Curb Weight
The curb weight of a vehicle is defined as the total weight
of the vehicle with all fluids, including vehicle fuel, at full
capacity conditions, and with no occupants or cargo loaded
into the vehicle. The front and rear curb weight values are
determined by weighing your vehicle on a commercial
scale before any occupants or cargo are added.
Loading
The actual total weight and the weight of the front and
rear of your vehicle at the ground can best be determined
by weighing it when it is loaded and ready for operation.
The entire vehicle should first be weighed on a commer-
cial scale to ensure that the GVWR has not been ex-
ceeded. The weight on the front and rear of the vehicle
should then be determined separately to be sure that the
load is properly distributed over front and rear axle.
Weighing the vehicle may show that the GAWR of either
the front or rear axles has been exceeded but the total
load is within the specified GVWR. If so, weight must be
shifted from front to rear or rear to front as appropriate
until the specified weight limitations are met.
Store heavier items down low and be sure that the weight
is distributed equally. Stow all loose items securely before
driving.
Improper weight distribution can have an adverse effect
on the way your vehicle steers and handles and the way
the brakes operate.
WARNING!
Do not load your vehicle any heavier than the GVWR
or the maximum front and rear GAWR. If you do,
parts on your vehicle can break, or it can change the
way your vehicle handles. This could cause you to
lose control and result in a collision. Also, overload-
ing can shorten the life of your vehicle.
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STARTING AND OPERATING
Summary of Contents for Dakota 2011
Page 1: ...Dakota O W N E R S M A N U A L 2 0 1 1 ...
Page 4: ......
Page 7: ...1 INTRODUCTION 5 ...
Page 10: ......
Page 84: ......
Page 118: ...116 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE ...
Page 119: ...3 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 117 ...
Page 120: ...118 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE ...
Page 178: ......
Page 182: ...INSTRUMENT CLUSTER 180 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL ...
Page 248: ...Operation Tips Chart 246 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL ...
Page 287: ...5 STARTING AND OPERATING 285 ...
Page 360: ......
Page 439: ...INDEX 10 ...
Page 458: ...Chrysler Group LLC 11ND33 126 AD Fourth Edition Printed in U S A ...