towing RAM PROMASTER CITY 2022 Owners Manual

3
TRIP COMPUTER .................................................... 43 Trip Button ........................................................43
Trip Functions ..................................................43
Values Displayed ..............................................44
WARNING LIGHTS AND MESSAGES ................... 44
Red Warning Lights ..........................................44
Yellow Warning Lights ......................................47
Green Indicator Lights......................................49
Blue Indicator Lights ........................................50
White Indicator Lights ......................................50
ONBOARD DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM — OBD II ....... 50
Onboard Diagnostic System
(OBD II) Cybersecurity ......................................51
EMISSIONS INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE
PROGRAMS ............................................................ 51
STARTING AND OPERATING
STARTING THE ENGINE ........................................ 52
Automatic Transmission ..................................52
Normal Starting ................................................52
Cold Weather Operation .................................52
Extended Park Starting ....................................52
If Engine Fails To Start .....................................53
After Starting.....................................................53
ENGINE BLOCK HEATER — IF EQUIPPED ............ 53
ENGINE BREAK-IN RECOMMENDATIONS .......... 54
PARKING BRAKE .................................................. 54 AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION ...............................55
Key Ignition Park Interlock...............................56
Brake/Transmission Shift Interlock (BTSI)
System .............................................................56
9-Speed Automatic Transmission ..................56
POWER STEERING ................................................60
Power Steering Fluid Check ............................60
CRUISE CONTROL — IF EQUIPPED .......................60
To Activate ........................................................61
To Set A Desired Speed ...................................61
To Vary The Speed Setting...............................61
To Accelerate For Passing ...............................61
To Resume Speed ............................................62
To Deactivate ...................................................62
PARKSENSE REAR PARK ASSIST —
IF EQUIPPED ...........................................................62
ParkSense Rear Park Assist Sensors .............62
ParkSense Rear Park Assist Alerts .................63
ParkSense Rear Park Assist Failure
Indications ........................................................64
Cleaning The ParkSense Rear Park Assist
System ..............................................................64
ParkSense Rear Park Assist System Usage
Precautions.......................................................64
PARKVIEW REAR BACK UP CAMERA .................65
REFUELING THE VEHICLE .....................................66 VEHICLE LOADING ................................................. 67
Vehicle Certification Label............................... 67
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) ............. 67
Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) .................. 67
Tire Size ............................................................ 67
Rim Size ............................................................ 67
Inflation Pressure ............................................. 67
Curb Weight ...................................................... 67
Overloading ...................................................... 68
Loading ............................................................ 68
TRAILER TOWING .................................................. 68
Common Towing Definitions............................ 68
Trailer Hitch Classification............................... 70
Trailer Towing Weights (Maximum Trailer
Weight Ratings) ............................................... 71
Trailer And Tongue Weight .............................71
Towing Requirements ..................................... 71
Towing Tips ...................................................... 74
RECREATIONAL TOWING
(BEHIND MOTORHOME) ....................................... 75

Towing This Vehicle Behind Another Vehicle .... 75

Recreational Towing — Automatic Transmission .. 76

DRIVING TIPS ......................................................... 76
Driving On Slippery Surfaces .......................... 76
Driving Through Water ....................................76

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4
MULTIMEDIA
UCONNECT SYSTEMS ........................................... 78
CYBERSECURITY ................................................... 78
UCONNECT SETTINGS .......................................... 79 Uconnect 3/3 NAV Settings .............................79
UCONNECT INTRODUCTION.................................. 88
Identifying Your Radio ......................................88
Safety And General Information ......................90
UCONNECT MODES ............................................... 91
Radio Mode ......................................................91
Media Mode......................................................98
Phone Mode ................................................. 100
NAVIGATION MODE — IF EQUIPPED ..................110
Operating Navigation Mode —If Equipped ... 110
STEERING WHEEL AUDIO CONTROLS —
IF EQUIPPED ........................................................ 128
Radio Operation ............................................ 128
Media Mode................................................... 129
RAM TELEMATICS - IF EQUIPPED ...................... 129
Ram Telematics General Information .......... 129
RADIO OPERATION AND MOBILE PHONES ..... 130
Regulatory And Safety Information .............. 130
SAFETY
SAFETY FEATURES .............................................. 131Four-Wheel Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS).. 131
Electronic Brake Control (EBC) System ...... 132
AUXILIARY DRIVING SYSTEMS.......................... 135
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) .... 135
OCCUPANT RESTRAINT SYSTEMS ................... 137
Occupant Restraint Systems ........................ 137
Important Safety Precautions ...................... 137Seat Belt Systems ........................................ 138Supplemental Restraint Systems (SRS) ...... 144Child Restraints ............................................. 152
SAFETY TIPS ....................................................... 168
Transporting Passengers .............................. 168Transporting Pets ......................................... 168
Safety Checks You Should Make Inside
The Vehicle ................................................... 168
Periodic Safety Checks You Should Make
Outside The Vehicle ...................................... 169
Exhaust Gas................................................... 170
Carbon Monoxide Warnings ........................ 170
IN CASE OF EMERGENCY
HAZARD WARNING FLASHERS......................... 171
JACKING AND TIRE CHANGING ......................... 171
Preparations For Jacking ............................. 171
Jack Location — If Equipped ......................... 172
Removing The Spare Tire —If Equipped....... 172 Jacking Instructions ...................................... 174
Vehicles With Alloy Wheels ........................... 177
Vehicles Equipped With Wheel Covers ........ 178
TIRE SERVICE KIT — IF EQUIPPED .................... 179
Tire Service Kit Storage ................................ 179Tire Service Kit Usage ................................... 179
JUMP STARTING .................................................. 181
Preparations For Jump Starting ................... 181Jump Starting Procedure .............................. 182
IF YOUR ENGINE OVERHEATS ........................... 183
IGNITION KEY REMOVAL OVERRIDE ................. 184
GEAR SELECTOR OVERRIDE .............................. 184
FREEING A STUCK VEHICLE .............................. 185
TOWING A DISABLED VEHICLE .......................... 187
ENHANCED ACCIDENT RESPONSE SYSTEM
(EARS) .................................................................. 188
EVENT DATA RECORDER (EDR) ......................... 188
SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
SCHEDULED SERVICING .................................... 189
Maintenance Plan ......................................... 190
ENGINE COMPARTMENT .................................... 193
Engine Compartment — 2.4L ....................... 193
Checking Oil Level ........................................ 194
Adding Washer Fluid .................................... 194
Maintenance-Free Battery ........................... 194
Pressure Washing ......................................... 195

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46GETTING TO KNOW YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL
Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) Warning
Light
This warning light will illuminate to
inform of a problem with the ETC
system. If a problem is detected while
the vehicle is running, the light will
either stay on or flash depending on the nature of
the problem. Cycle the ignition when the vehicle is
safely and completely stopped and the
transmission is placed in the PARK (P) position.
The light should turn off. If the light remains on with
the vehicle running, your vehicle will usually be
drivable; however, see an authorized dealer for
service as soon as possible.
If the light continues to flash when the vehicle is
running, immediate service is required and you
may experience reduced performance, an
elevated/rough idle, or engine stall and your
vehicle may require towing. The light will come on
when the ignition is placed in the ON/RUN or MAR/
ON/RUN position and remain on briefly as a bulb
check. If the light does not come on during starting,
have the system checked by an authorized dealer.
Engine Coolant Temperature Warning
Light
This warning light warns of an
overheated engine condition. If the
engine coolant temperature is too high,
this indicator will illuminate and a single chime will sound. If the temperature reaches the
upper limit, a continuous chime will sound for four
minutes or until the engine is able to cool,
whichever comes first.
If the light turns on while driving, safely pull over
and stop the vehicle. If the Air Conditioning (A/C)
system is on, turn it off. Also, shift the transmission
into NEUTRAL (N) and idle the vehicle. If the
temperature reading does not return to normal,
turn the engine off immediately and call for service
Ú
page 183.
Oil Pressure Warning Light
This warning light will illuminate to
indicate low engine oil pressure. If the
light turns on while driving, stop the
vehicle, shut off the engine as soon as
possible, and contact an authorized dealer. A
chime will sound when this light turns on.
Do not operate the vehicle until the cause is
corrected. This light does not indicate how much oil
is in the engine. The engine oil level must be
checked under the hood.

Transmission Temperature Warning Light —
If Equipped

This warning light will illuminate to warn
of a high transmission fluid
temperature. This may occur with
strenuous usage such as trailer towing.
If this light turns on, stop the vehicle and run the engine at idle or slightly faster, with the
transmission in PARK (P) or NEUTRAL (N), until the
light turns off. Once the light turns off, you may
continue to drive normally.
Seat Belt Reminder Warning Light
When the ignition is first placed in the
ON/RUN or MAR/ON/RUN position, if
the driver’s seat belt is unbuckled, a
chime will sound and the light will turn
on. When driving, if the driver or front passenger
seat belt remains unbuckled, the Seat Belt
Reminder Light will flash or remain on continuously
and a chime will sound Ú page 137.
WARNING!
If you continue operating the vehicle when the
Transmission Temperature Warning Light is
illuminated you could cause the fluid to boil over,
come in contact with hot engine or exhaust
components and cause a fire.
CAUTION!
Continuous driving with the Transmission
Temperature Warning Light illuminated will
eventually cause severe transmission damage
or transmission failure.

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48GETTING TO KNOW YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

As an added safety feature, your vehicle has been
equipped with a TPMS that illuminates a low tire
pressure telltale when one or more of your tires is
significantly underinflated. Accordingly, when the low
tire pressure telltale illuminates, you should stop and
check your tires as soon as possible, and inflate them
to the proper pressure. Driving on a significantly
underinflated tire causes the tire to overheat and can
lead to tire failure. Underinflation also reduces fuel
efficiency and tire tread life, and may affect the
vehicle’s handling and stopping ability.
Please note that the TPMS is not a substitute for
proper tire maintenance, and it is the driver’s
responsibility to maintain correct tire pressure, even
if underinflation has not reached the level to trigger
illumination of the TPMS low tire pressure telltale.

Your vehicle has also been equipped with a TPMS
malfunction indicator to indicate when the system
is not operating properly. The TPMS malfunction
indicator is combined with the low tire pressure
telltale. When the system detects a malfunction,
the telltale will flash for approximately one minute
and then remain continuously illuminated. This
sequence will continue upon subsequent vehicle
start-ups as long as the malfunction exists. When
the malfunction indicator is illuminated, the
system may not be able to detect or signal low tire
pressure as intended. TPMS malfunctions may
occur for a variety of reasons, including the
installation of replacement or alternate tires or wheels on the vehicle that prevent the TPMS from
functioning properly. Always check the TPMS
malfunction telltale after replacing one or more
tires or wheels on your vehicle to ensure that the
replacement or alternate tires and wheels allow
the TPMS to continue to function properly.
Vehicle Security Warning Light
This warning light will illuminate when
the vehicle security system has
detected an attempt to break into the
vehicle.
Engine Check/Malfunction Indicator
Warning Light (MIL)

The Engine Check/Malfunction Indicator
Light (MIL) is a part of an Onboard
Diagnostic System called OBD II that
monitors engine and automatic
transmission control systems. This warning light will
illuminate when the ignition is in the ON/RUN position
before engine start. After placing the ignition to the
ON/RUN position, if there is a problem with the Sentry
Key System, the Vehicle Security Light will turn on.
This condition will result in the engine being shut off
after two seconds. If the bulb does not come on when
turning the ignition switch from OFF to ON/RUN, have
the condition checked promptly.

NOTE:This warning light will illuminate when the vehicle
security system has detected an attempt to break
into the vehicle.
Certain conditions, such as a loose or missing gas
cap, poor quality fuel, etc., may illuminate the light
after engine start. The vehicle should be serviced if
the light stays on through several typical driving
styles. In most situations, the vehicle will drive
normally and will not require towing.

When the engine is running, the MIL may flash to alert
serious conditions that could lead to immediate loss
of power or severe catalytic converter damage. The
vehicle should be serviced by an authorized dealer as
soon as possible if this occurs.

CAUTION!
The TPMS has been optimized for the original
equipment tires and wheels. TPMS pressures
and warning have been established for the tire
size equipped on your vehicle. Undesirable
system operation or sensor damage may result
when using replacement equipment that is not
of the same size, type, and/or style. Aftermarket
wheels can cause sensor damage. Using
aftermarket tire sealants may cause the Tire
Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) sensor to
become inoperable. After using an aftermarket
tire sealant it is recommended that you take
your vehicle to an authorized dealer to have your
sensor function checked.

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50GETTING TO KNOW YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL
Cruise Control Indicator Light —
If Equipped
This indicator light will illuminate when
the cruise control is activated
Úpage 60.
NOTE:There will be no change in the indicator light when
the desired speed is set.
BLUE INDICATOR LIGHTS
High Beam Indicator Light
This indicator light will illuminate to
indicate that the high beam headlights
are on. With the low beams activated,
push the multifunction lever forward
(toward the front of the vehicle) to turn on the high
beams. Pull the multifunction lever rearward
(toward the rear of the vehicle) to turn off the high
beams. If the high beams are off, pull the lever
toward you for a temporary high beam on, “flash to
pass” scenario.
WHITE INDICATOR LIGHTS
Speed Warning Indicator Light —
If Equipped
When Set Speed Warning is turned on,
the speed warning telltale will illuminate
in the instrument cluster with a number
matching the set speed. When the set
speed is exceeded, a single chime will sound along
with pop-up message of speed warning exceeded.
Speed Warning can be turned on and off in the
instrument cluster display Ú page 40.
NOTE:The number “55” is only an example of a speed
that can be set.
ONBOARD DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM — OBD II
Your vehicle is equipped with a sophisticated
Onboard Diagnostic system called OBD II. This
system monitors the performance of the
emissions, engine, and transmission control
systems. When these systems are operating
properly, your vehicle will provide excellent
performance and fuel economy, as well as engine
emissions well within current government
regulations. If any of these systems require service, the OBD II
system will turn on the Malfunction Indicator Light
(MIL). It will also store diagnostic codes and other
information to assist your service technician in
making repairs. Although your vehicle will usually
be drivable and not need towing, see an authorized
dealer for service as soon as possible.
CAUTION!
Prolonged driving with the MIL on could cause
further damage to the emission control
system. It could also affect fuel economy and
driveability. The vehicle must be serviced
before any emissions tests can be performed.
If the MIL is flashing while the vehicle is
running, severe catalytic converter damage
and power loss will soon occur. Immediate
service is required.

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58STARTING AND OPERATING
The following indicators should be used to ensure
that you have properly engaged the transmission
into the PARK position:
When shifting into PARK, push the lock button
on the gear selector and firmly move the gear
selector all the way forward until it stops and is
fully seated.
Look at the transmission gear position display
and verify that it indicates the PARK position.
With brake pedal released, verify that the gear
selector will not move out of PARK.
REVERSE (R)
This range is for moving the vehicle backward.
Shift into REVERSE only after the vehicle has come
to a complete stop.
NEUTRAL (N)
Use this range when the vehicle is standing for
prolonged periods with the engine running. Apply
the parking brake and shift the transmission into
PARK if you must exit the vehicle.
DRIVE (D)
This range should be used for most city and
highway driving. It provides the smoothest upshifts
and downshifts, and the best fuel economy. The
transmission automatically upshifts through all
forward gears.
When frequent transmission shifting occurs (such
as when operating the vehicle under heavy loading
conditions, in hilly terrain, traveling into strong
head winds, or while towing a heavy trailer), use
the Electronic Range Select (ERS) shift control to
select a lower gear range Úpage 59. Under these
conditions, using a lower gear range will improve
performance and extend transmission life by
reducing excessive shifting and heat buildup.
If the transmission temperature exceeds normal
operating limits, the transmission controller may
modify the transmission shift schedule, reduce
engine torque, and/or expand the range of torque
converter clutch engagement. This is done to
prevent transmission damage due to overheating.
Never leave children alone in a vehicle, or with
access to an unlocked vehicle. Allowing chil -
dren to be in a vehicle unattended is
dangerous for a number of reasons. A child or
others could be seriously or fatally injured.
Children should be warned not to touch the
parking brake, brake pedal or the transmis -
sion gear selector.
Do not leave the ignition key in or near the
vehicle (or in a location accessible to chil-
dren). A child could operate power windows,
other controls, or move the vehicle.
CAUTION!
Before moving the transmission gear selector
out of PARK, you must turn the ignition to the
ON/RUN position, and also press the brake
pedal. Otherwise, damage to the gear selector
could result.
DO NOT race the engine when shifting from
PARK or NEUTRAL into another gear range, as
this can damage the drivetrain.
WARNING!
WARNING!
Do not coast in NEUTRAL and never turn off the
ignition to coast down a hill. These are unsafe
practices that limit your response to changing
traffic or road conditions. You might lose control
of the vehicle and have a collision.
CAUTION!
Towing the vehicle, coasting, or driving for any
other reason with the transmission in NEUTRAL
can cause severe transmission damage.
For Recreational Towing Ú page 75.
For Towing A Disabled Vehicle Ú page 187.

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62STARTING AND OPERATING
Using Cruise Control On Hills
The transmission may downshift on hills to
maintain the vehicle set speed.
NOTE:The Cruise Control system maintains speed up and
down hills. A slight speed change on moderate hills
is normal. On steep hills, a greater speed loss or
gain may occur so it may be preferable to drive
without Cruise Control.
TO RESUME SPEED
To resume a previously set speed, push the RES (+)
button and release. Resume can be used at any
speed above 20 mph (32 km/h) up to the
maximum speed of 100 mph (160 km/h).
TO DEACTIVATE
A tap on the brake pedal, pushing the CAN button,
or normal brake pressure will deactivate the Cruise
Control system without erasing the set speed from
memory.
Pushing the on/off button or turning the ignition
switch off erases the set speed from memory.
PARKSENSE REAR PARK ASSIST —
IF EQUIPPED
The ParkSense system provides an audible
indication of the distance between the rear fascia/
bumper and a detected obstacle when backing up
(e.g. during a parking maneuver) Ú page 64.

The ParkSense system is automatically activated
when the transmission is placed into REVERSE. As
the distance from an obstacle behind the vehicle
decreases, the audible alert becomes more frequent.

Interaction With Trailer Towing
The ParkSense system is automatically
deactivated when a trailer equipped by Mopar® is
hitched to the vehicle. The system will be
automatically activated as soon as the trailer is
removed. If it does not happen, turning the key
ignition switch to STOP (OFF/LOCK) position and
then to AVV (START) again would be needed. If a
non-Mopar® trailer hitch is mounted, the sensor
deactivation cannot be guaranteed.
PARKSENSE REAR PARK ASSIST
S
ENSORS

The four ParkSense sensors, located in the rear
fascia/bumper, monitor the area behind the vehicle
that is within the sensors’ field of view. The sensors
can detect obstacles, in the horizontal direction,
from approximately 12 inches (30 cm) up to
55 inches (140 cm) from the center of the rear
fascia/bumper and up to 24 inches (60 cm) from
the corners of the rear fascia/bumper, depending on
the location, type and orientation of the obstacle.
ParkSense Rear Park Assist Sensors Locations

If several obstacles are detected, the ParkSense
system indicates the nearest obstacle.
The minimum height of a detectable obstacle
corresponds to the maximum height of an obstacle
that would clear the underside of the vehicle
during the parking maneuver.
WARNING!
Cruise Control can be dangerous where the
system cannot maintain a constant speed. Your
vehicle could go too fast for the conditions, and
you could lose control and have an accident. Do
not use Cruise Control in heavy traffic or on
roads that are winding, icy, snow-covered or
slippery.

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64STARTING AND OPERATING
PARKSENSE REAR PARK ASSIST
F
AILURE INDICATIONS
A malfunction of the ParkSense sensors
or system is indicated, during REVERSE
gear engagement, by the instrument
panel warning icon.
The warning icon is illuminated and a message is
displayed on the instrument cluster display (if
equipped) Ú page 44.
The sensors and wiring are tested continuously
when the ignition is in the MAR (ACC/ON/RUN)
position. Failures are indicated immediately if they
occur when the system is on.
Even if the system is able to identify that a specific
sensor is in failure condition, the instrument
cluster display shall indicate that the ParkSense
system is unavailable, without reference to the
sensor in failure condition. If even a single sensor
fails, the entire system will be disabled. The system
is turned off automatically.
CLEANING THE PARKSENSE REAR PARK
A
SSIST SYSTEM
Clean the ParkSense sensors with water, car wash
soap and a soft cloth. Do not use rough or hard
cloths. In washing stations, clean sensors quickly
while keeping the vapor jet/high pressure washing
nozzles at least 4 inches (10 cm) from the sensors. Do not scratch or poke the sensors. Otherwise, you
could damage the sensors.
PARKSENSE REAR PARK ASSIST
S
YSTEM USAGE PRECAUTIONS
NOTE:
Ensure that the outer surface and the underside
of the rear fascia/bumper is clean and clear of
snow, ice, mud, dirt or other obstruction to keep
the ParkSense Rear Park Assist system oper -
ating properly.
Jackhammers, large trucks, and other vibra -
tions could affect the performance of the
ParkSense system.

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 the
fascia/bumper, or it could provide a false indica -
tion that an obstacle is behind the fascia/bumper.

Objects such as bicycle carriers, etc., must not
be placed within 12 inches (30 cm) from the
rear fascia/bumper while driving the vehicle.
Failure to do so can result in the system misin -
terpreting a close object as a sensor problem,
causing a failure indication to be displayed in
the instrument cluster 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 responsible 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 recom -
mended 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
continuous 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.
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68STARTING AND OPERATING
OVERLOADING
The load carrying components (axle, springs, tires,
wheels, etc.) of your vehicle will provide
satisfactory service as long as you do not exceed
the GVWR and the front and rear GAWR.
The best way to figure out the total weight of your
vehicle is to weigh it when it is fully loaded and
ready for operation. Weigh it on a commercial scale
to ensure that it is not over the GVWR.

Figure out the weight on the front and rear of the
vehicle separately. It is important that you distribute
the load evenly over the front and rear axles.

Overloading can cause potential safety hazards
and shorten useful service life. Heavier axles or
suspension components do not necessarily
increase the vehicle's GVWR.
LOADING
To load your vehicle properly, first figure out its
empty weight, axle-by-axle and side-by-side. Store
heavier items down low and be sure you distribute
their weight as evenly as possible. Stow all loose
items securely before driving. If weighing the
loaded vehicle shows that you have exceeded
either GAWR, but the total load is within the
specified GVWR, you must redistribute the weight.
Improper weight distribution can have an adverse
effect on the way your vehicle steers and handles
and the way the brakes operate.
NOTE:Refer to the “Vehicle Certification Label” affixed to
the B-pillar or the rear of the driver's door for your
vehicle's GVWR and GAWR.
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 Ú page 67.
Gross Combination Weight Rating (GCWR)
The GCWR is the total allowable weight of your
vehicle and trailer when weighed in combination.
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 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 Úpage 67.
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.

22_VM_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 68

STARTING AND OPERATING69
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.
If equipped, the electronic TSC 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
The weight-distributing hitch 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
(TSC) 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!
An improperly adjusted Weight Distributing
Hitch system may reduce handling, stability,
braking performance, and could result in a
collision.
Weight Distributing Systems may not be
compatible with Surge Brake Couplers.
Consult with your hitch and trailer manufac-
turer or a reputable Recreational Vehicle
dealer for additional information.
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