weight DODGE NITRO 2011 1.G Owner's Manual

Trailer Towing Weights (Maximum Trailer Weight Ratings)
The following chart provides the maximum trailer weight ratings towable for your given drivetrain.
Engine/
Transmission Model Frontal Area Max. GTW
(Gross Trailer Wt)Max. Tongue Wt.
(See Note)
3.7L/Automatic 4x2 32 sq ft (2.97 sq m) 2,000 lbs (907 kg) 200 lbs (91 kg)
3.7L/Automatic 4x4 32 sq ft (2.97 sq m) 2,000 lbs (907 kg) 200 lbs (91 kg)
4.0L/Automatic 4x2 32 sq ft (2.97 sq m) 2,000 lbs (907 kg) 200 lbs (91 kg)
4.0L/Automatic 4x4 32 sq ft (2.97 sq m) 2,000 lbs (907 kg) 200 lbs (91 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
(ie. the GVWR), and the GVWR should never exceed the weight referenced on the tire and loading informa-
tion placard. Refer to “Tire Safety Information” in “Starting and Operating” for further information.
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STARTING AND OPERATING 367

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.
Engine/Transmission Model Frontal Area Max. GTW
(Gross Trailer Wt) Max. Tongue Wt.
(See Note)
3.7L/Automatic w/Trailer Tow Package 4x2 64 sq ft (5.94 sq m) 5,000 lbs (2 268 kg) 500 lbs (227 kg)
3.7L/Automatic w/Trailer Tow Package 4x4 64 sq ft (5.94 sq m) 5,000 lbs (2 268 kg) 500 lbs (227 kg)
4.0L/Automatic w/Trailer Tow Package 4x2 64 sq ft (5.94 sq m) 5,000 lbs (2 268 kg) 500 lbs (227 kg)
4.0L/Automatic w/Trailer Tow Package 4x4 64 sq ft (5.94 sq m) 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
(ie. the GVWR), and the GVWR should never exceed the weight referenced on the tire and loading informa-
tion placard. Refer to “Tire Safety Information” in “Starting and Operating” for further information.
368 STARTING AND OPERATING

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 swayseverelyfrom side-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 collisions.
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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STARTING AND OPERATING 369

NOTE:Remember that everything put into or on the
trailer adds to the load on your vehicle. Also, additional
factory-installed options or authorized dealer-installed
options must be considered as part of the total load on
your vehicle. Refer to “Tire Safety Information/Tire and
Loading Information Placard” in “Starting and Operat-
ing” for the maximum combined weight of occupants
and cargo for your vehicle.
Towing Requirements
To promote proper break-in of your new vehicle drive-
train components the following guidelines are recom-
mended:
CAUTION!
•Do not tow a trailer at all during the first 500 miles
(805 km) the new vehicle is driven. The engine,
axle or other parts could be damaged.
(Continued)
CAUTION! (Continued)
•Then, during the first 500 miles (805 km) that a
trailer is towed, do not drive over 50 mph
(80 km/h) and do not make starts at full throttle.
This helps the engine and other parts of the
vehicle wear in at the heavier loads.
WARNING!
Improper towing can lead to a collision. Follow these
guidelines to make your trailer towing as safe as
possible: (Continued)
370 STARTING AND OPERATING

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).
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STARTING AND OPERATING 371

Requirements....................... 443
Tank Capacity ....................... 443
Fuel System Caution ..................... 354
Fuses ................................ 432
Garage Door Opener (HomeLink®) ........... 169
Gas Cap (Fuel Filler Cap) ............356,358,403
Gas Gauge (Fuel Gauge) ................... 198
Gasoline (Fuel) ......................... 351
Gasoline, Reformulated ................... 352
Gauges Coolant Temperature .................. 198
Fuel .............................. 198
Odometer .......................... 208
Speedometer ........................ 200
Tachometer ......................... 206
Gear Ranges ........................... 300
Gear Select Lever Override ................. 393
General Information ................. 17,130,351Glass Cleaning
.......................... 431
Gross Axle Weight Rating ...............359,362
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating .............359,361
GVWR ............................... 359
Hands-Free Phone (Uconnect™) ............. 100
Hazard Warning Flasher ................... 380
Headlights Bulb Replacement .................... 438
Dimmer Switch ...................... 152
Replacing .......................... 438
Switch ............................ 151
Heated Seats ........................... 137
Heater ............................... 274
Heater, Engine Block ..................... 293
Hitches Trailer Towing ....................... 366
Holder, Coin ........................... 184
Holder, Cup ........................... 182
480 INDEX

Safety.......................... 320,329
Sizes ............................. 321
Spare Tire .......................... 382
Spinning ........................... 335
Tread Wear Indicators ................. 336
Tongue Weight/Trailer Weight .............. 369
Torque Converter Clutch ................299,304
Towing ............................ 361,394
24-Hour Towing Assistance ............. 114
Disabled Vehicle ..................... 394
Guide ............................. 367
Recreational ........................ 377
Weight ............................ 367
Towing Assistance ....................... 114
Traction Control ...................... 204,314
Trailer Towing .......................... 361
Cooling System Tips .................. 376
Hitches ............................ 366
Minimum Requirements ................ 370 Trailer and Tongue Weight
.............. 369
Wiring ............................ 373
Trailer Towing Guide ..................... 367
Trailer Weight .......................... 367
Transaxle ............................. 294
Automatic ......................... 294
Operation .......................... 294
Transfer Case ........................... 426
Fluid .......................... 426,445
Maintenance ........................ 426
Transmission ........................ 295,300
Automatic ....................... 295,300
Fluid ............................. 445
Maintenance ........................ 424
Transmitter Battery Service
(Remote Keyless Entry) .................... 24
Transmitter, Garage Door Opener (HomeLink®) . . 169
Tread Wear Indicators .................... 336
Trip Computer .......................... 212
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INDEX 489