tire size DODGE POWER WAGON 2007 2.G Owners Manual

POWER WAGON FEATURES
Locking Front and Rear Differentials
Most 4WD trucks are equipped with open differentials
front and rear. This design is used because it allows each
wheel to turn independently helping to eliminate bind-
ing when cornering. A disadvantage of using an open
differential is when one or more wheels lose traction; all
of the power is directed to those wheels resulting in a loss
of momentum. The Power Wagon is equipped with
electronically locking front and rear differentials. These
differentials, when engaged, mechanically lock together
the axle shafts forcing the wheels to spin at an equal rate.
This allows the vehicle to maintain its momentum and
thus prevents it from becoming stuck. The locking front
and rear differentials should only be engaged during
low-speed, extreme off-road situations where one wheel
is likely to not be in contact with the ground. It is notrecommended to drive the vehicle with the differentials
locked on pavement due to the reduced ability to turn
and speed limitations.
4.56:1 Gears
This is the highest axle ratio available in a full-size
pickup. The high gearing helps to compensate for the
increased rolling mass and increase diameter of the
off-road tires. As well, there are many advantages to a
higher axle ratio in off-road applications. When driving
downhill the high gearing enables the driver to use the
engine to slow the vehicle down in a more controlled
manner. When driving up a steep grade, the ratio helps
by keeping the truck in its power band helping to
maintain upward momentum.
78 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

road surfaces only. Driving in the 4H and 4L positions on
dry hard surfaced roads may cause increased tire wear
and damage to the driveline components.
The 4-wheel drive high (4LOCK) and 4±wheel drive low
(4LOW) lights, located in the instrument cluster, alert the
driver that the vehicle is either in 4-wheel drive high or
4±wheel drive low and that the front and rear driveshafts
are locked together. There are no lights for the 2H or N
(Neutral) positions.
When operating your vehicle in 4L, the engine speed is
approximately three times that of the 2H or 4H positions
at a given road speed. Take care not to overspeed the
engine and do not exceed 25 mph (40 km/h).
Proper operation of 4-wheel-drive vehicles depends on
tires of equal size, type and circumference on each wheel.
Any difference will adversely affect shifting and can
cause damage to the transfer case.NOTE:Do not attempt to make a shift while only the
front or rear wheels are spinning. The transfer case is not
equipped with a synchronizer and therefore the front and
rear driveshaft speeds must be equal for the shift to take
place. Shifting while only the front or rear wheels are
spinning can cause damage to the transfer case.
Because 4-wheel drive provides improved traction, there
is a tendency to exceed safe turning and stopping speeds.
Do not go faster than road conditions permit.
NOTE:Delayed shifts out of four-wheel drive may be
experienced due to uneven tire wear, low or uneven tire
pressures, excessive vehicle loading, or cold tempera-
tures.
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MULTI DISPLACEMENT SYSTEM (MDS) - 5.7L
Engine Only
This feature offers improved fuel economy by shutting
off four of the engine's eight cylinders during light load
and cruise conditions. The system is automatic with no
driver inputs or additional driving skills required.
NOTE:The MDS system may take some time to return
to full functionality after a battery disconnect.
TIRE SAFETY INFORMATION
Tire Markings
NOTE:
²P (Passenger)-Metric tire sizing is based on U.S. design
standards. P-Metric tires have the letter ªPº molded
into the sidewall preceding the size designation. Ex-
ample: P215/65R15 95H.
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²European Metric tire sizing is based on European
design standards. Tires designed to this standard have
the tire size molded into the sidewall beginning with
the section width. The letter9P9is absent from this tire
size designation. Example: 215/65R15 96H
²LT (Light Truck)-Metric tire sizing is based on U.S.
design standards. The size designation for LT-Metric
tires is the same as for P-Metric tires except for the
letters ªLTº that are molded into the sidewall preced-
ing the size designation. Example: LT235/85R16.
²Temporary Spare tires are high-pressure compact
spares designed for temporary emergency use only.
Tires designed to this standard have the letter ªTº
molded into the sidewall preceding the size designa-
tion. Example: T145/80D18 103M.
²High Flotation tire sizing is based on U.S. design
standards and it begins with the tire diameter molded
into the sidewall. Example: 31x10.5 R15 LT.
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Tire Sizing Chart
EXAMPLE:
Size Designation:
P= Passenger car tire size based on U.S. design standards
(....blank....(= Passenger car tire based on European design standards
LT= Light Truck tire based on U.S. design standards
T= Temporary Spare tire
31= Overall Diameter in Inches (in)
215= Section Width in Millimeters (mm)
65= Aspect Ratio in Percent (%)
ÐRatio of section height to section width of tire.
10.5= Section Width in Inches (in)
R= Construction Code
Ð9R9means Radial Construction.
Ð9D9means Diagonal or Bias Construction.
15= Rim Diameter in Inches (in)
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Tire Identification Number (TIN)
The TIN may be found on one or both sides of the tire;
however, the date code may only be on one side. Tires
with white sidewalls will have the full TIN including
date code located on the white sidewall side of the tire.Look for the TIN on the outboard side of black sidewall
tires as mounted on the vehicle. If the TIN is not found on
the outboard side then you will find it on the inboard side
of the tire.
EXAMPLE:
DOT MA L9 ABCD 0301
DOT= Department of Transportation
ÐThis symbol certifies that the tire is in compliance with the U.S. Department of Transportation tire
safety standards, and is approved for highway use.
MA= Code representing the tire manufacturing location. (2 digits)
L9= Code representing the tire size. (2 digits)
ABCD= Code used by tire manufacturer. (1 to 4 digits)
03= Number representing the week in which the tire was manufactured. (2 digits)
Ð03 means the 3rd week.
01= Number representing the year in which the tire was manufactured. (2 digits)
Ð01 means the year 2001.
ÐPrior to July 2000, tire manufacturers were only required to have 1 number to represent the year in
which the tire was manufactured. Example: 031 could represent the 3rd week of 1981 or 1991.
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3) the tire size designed for your vehicle
4) the cold tire inflation pressures for the front, rear
and spare tires.
Loading
The vehicle maximum load on the tire must not exceed
the load carrying capacity of the tire on your vehicle. You
will not exceed the tire's load carrying capacity if you
adhere to the loading conditions, tire size, and cold tire
inflation pressures specified on the ªTire and Loading
Informationº placard and in the ªVehicle Loadingº sec-
tion of this manual.
NOTE:Under a maximum loaded vehicle condition,
gross axle weight ratings (GAWR's) for the front and rear
axles must not be exceeded. For further information on
GAWR's, vehicle loading, and trailer towing, refer to the
ªVehicle Loadingº section of this manual.
To determine the maximum loading conditions of your
vehicle, locate the statement ªThe combined weight ofoccupants and cargo should never exceed XXX kg or XXX
lbs.º on the Tire and Loading Information placard. The
combined weight of occupants, cargo/luggage and
trailer tongue weight (if applicable) should never exceed
the weight referenced here.
Steps for Determining Correct Load Limit
1. Locate the statement ªThe combined weight of occu-
pants and cargo should never exceed XXX poundsº on
your vehicle's placard.
2. Determine the combined weight of the driver and
passengers that will be riding in your vehicle.
3. Subtract the combined weight of the driver and pas-
sengers from XXX kilograms or XXX pounds.
4. The resulting figure equals the available amount of
cargo and luggage load capacity. For example, if ªXXXº
amount equals 1400 lbs. and there will be five 150 lb.
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Life of Tire
The service life of a tire is dependent upon varying
factors including but not limited to:
²Driving style
²Tire pressure
²Distance driven
WARNING!
Tires and spare tire should be replaced after six
years, regardless of the remaining tread. Failure to
follow this warning can result in sudden tire failure.
You could lose control and have an accident result-
ing in serious injury or death.
Keep dismounted tires in a cool, dry place with as little
exposure to light as possible. Protect tires from contact
with oil, grease, and gasoline.
Replacement Tires
The tires on your new vehicle provide a balance of many
characteristics. They should be inspected regularly for
wear and correct cold tire inflation pressure. The manu-
facturer strongly recommends that you use tires equiva-
lent to the originals in size, quality and performance
when replacement is needed (refer to the paragraph on
ªTread Wear Indicatorsº). Refer to the ªTire and Loading
Informationº placard for the size designation of your tire.
The service description and load identification will be
found on the original equipment tire. Failure to use
equivalent replacement tires may adversely affect the
safety, handling, and ride of your vehicle. We recommend
that you contact your original equipment or an autho-
rized tire dealer with any questions you may have on tire
specifications or capability.
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WARNING!
²Do not use a tire, wheel size or rating other than that
specified for your vehicle. Some combinations of un-
approved tires and wheels may change suspension
dimensions and performance characteristics, resulting
in changes to steering, handling, and braking of your
vehicle. This can cause unpredictable handling and
stress to steering and suspension components. You
could lose control and have an accident resulting in
serious injury or death. Use only the tire and wheel
sizes with load ratings approved for your vehicle.
²Never use a tire with a smaller load index or capacity,
other than what was originally equipped on your
vehicle. Using a tire with a smaller load index could
result in tire overloading and failure. You could lose
control and have an accident.
²Failure to equip your vehicle with tires having ad-
equate speed capability can result in sudden tire
failure and loss of vehicle control.
CAUTION!
Replacing original tires with tires of a different size
may result in false speedometer and odometer read-
ings.
Alignment And Balance
Poor suspension alignment may result in:
²Fast tire wear.
²Uneven tire wear, such as feathering and one-sided
wear.
²Vehicle pull to right or left.
Tires may also cause the vehicle to pull to the left or right.
Alignment will not correct this condition. See your dealer
for proper diagnosis.
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Improper alignment will not cause vehicle vibration.
Vibration may be a result of tire and wheel out-of-
balance. Proper balancing will reduce vibration and
avoid tire cupping and spotty wear.
SUPPLEMENTAL TIRE PRESSURE INFORMATION
± IF EQUIPPED
A light load vehicle condition is defined as two passen-
gers {150 lbs (68 kg) each} plus 200 lbs (91kg) of cargo.
Cold tire inflation pressures for a lightly loaded vehicle
will be found on the face of the driver's door.
TIRE CHAINS
Use ªClass Uº chains on Power Wagon models, or other
traction aids that meet SAE Type ªUº specifications.
NOTE:Chains must be the proper size for the vehicle,
as recommended by the chain manufacturer.
CAUTION!
To avoid damage to your vehicle, tires or chains, observe the
following precautions:
²Because of limited chain clearance between tires and other
suspension components, it is important that only chains
in good condition are used. Broken chains can cause
serious vehicle damage. Stop the vehicle immediately if
noise occurs that could suggest chain breakage. Remove
the damaged parts of the chain before further use.
²Install chains as tightly as possible and then retighten
after driving about 1/2 mile (0.8 km).
²Do not exceed 45 mph (72 km/h).
²Drive cautiously and avoid severe turns and large bumps,
especially with a loaded vehicle.
²Do not install tire chains on front wheels of 4x2 vehicles.
²Do not drive for a prolonged period on dry pavement.
²Observe the tire chain manufacturer's instructions on
method of installation, operating speed, and conditions
for usage. Always use the lower suggested operating
speed of the chain manufacturer if different than the
speed recommended by the manufacturer.
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