevent
damage to your vehicle. Use only tow bars and other
equipment designed for the purpose, following equip-
ment manufacturer ’s instructions. Use of safety chains is
mandatory. Attach a tow bar or other towing device to
main structural members of the vehicle, not to bumpers
or associated brackets. State and local laws applying to
vehicles under tow must be observed. If you must use the accessories (wipers, defrosters, etc.)
while being towed, the ignition must be in the ON/RUN
position, not the ACC position.
If the vehicle’s battery is discharged, see “Shift Lever
Override” in “What To Do In Emergencies” for instruc-
tions on shifting the automatic transmission out of the
PARK position for towing.
6
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 395

CAUTION!
•Do not attempt to use sling type equipment when
towing. When securing the vehicle to a flat bed
truck, do not attach to front or rear suspension
components. Damage to your vehicle may result
from improper towing.
•If the vehicle being towed requires steering, the
ignition must be in the ON/RUN or ACC position,
not in the LOCK position.
Towing Without The Ignition Key Fob
Special care must be taken when the vehicle is towed
with the ignition in the LOCK position. The only ap-
proved method of towing without the ignition key is
with a flatbed truck. Proper towing equipment is neces-
sary to prevent damage to the vehicle.
Two-Wheel Drive Models
The manufacturer recommends towing your vehicle with
all four wheelsOFFthe ground using a flatbed.
If flatbed equipment is not available, and the transmis-
sion is operable, the vehicle may be towed (with rear
wheels on the ground) with the transmission in NEU-
TRAL. Speed must not exceed 30 mph (48 km/h) and the
distance must not exceed 15 miles (24 km).
CAUTION!
Towing faster than 30 mph (48 km/h) or farther than
15 miles (24 km) with rear wheels on the ground can
cause severe damage to the transmission. Such dam-
age is not covered by the New Vehicle Limited
Warranty.
If the transmission is not operable, or the vehicle must be
towed faster than 30 mph (48 km/h) or farther than
396 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES