tow bar JEEP PATRIOT 2014 1.G Owners Manual

ROOF LUGGAGE RACK — IF EQUIPPED
The crossbars and siderails are designed to carry the
cargo on vehicles equipped with a luggage rack. The load
must not exceed 150 lbs (68 kg), and should be uniformly
distributed over the luggage rack crossbars.
NOTE:If not equipped with crossbars, your authorized
dealer can order and install MOPAR® crossbars built
specifically for this roof rack system.
Distribute cargo weight evenly on the luggage rack
crossbars. The luggage rack does not increase the total
load carrying capacity of the vehicle. Be sure the total
load of cargo inside the vehicle plus that on the external
rack does not exceed the maximum vehicle load capacity.
The crossbars must also be secured in one of the seven
detent positions marked with an arrow on the siderails to
prevent movement. To move the crossbars, loosen the thumb
screws located at the upper edge of each crossbar approxi-
mately eight turns, then move the crossbar to the desired position, keeping the crossbars perpendicular to the luggage
rack side rails. Once the crossbar is in one of the seven detent
positions, retighten the thumb screws to lock the crossbar
into position.
NOTE:
•
To help control wind noise when the crossbars are not
in use, place the front crossbar in the first detent from
the front of the vehicle and the rear crossbar in the
second detent from the rear of the vehicle.
• If the rear crossbar (or any metallic object) is placed
over the satellite radio antenna (if equipped), you may
experience interruption of satellite radio reception. For
improved satellite radio reception, place the rear cross-
bar in the second detent from the rear of the vehicle
when not in use.
• The grab handles on the back of the vehicle (if
equipped) are not to be used as a towing feature.
3
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 207

Trailer Sway Control
The trailer sway control is a 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.
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 the most popular on the market today and
they are commonly used to tow small and medium sized
trailers.
Weight-Distributing Hitch
A weight-distributing system works by applying lever-
age 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 pro-
vides 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.
420 STARTING AND OPERATING