
Trailer And Tongue Weight
Loads balanced over the wheels or heavier in
the rear can cause the trailer to sway
severely
from side-to-side which will cause loss of con-
trol of the vehicle and trailer. Failure to load
trailers heavier in front is the cause of many
trailer accidents.
Never exceed the maximum tongue weight
stamped on your trailer hitch.
Consider the following items when computing
the weight on the rear axle of the vehicle:
•
The tongue weight of the trailer.
•
The weight of any other type of cargo or
equipment put in or on your vehicle.
•
The weight of the driver and all passengers.
NOTE:
Remember that everything put into or on the
trailer adds to the load on your vehicle. Also,
additional
factory-installed
options,
or
dealer-installed options, must be consid-
ered as part of the total load on your vehicle.
Refer to the Tire and Loading Information
placard, located on the drivers door pillar,
for the maximum combined weight of occu-
pants and cargo for your vehicle.
Towing Requirements
To promote proper break-in of your new vehicle
drivetrain components the following guidelines
are recommended:
CAUTION!
•
Do not tow a trailer at all during the first
500 miles (805 km) the new vehicle is
driven. The engine, axle or other parts
could be damaged.
•
Then, during the first 500 miles (805 km)
that a trailer is towed, do not drive over
50 mph (80 km/h) and do not make starts at
full throttle. This helps the engine and other
parts of the vehicle wear in at the heavier
loads.
WARNING!
Improper towing can lead to an injury acci-
dent. Follow these guidelines to make your
trailer towing as safe as possible:
(Continued)
WARNING!
(Continued)
•
Make certain that the load is secured in the
trailer and will not shift during travel. When
trailering cargo that is not fully secured,
dynamic load shifts can occur that may be
difficult for the driver to control. You could
lose control of your vehicle and have an
accident.
•
All trailer hitches should be professionally
installed on your vehicle.
•
When hauling cargo or towing a trailer, do
not overload your vehicle or trailer. Over-
loading can cause a loss of control, poor
performance or damage to brakes, axle,
engine, transmission, steering, suspen-
sion, chassis structure or tires.
•
Safety chains must always be used be-
tween your vehicle and trailer. Always con-
nect the chains to the frame or hook retain-
ers of the vehicle hitch. Cross the chains
under the trailer tongue and allow enough
slack for turning corners.
(Continued)
175
Summary of Contents for Patriot 2011
Page 1: ...Patriot O P E R AT I N G I N F O R M AT I O N...
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Page 6: ...2...
Page 11: ...7...
Page 58: ...54...
Page 81: ...77...
Page 82: ...78...
Page 83: ...79...
Page 112: ...108...
Page 116: ...INSTRUMENT CLUSTER 112...
Page 130: ...Compass Variance Map 126...
Page 141: ...137...
Page 145: ...Control Setting Suggestions for Various Weather Conditions 141...
Page 146: ...142...
Page 186: ...TOWING A DISABLED VEHICLE 192 With Ignition Key 192 Without The Ignition Key 192 182...
Page 244: ...240...
Page 254: ...250...
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Page 256: ...252...
Page 257: ...10 INDEX 253...
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Page 268: ...Chrysler Group LLC Patriot 11MK74 126 UK AA Printed in Europe 11...