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 kind of
hitches are the most popular on the market today and
they’re 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 manufacturers’ 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 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.
Trailer Hitch Classification
Your vehicle may be factory equipped for safe towing of
trailers weighing over 2,000 lbs (907 kg) with the optional
Trailer Tow Prep Package. See your authorized dealer for
package content.
The following chart provides the industry standard for
the maximum trailer weight a given trailer hitch class can
tow and should be used to assist you in selecting the
correct trailer hitch for your intended towing condition.
Refer to the Trailer Towing Weights (Maximum Trailer
Weight Ratings) chart for the maximum GTW towable for
your given drivetrain.
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STARTING AND OPERATING
Summary of Contents for 2009 COMPASS
Page 1: ...COMPASS 2009 owner s manual ...
Page 4: ......
Page 8: ...6 INTRODUCTION ...
Page 104: ...102 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE ...
Page 105: ...UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 103 3 ...
Page 106: ...104 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE ...
Page 164: ...INSTRUMENT CLUSTER PREMIUM 162 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL ...
Page 245: ...Operating Tips UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 243 4 ...
Page 248: ......
Page 289: ...STARTING AND OPERATING 287 5 ...
Page 330: ......
Page 408: ......
Page 419: ...INDEX 10 ...
Page 439: ...Chrysler LLC 81 326 0911 First Edition Printed in U S A ...