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Trailer towing

general information

In order to avoid breach of warranty, strictly follow the recommendations below respect the rules of equipment tow hitch and towing trailers.

Strictly adhere to the schedule of routine maintenance of the car (see chap. Adjustment and routine maintenance). Do not forget that if you use the vehicle to tow a trailer, many treatments should be more frequent.

In no case do not exceed the rate of vehicle load. In addition to the maximum permissible axle loads (GAWR), should also be taken into account characteristics such as weight load on the coupling device and the mass of all placed in the car of luggage and accessories. Remember that any weight placed in / on a trailer as a result leads to increased load on the vehicle.

Do not forget that the foul towing a trailer can lead to very serious consequences. Try to stick to the following recommendations:

• Make sure that the center of gravity is placed in a trailer load was shifted slightly forward (so that on the tow hitch of the car accounted for about (10 ÷ 15)% of the total gross mass of the trailer. Violation of this requirement usually leads to disruption Stability coupling by vibration lateral movements of the trailer while in motion.
• Do not connect the hydraulic brakes of the trailer to the brake system of the vehicle.
• Equipment trailer weighing over 907 kg braked towing a prerequisite.
• Do not connect the signal wiring running lights of the trailer to the main wiring harness of the car. The connection must be made using a standard tow hitch equipment. Violation of this requirement may result in damage to the electrical equipment, as well as serious injury.
• Do not overload your vehicle and / or trailer in excess of the permissible norms - it can lead to loss of control of the management, reduce the efficiency of the brakes, overload bridges, transmission line components, steering, suspension and bearing body elements.
• Make sure to put in the trailer load is securely fastened.
• Use only original equipment vehicle tow hitch, installation of which should be entrusted to experts of dealer branch of company Chrysler.

Permitted trailer weight characteristics

The total gross weight of the trailer (GTW) includes the actual weight of the trailer plus the weight of the load placed in him and attachments. The most accurate way to determine the GTW is to put the fully loaded trailer on a vehicle scale.

Try to keep 60% of the weight of the freight had the front of the trailer, which ensures compliance with the requirement that the tow hitch on accounted for about (10 ÷ 15)% GTW.

Distribution GTW.

When towing a trailer, load on the tow hitch of more than 160 kg, or when the GTW exceed 1600 kg shall be equipped with coupling device Sway Control and balancing the tow bar.

Tow hitches

Tow Class I intended to tow trailers with GTW more 907 kg. The device can always be purchased at the dealership offices of Chrysler.

Class III devices are allowed to tow a trailer with a gross mass (GTW) to 2 268 kg.

The car is equipped with a Class IV hitch can be used for towing trailers with GTW to 2948 kg.

Weight load attributable to the tow hitch must be at least 10% but not more than 15% GTW, and in no case exceed 340 kg.

Devices ruggedized

Tow Class III and IV vehicle original equipment usually consist of elements mounted on the tow bar of the frame and the required equipment listed above. The use of such additional components as the device Sway control, brakes, balance, low profile mirror etc. highly recommended.

Class III devices

As mentioned above, the device Class III trailer designed to tow trailers with a gross mass GTW) not more than 2 268 kg. For a successful towing such trailers should be used only models that meet the following requirements:

Device Class IV

These devices allow for towing trailers up to 2948 kg. You must be installed on the following models:

Tips to ensure optimal conditions for the functioning of the cooling system during towing a trailer

To avoid overheating of the engine and transmission, try the following suggestions:

• During a stop in city cycle translate transmission in neutral position and lift the engine speed.
• When driving on the motorway, the speed should be slightly lower than when operating a vehicle without a trailer.
  c) to temporarily disconnect the K / V.
• In the period of performing a maintenance of the cooling system (see chap. Adjustment and routine maintenance).

To avoid potential overheating AT disconnect overdrive (O / D OFF) when driving in hilly terrain or on the busiest sections of the AT translate to position 2. In order to avoid unnecessary switching transmission move at reduced by one notch peredache.15 When doing frequent trailer towing vehicle equipped with AT (particularly in mountainous areas or in the hot weather of this Guide recommends producing ATF change every 24 000 km (15,000 miles), as well as to equip the transmission oil cooler (if not factory installed).

Basic requirements to the car when it is used for towing a trailer

1) The towing vehicle load should be reduced by the weight load on the hitch in order to maintain the load on the rear axle (GAWR) in the range of 1 338 kg.
2) GCWR = Gross combined weight of the tow.
* Using the hitch Class III and IV involves the use of a special car steering pump and steering with heat-resistant seals.

When towing a trailer, avoid heavy detonations in the motor. In the event of such reduces the load to avoid damaging the pistons.