load capacity JEEP PATRIOT 2009 1.G User Guide

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 warranty coverage, follow the requirements
and recommendations in this manual concerning ve-
hicles used for trailer towing.
Common Towing Definitions
The following trailer towing related definitions will assist
you in understanding the 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.
Gross Trailer Weight (GTW)
The GTW is the weight of the trailer plus the weight of all
cargo, consumables and equipment (permanent or tem-
porary) loaded in or on the trailer in itsloaded and
ready for operationcondition. 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 permissible weight of your vehicle
and trailer when weighed in combination.
NOTE:The GCWR ratings include a 150 lbs (68 kg)
allowance for the presence of a driver.
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.
STARTING AND OPERATING 337
5

When replacing tires, refer to “Tires–General Informa-
tion” in this section for proper tire replacement proce-
dures. Replacing tires with a higher load carrying
capacity will not increase the vehicle’s GVWR and
GAWR limits.
Towing Requirements — Trailer Brakes

Donotinterconnect 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).
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.
344 STARTING AND OPERATING

Tire Safety Information.................... 300
Tires ............................70,309,432
Aging (Life of Tires).................... 315
Air Pressure.......................... 309
Chains.............................. 318
Changing............................ 352
Compact Spare........................ 312
Flat Changing........................ 357
General Information.................... 309
High Speed.......................... 312
Inflation Pressures..................... 310
Jacking............................. 352
Life of Tires.......................... 315
Load Capacity........................ 305
Pressure Monitor System (TPMS)........... 319
Pressure Warning Light.................. 173
Quality Grading....................... 432
Radial.............................. 312
Replacement......................... 316Rotation............................ 318
Safety...........................300,309
Sizes............................... 302
Snow Tires........................... 318
Spare Tire........................... 353
Spinning............................ 314
Tread Wear Indicators................... 315
Tongue Weight/Trailer Weight.............. 341
Towing............................... 337
24-Hour Towing Assistance................ 95
Disabled Vehicle....................... 361
Guide.............................. 340
Recreational.......................... 348
Weight.............................. 340
Towing Assistance........................ 95
Trailer Towing.......................... 337
Cooling System Tips.................... 347
Hitches............................. 339
Minimum Requirements................. 342
450 INDEX