weight JEEP LIBERTY 2011 KK / 2.G Owner's 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.
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)
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 Infor-
mation placard. Refer to “Tire Safety Information” in “Starting and Operating” for further information.
404 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 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 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.
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 405

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 the “Tire and Loading Information”
placard 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)
406 STARTING AND OPERATING

WARNING! (Continued)
•Make certain that the load is secured in the trailer
and that is 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 407

Fuses................................ 478
Garage Door Opener (HomeLink®) ........... 183
Gas Cap (Fuel Filler Cap) ............393,394,444
Gas Gauge (Fuel Gauge) ................... 220
Gasoline (Fuel) ......................... 388
Gasoline, Clean Air ...................... 389
Gasoline, Reformulated ................... 389
Gauges Coolant Temperature .................. 227
Fuel .............................. 220
Odometer .......................... 230
Speedometer ........................ 223
Tachometer ......................... 225
Gear Ranges ........................... 317
Gear Select Lever Override ................. 435
General Information ...............17,26,133,388
General Maintenance ..................... 447
Glass Cleaning .......................... 476 Gross Axle Weight Rating
...............395,398
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating .............395,397
GVWR ............................... 395
Hands-Free Phone (Uconnect™) ............. 103
Hazard Driving Through Flowing, Rising, or Shallow
Standing Water ...................... 333
Hazard Warning Flasher ................... 422
Head Restraints ......................... 145
Head Rests ............................ 145
Headlights ............................ 158
Automatic ......................... 159
Bulb Replacement .................... 484
Cleaning ........................... 476
Delay ............................. 160
High Beam/Low Beam Select Switch ...... 162
Lights On Reminder .................. 161
On With Wipers ................... 160,170
10
INDEX 525

General Information.................. 366
High Speed ......................... 369
Inflation Pressures .................... 367
Jacking ............................ 423
Life of Tires ........................ 373
Load Capacity .................... 362,363
Pressure Monitor System (TPMS) ......... 378
Pressure Warning Light ................ 220
Quality Grading ..................... 515
Radial ............................ 369
Replacement ........................ 374
Rotation ........................... 377
Safety ............................. 357
Sizes ............................. 358
Spare Tire .......................... 424
Spinning ........................... 372
Tread Wear Indicators ................. 372
To Open Hood .......................... 156
Tongue Weight/Trailer Weight .............. 405Torque Converter Clutch
.................. 321
Tow/Haul Indicator Light ................. 226
Towing ............................ 397,436
24-Hour Towing Assistance ............. 117
Disabled Vehicle ..................... 436
Guide ............................. 403
Recreational ........................ 413
Weight ............................ 403
Towing Assistance ....................... 117
Traction Control ......................... 345
Trailer Towing .......................... 397
Cooling System Tips .................. 412
Hitches ............................ 402
Minimum Requirements ................ 406
Trailer and Tongue Weight .............. 405
Wiring ............................ 409
Trailer Towing Guide ..................... 403
Trailer Weight .......................... 403
536 INDEX