warning JEEP CHEROKEE 2023 Manual PDF
[x] Cancel search | Manufacturer: JEEP, Model Year: 2023, Model line: CHEROKEE, Model: JEEP CHEROKEE 2023Pages: 276, PDF Size: 12.55 MB
Page 106 of 276

104STARTING AND OPERATING
(Continued)
When you turn ParkSense off, the instrument cluster
will display “PARKSENSE OFF.” Furthermore, once you
turn ParkSense off, it remains off until you turn it on
again, even if you cycle the ignition.
When you move the gear selector to the REVERSE posi -
tion and ParkSense is turned off, the instrument
cluster will display “PARKSENSE OFF” for as long as the
vehicle is in REVERSE.
ParkSense, when on, will reduce the volume of the
radio when it is sounding a tone.
Clean the ParkSense sensors regularly, taking care not
to scratch or damage them. The sensors must not be
covered with ice, snow, slush, mud, dirt or debris.
Failure to do so can result in the system not working
properly. The ParkSense system might not detect an
obstacle behind or in front of the fascia/bumper, or it
could provide a false indication that an obstacle is
behind or in front of the fascia/bumper.
Use the ParkSense switch to turn the ParkSense
system off if objects such as bicycle carriers, trailer
hitches, etc. are placed within 12 inches (30 cm) from
the rear fascia/bumper. Failure to do so can result in
the system misinterpreting a close object as a sensor
problem, causing the “PARKSENSE WIPE REAR
SENSORS” message to be displayed in the instrument
cluster. It may also result is false braking events.
ParkSense should be disabled when the liftgate is in
the open position. An opened liftgate could provide a
false indication that an obstacle is behind the vehicle.
SIDE DISTANCE WARNING SYSTEM
The Side Distance Warning system detects the presence
of side obstacles near the vehicle using the parking
sensors located in the front and rear bumpers.
Side Distance Warning Display
The Side Distance Warning screen will only be displayed if
“Sound and Display” is selected within the Uconnect
system
Úpage 126.
The system warns the driver with an acoustic signal and,
when enabled, with visual indications on the instrument
panel display.
WARNING!
Drivers must be careful when backing up even when
using ParkSense. Always check carefully behind your
vehicle, look behind you, and be sure to check for
pedestrians, animals, other vehicles, obstructions,
and blind spots before backing up. You are respon -
sible for safety and must continue to pay attention to
your surroundings. Failure to do so can result in
serious injury or death.
Before using ParkSense, it is strongly recommended
that the ball mount and hitch ball assembly be
disconnected from the vehicle when the vehicle is
not used for towing. Failure to do so can result in
injury or damage to vehicles or obstacles because
the hitch ball will be much closer to the obstacle than
the rear fascia when the vehicle sounds the contin -
uous tone. Also, the sensors could detect the ball
mount and hitch ball assembly, depending on its size
and shape, giving a false indication that an obstacle
is behind the vehicle.
CAUTION!
ParkSense is only a parking aid and it is unable to
recognize every obstacle, including small obstacles.
Parking curbs might be temporarily detected or not
detected at all. Obstacles located above or below the
sensors will not be detected when they are in close
proximity.
The vehicle must be driven slowly when using Park -
Sense in order to be able to stop in time when an
obstacle is detected. It is recommended that the driver
looks over his/her shoulder when using ParkSense.
WARNING ALERTS
Distance
(inches/cm) Less than
12 inches (30 cm) 12 – 24 inches
(30–60 cm)
Arcs-Left 11th Flashing 12th Flashing
Arcs-Right 11th Flashing 12th Flashing
CAUTION!
23_KL_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 104
Page 107 of 276

STARTING AND OPERATING105
(Continued)
NOTE:Parksense will reduce the volume of the radio if on when
the system is sounding an audible tone. An audible tone
will only sound if a collision is possible.
Activation/Deactivation
The system can operate only after driving a short distance
and if the vehicle speed is between 0 and 7 mph (0 and
11 km/h). The system can be activated/deactivated
within the Uconnect system. If the ParkSense System is
deactivated via the ParkSense switch then the Side
Distance Warning system will automatically be
deactivated.
Message on the display for Side Distance Warning
feature:
“Wipe Sensors” — This message is displayed in the case of
a failure of the Side Distance Warning system sensors.
Free the bumpers of any obstacles, ensure that the front
and rear fascia/bumper are free of snow, ice, mud, dirt
and debris to keep the ParkSense system operating
properly.
“System Not Available” — This message is displayed if the
Side Distance Warning system is not available. The failed
operation of the system might be due to the insufficient voltage from the battery or other failures on the electrical
system. Contact an authorized dealer as soon as possible
to have the electrical system checked.
ParkSense Usage Precautions
Some conditions may influence the performance of the
Side Distance Warning system:
NOTE:
Ensure that the front and rear fascia/bumper are free
of snow, ice, mud, dirt and debris to keep the Park -
Sense system operating properly.
Construction equipment, large trucks, and other vibra -
tions could affect the performance of ParkSense.
When you turn ParkSense off, the instrument cluster
display will read “PARKSENSE OFF.” Furthermore, once
you turn ParkSense off, it remains off until you turn it
on again, even if you cycle the ignition key.
ParkSense, when on, will reduce the volume of the
radio when it is sounding a tone.
Clean the ParkSense sensors regularly, taking care not
to scratch or damage them. The sensors must not be
covered with ice, snow, slush, mud, dirt or debris.
Failure to do so can result in the system not working
properly. The ParkSense system might not detect an
obstacle behind or in front of the fascia/bumper, or it
could provide a false indication that an obstacle is
behind or in front of the fascia/bumper.
The presence of a tow hook without a trailer may inter -
fere with the correct operation of the parking sensors.
Before using the ParkSense system, it is recom -
mended to remove the removable tow hook ball assembly and any attachments from the vehicle when
it is not used for towing operations.
Audible Alert Chime Continuous tone
if vehicle is on course for a collision Fast tone if
vehicle is on course for a collision
Radio Volume Reduced Yes
Yes
WARNING ALERTS
WARNING!
Drivers must be careful when backing up even when
using ParkSense. Always check carefully behind your
vehicle, look behind you, and be sure to check for
pedestrians, animals, other vehicles, obstructions,
and blind spots before backing up. You are respon -
sible for safety and must continue to pay attention to
your surroundings. Failure to do so can result in
serious injury or death.
Before using ParkSense, it is strongly recommended
that the ball mount and hitch ball assembly be
disconnected from the vehicle when the vehicle is
not used for towing. Failure to do so can result in
injury or damage to vehicles or obstacles because
the hitch ball will be much closer to the obstacle than
the rear fascia when the vehicle sounds the contin -
uous tone. Also, the sensors could detect the ball
mount and hitch ball assembly, depending on its size
and shape, giving a false indication that an obstacle
is behind the vehicle.
CAUTION!
ParkSense is only a parking aid and it is unable to
recognize every obstacle, including small obstacles.
Parking curbs might be temporarily detected or not
detected at all. Obstacles located above or below the
sensors will not be detected when they are in close
proximity.
4
23_KL_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 105
Page 110 of 276

108STARTING AND OPERATING
The system may then instruct the driver to wait for steering
to complete before then instructing to check surroundings
and move backward.
Move Backward Into Parallel Parking Space
Move Backward Into Perpendicular Parking Space
The system may instruct several more gear shifts (DRIVE
and REVERSE), with hands off of the steering wheel,
before instructing the driver to check surroundings and
complete the parking maneuver.
When the vehicle is in the parking position, the maneuver
is complete and the driver will be instructed to check the
vehicle's parking position, then shift the vehicle into PARK.
The message “Active ParkSense Complete - Check Parking
Position” will be displayed momentarily.
NOTE:
It is the driver's responsibility to use the brake and
accelerator during the semi-automatic parking
maneuver.
It is the driver's responsibility to use the brake and stop
the vehicle. The driver should check their surroundings
and be prepared to stop the vehicle either when
instructed to, or when driver intervention is required.
When the system instructs the driver to remove their
hands from the steering wheel, the driver should check
their surroundings and begin to back up slowly.
The ParkSense Active Park Assist system will allow a
maximum of six shifts between DRIVE and REVERSE. If
the maneuver cannot be completed within six shifts,
the system will cancel and the instrument cluster
display will instruct the driver to complete the
maneuver manually.
The system will cancel the maneuver if the vehicle
speed exceeds 5 mph (7 km/h) during active steering
guidance into the parking space. The system will
provide a warning to the driver at 3 mph (5 km/h) that tells them to slow down. The driver is then responsible
for completing the maneuver if the system is canceled.
If the system is canceled during the maneuver for any
reason, the driver must take control of the vehicle.
WARNING!
Drivers must be careful when performing parallel or
perpendicular parking maneuvers even when using the
ParkSense Active Park Assist system. Always check
carefully behind and in front of your vehicle, look
behind and in front of you, and be sure to check for
pedestrians, animals, other vehicles, obstructions, and
blind spots before backing up and moving forward. You
are responsible for safety and must continue to pay
attention to your surroundings. Failure to do so can
result in serious injury or death.
CAUTION!
The ParkSense Active Park Assist system is only a
parking aid and it is unable to recognize every
obstacle, including small obstacles. Parking curbs
might be temporarily detected or not detected at all.
Obstacles located above or below the sensors will
not be detected when they are in close proximity.
The vehicle must be driven slowly when using the
ParkSense Active Park Assist system in order to be
able to stop in time when an obstacle is detected. It
is recommended that the driver looks over his/her
shoulder when using the ParkSense Active Park
Assist system.
23_KL_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 108
Page 111 of 276

STARTING AND OPERATING109
EXITING THE PARKING SPACE
NOTE:The function does not work for exiting a perpendicular
parking space, but only exiting parallel parking spaces.
Activation
To activate this function, shift to DRIVE then push the
Active ParkSense switch once. After selection, the system
activates and warns the driver on the instrument panel
display about the operations that have to be carried out to
perform the maneuver correctly.
Selection Of The Maneuver Side
Use the direction indicators to choose the direction that
you want to perform the maneuver. Use the right arrow
indicator to perform the maneuver to the right side and
use the left arrow indicator to perform the maneuver to the
left.
During the maneuver, the system instructs the driver to
shift to REVERSE, and operate the turn signal in the
direction you want to exit. Let go of the steering wheel and
use the brake or accelerator pedals as instructed, while
the system handles the steering automatically for exiting
the parking space. If the driver continues to carry out a
voluntary or involuntary action on the steering wheel
during the exit maneuver (touching or holding the steering
wheel to prevent its movement), the maneuver will be
interrupted.
Shift To Reverse Then Move Backward
Shift To Drive Then Move Forward
End Of Maneuver
The semi-automatic maneuver ends when the display
shows the message of a completed maneuver. At the end
of the maneuver, the system gives back the vehicle control
to the driver.
LANESENSE — IF EQUIPPED
LANESENSE OPERATION
The LaneSense system is operational at speeds above
37 mph (60 km/h) and below 112 mph (180 km/h). The LaneSense system uses a forward facing camera to detect
lane markings and measure vehicle position within the
lane boundaries.
When both lane markings are detected and the driver
drifts out of the lane (no turn signal applied), the
LaneSense system provides a haptic warning in the form
of torque applied to the steering wheel, as well as a visual
warning in the instrument cluster display, to prompt the
driver to remain within the lane boundaries.
The driver may manually override the haptic warning by
applying force to the steering wheel at any time.4
23_KL_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 109
Page 112 of 276

110STARTING AND OPERATING
When only a single lane marking is detected and the driver
drifts across the lane marking (no turn signal applied), the
LaneSense system provides a visual warning through the
instrument cluster display to prompt the driver to remain
within the lane.
When only a single lane marking is detected, a haptic or a
torque warning will not be provided.
NOTE:When operating conditions have been met, the Lane -
Sense system will monitor if the driver’s hands are on the
steering wheel and provide an audible and visual warning
to the driver if removed. The system will cancel if the driver
does not return their hands to the wheel.
TURNING LANESENSE ON OR OFF
The LaneSense button is located on the switch
panel below the Uconnect display.
To turn the LaneSense system on, push the LaneSense
button (LED turns off). A “LaneSense On” message is
shown in the instrument cluster display.
To turn the LaneSense system off, push the LaneSense
button once (LED turns on).
NOTE:The LaneSense system will retain the last system state, on
or off, from the last ignition cycle when the ignition is
changed to the ON/RUN position.
LANESENSE WARNING MESSAGE
The LaneSense system will indicate the current lane drift
condition through the instrument cluster display.
When the LaneSense system is on, the lane lines are gray
when both of the lane boundaries have not been detected
and the LaneSense telltale is solid white.
System On (Gray Lines/White Telltale)
Left Lane Departure — Only Left Lane Detected
When the LaneSense system is on, the LaneSense tell -
tale is solid white when only the left lane marking
has been detected and the system is ready to provide
visual warnings in the instrument cluster display if an
unintentional lane departure occurs.
When the LaneSense system senses the lane has been
approached and is in a lane departure situation, the
left lane line flashes from white to gray and the Lane -
Sense telltale changes from solid white to flashing
yellow.
Lane Approached
(Flashing White To Gray Line/Flashing Yellow Telltale)
NOTE:
The LaneSense system operates with similar behavior for
a right lane departure when only the right lane marking
has been detected.
23_KL_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 110
Page 113 of 276

STARTING AND OPERATING111
Left Lane Departure — Both Lanes Detected
When the LaneSense system is on, the lane lines turn
from gray to white to indicate that both of the lane
markings have been detected. The LaneSense telltale
is solid green when both lane markings have been
detected and the system is ready to provide visual
warnings in the instrument cluster display and a torque
warning in the steering wheel if an unintentional lane
departure occurs.
Lanes Sensed (White Lines/Green Telltale)
When the LaneSense system senses a lane drift situa -
tion, the left lane line turns solid white. The LaneSense
telltale changes from solid green to solid yellow. At
this time torque is applied to the steering wheel in the
opposite direction of the lane boundary.
For example: If approaching the left side of the lane the
steering wheel will turn to the right.
Lane Sensed (Solid White Line/Solid Yellow Telltale)
When the LaneSense system senses the lane has been
approached and is in a lane departure situation, the
left lane line flashes from white to gray and the Lane -
Sense telltale changes from solid yellow to flashing
yellow. At this time torque is applied to the steering
wheel in the opposite direction of the lane boundary.
For example: If approaching the left side of the lane the
steering wheel will turn to the right.
Lane Approached
(Flashing White To Gray Line/Flashing Yellow Telltale)
NOTE:
The LaneSense system operates with similar behavior for
a right lane departure.
4
23_KL_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 111
Page 114 of 276

112STARTING AND OPERATING
(Continued)
CHANGING LANESENSE SETTINGS
The LaneSense system has settings to adjust the intensity
of the torque warning and the warning zone sensitivity
(early/late) that you can configure through the Uconnect
system
Úpage 126.
NOTE:
When enabled the system operates above 37 mph
(60 km/h) and below 112 mph (180 km/h).
The warnings are disabled with use of the turn signal.
The system will not apply torque to the steering wheel
whenever a safety system engages (Anti-Lock Brakes,
Traction Control System, Electronic Stability Control,
Forward Collision Warning, etc.).
PARKVIEW REAR BACK UP CAMERA
Your vehicle is equipped with the ParkView Rear Back Up
Camera that allows you to see an on-screen image of the
rear surroundings of your vehicle whenever the gear
selector is put into REVERSE. The image will be displayed
in the touchscreen display along with a caution note to
“Check Entire Surroundings” across the top of the screen.
After five seconds this note will disappear. The ParkView
camera is located on the rear of the vehicle above the rear
license plate.
NOTE:The ParkView Rear Back Up Camera has programmable
modes of operation that may be selected through the
Uconnect system
Úpage 126.
When the vehicle is shifted out of REVERSE with camera
delay turned off, the rear camera mode is exited and the
previous screen appears. When the vehicle is shifted out of REVERSE with camera delay turned on, the camera
image will continue to be displayed for up to 10 seconds
unless the following conditions occur: the vehicle speed
exceeds 8 mph (13 km/h), the vehicle is shifted into
PARK, the vehicle’s ignition is placed in the OFF position,
or the touchscreen X button to disable the display of the
Rear View Camera is pressed.
Manual Activation Of The Rear View Camera
1. Press the Controls button located on the bottom of the Uconnect display.
2. Press the Back Up Camera button to turn the Rear View Camera system on.
NOTE:If the Rear View Camera was manually activated, the timer
will start again only after the vehicle speed exceeds 8 mph
(13 km/h).
NOTE:
If the vehicle speed remains below 8 mph (13 km/h),
the Rear View Camera image will be displayed continu -
ously until deactivated via the touchscreen X button,
the vehicle is shifted into PARK, or the ignition is placed
in the OFF position.
The touchscreen X button to disable display of the
camera image is made available ONLY when the
vehicle is not in REVERSE.
When enabled, active guidelines are overlaid on the image
to illustrate the width of the vehicle and its projected back
up path based on the steering wheel position. A dashed
center line overlay indicates the center of the vehicle to
assist with parking or aligning to a hitch/receiver. Different colored zones indicate the distance to the rear of
the vehicle.
The following table shows the approximate distances for
each zone:
Zone Distance To The Rear Of The
Vehicle
Red 0 - 1 ft (0 - 30 cm)
Yellow 1 ft - 6.5 ft (30 cm - 2 m)
Green 6.5 ft or greater (2 m or
greater)
WARNING!
Drivers must be careful when backing up even when
using the ParkView Rear Back Up Camera. Always
check carefully behind your vehicle, and be sure to
check for pedestrians, animals, other vehicles,
obstructions, or blind spots before backing up. You are
responsible for the safety of your surroundings and
must continue to pay attention while backing up.
Failure to do so can result in serious injury or death.
CAUTION!
To avoid vehicle damage, ParkView should only be
used as a parking aid. The ParkView camera is
unable to view every obstacle or object in your drive
path.
23_KL_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 112
Page 115 of 276

STARTING AND OPERATING113
(Continued)
NOTE:If snow, ice, mud, or any foreign substance builds up on
the camera lens, clean the lens, rinse with water, and dry
with a soft cloth. Do not cover the lens.
REFUELING THE VEHICLE
There is no fuel filler cap. Two flapper doors inside the pipe
seal the system.
1. Open the fuel filler door by pushing on the rear edge
of the fuel door.
Fuel Door
2. Insert the fuel nozzle fully into the filler pipe; the nozzle opens and holds the flapper door while
refueling.
3. Fill the vehicle with fuel, and when the fuel nozzle “clicks” or shuts off, the fuel tank is full.
Fuel Filler
4. Keep the nozzle in the filler for five seconds after nozzle clicks to allow fuel to drain from the nozzle.
5. Remove the fuel nozzle and close the fuel door.
VEHICLE LOADING
CERTIFICATION LABEL
As required by National Highway Traffic Safety
Administration regulations, your vehicle has a certification
label affixed to the driver's side door or pillar.
This label contains the month and year of manufacture,
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR), front and rear Gross
Axle Weight Rating (GAWR), and Vehicle Identification
Number (VIN). A Month-Day-Hour (MDH) number is
included on this label and indicates the Month, Day and
Hour of manufacture. The bar code that appears on the
bottom of the label is your VIN.
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR)
The GVWR is the total permissible weight of your vehicle
including driver, passengers, vehicle, options and cargo.
The label also specifies maximum capacities of front and
rear Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR). Total load must be
limited so GVWR and front and rear GAWR are not
exceeded.
To avoid vehicle damage, the vehicle must be driven
slowly when using ParkView to be able to stop in time
when an obstacle is seen. It is recommended that
the driver look frequently over his/her shoulder when
using ParkView.
CAUTION!
WARNING!
Never have any smoking materials lit in or near the
vehicle when the fuel door is open or the tank is
being filled.
Never add fuel when the engine is running. This is in
violation of most state and federal fire regulations
and may cause the Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL)
to turn on.
A fire may result if fuel is pumped into a portable
container that is inside of a vehicle. You could be
burned. Always place fuel containers on the ground
while filling.
WARNING!
4
23_KL_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 113
Page 116 of 276

114STARTING AND OPERATING
Payload
The payload of a vehicle is defined as the allowable load
weight a truck can carry, including the weight of the driver,
all passengers, options and cargo.
Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR)
The GAWR is the maximum permissible load on the front
and rear axles. The load must be distributed in the cargo
area so that the GAWR of each axle is not exceeded.
Each axle GAWR is determined by the components in the
system with the lowest load carrying capacity (axle,
springs, tires or wheels). Heavier axles, or suspension
components sometimes specified by purchasers for
increased durability, do not necessarily increase the
vehicle's GVWR.
Tire Size
The tire size on the Vehicle Certification Label represents
the actual tire size on your vehicle. Replacement tires
must be equal to the load capacity of this tire size.
Rim Size
This is the rim size that is appropriate for the tire size
listed.
Inflation Pressure
This is the cold tire inflation pressure for your vehicle for
all loading conditions up to full GAWR.
Curb Weight
The curb weight of a vehicle is defined as the total weight
of the vehicle with all fluids, including vehicle fuel, at full
capacity conditions, and with no occupants or cargo
loaded into the vehicle. The front and rear curb weight
values are determined by weighing your vehicle on a
commercial scale before any occupants or cargo are
added.
Loading
The actual total weight and the weight of the front and rear
of your vehicle at the ground can best be determined by
weighing it when it is loaded and ready for operation.
The entire vehicle should first be weighed on a commercial
scale to ensure that the GVWR has not been exceeded.
The weight on the front and rear of the vehicle should then
be determined separately to be sure that the load is
properly distributed over the front and rear axle. Weighing
the vehicle may show that the GAWR of either the front or
rear axles has been exceeded but the total load is within
the specified GVWR. If so, weight must be shifted from
front to rear or rear to front as appropriate until the
specified weight limitations are met. Store the heavier
items down low and be sure that the weight is distributed
equally. Stow all loose items securely before driving.
Improper weight distributions can have an adverse effect
on the way your vehicle steers and handles and the way
the brakes operate.TRAILER TOWING
In this section you will find safety tips and information on
limits to the type of towing you can reasonably do with your
vehicle. Before towing a trailer, carefully review this
information to tow your load as efficiently and safely as
possible.
To maintain the New Vehicle Limited Warranty coverage,
follow the requirements and recommendations in this
manual concerning vehicles used for trailer towing.
COMMON TOWING DEFINITIONS
The following trailer towing related definitions will assist
you in understanding the following information:
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR)
The GVWR is the total allowable weight of your vehicle.
This includes driver, passengers, cargo, and tongue
weight. The total load must be limited so that you do not
exceed the GVWR
Úpage 113.
WARNING!
Do not load your vehicle any heavier than the GVWR or
the maximum front and rear GAWR. If you do, parts on
your vehicle can break, or it can change the way your
vehicle handles. This could cause you to lose control.
Overloading can shorten the life of your vehicle.
23_KL_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 114
Page 117 of 276

STARTING AND OPERATING115
Gross Trailer Weight (GTW)
The GTW is the weight of the trailer plus the weight of all
cargo, consumables, and equipment (permanent or
temporary) loaded in or on the trailer in its “loaded and
ready for operation” condition.
The recommended way to measure GTW is to put your fully
loaded trailer on a vehicle scale. The entire weight of the
trailer must be supported by the scale.
Gross Combination Weight Rating (GCWR)
The GCWR is the total allowable weight of your vehicle and
trailer when weighed in combination.
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. Refer to “Vehicle Loading”
Úpage 113 for
further information.
Tongue Weight (TW)
The TW is the downward force exerted on the hitch ball by
the trailer. You must consider this as part of the load on
your vehicle.
Trailer Frontal Area
The frontal area is the maximum height multiplied by the
maximum width of the front of a trailer.
Trailer Sway Control (TSC)
The TSC can be a mechanical 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.
The electronic TSC (if equipped) recognizes a swaying
trailer and automatically applies individual wheel brakes
and/or reduces engine power to attempt to eliminate the
trailer sway.
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 kinds of
hitches are commonly used to tow small and medium
sized trailers.
Weight-Distributing Hitch
A weight-distributing hitch system works by applying
leverage 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 manufacturer's 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!
If the Gross Trailer Weight (GTW) is 3,500 lb (1,587 kg)
or more, it is mandatory to use a weight-distributing
hitch to ensure stable handling of your vehicle. If you
use a standard weight-carrying hitch, you could lose
control of your vehicle and cause a collision.
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 a collision.
WARNING!
An improperly adjusted weight-distributing hitch
system may reduce handling, stability, braking
performance, and could result in a collision.
Weight-distributing hitch systems may not be
compatible with surge brake couplers. Consult with
your hitch and trailer manufacturer or a reputable
Recreational Vehicle dealer for additional informa -
tion.
4
23_KL_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 115