Dakota 2WD V8-4.7L Flex Fuel (2009)
All trailer hitches should be professionally installed on your vehicle.
Trailer Towing Weights (Maximum Trailer Weight Ratings)
The following chart provides the maximum trailer weight ratings towable for your given drivetrain.
NOTE: The trailer tongue weight must be considered as part of the combined weight of occupants and cargo, and should never exceed the
weight referenced on the Tire and Loading Information placard.
Trailer and Tongue Weight
Always load a trailer with 60% to 65% of the weight in the front of the trailer. This places 10% to 15% of the Gross Trailer Weight (GTW) on the tow
hitch of your vehicle. Loads balanced over the wheels or heavier in the rear can cause the trailer to sway severely side to side which will cause loss of
control 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 bumper or trailer hitch.
Consider the following items when computing the weight on the rear axle of the vehicle:
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The tongue weight of the trailer.
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The weight of any other type of cargo or equipment put in or on your vehicle.
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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 considered as part of the total load on your vehicle. Refer to the Tire and Loading Information
placard in the Tire Safety Information Section.
Towing Requirements
To promote proper break-in of your new vehicle drivetrain components the following guidelines are recommended:
CAUTION:
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Avoid towing a trailer for the first 805 km (500 miles) of vehicle operation. Doing so may damage your vehicle.
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During the first 805 km (500 miles) of trailer towing, limit your speed to 80 km/h (50 mph).
When towing a trailer, never exceed the GAWR, or GCWR, ratings.
WARNING: Improper towing can lead to an injury accident. Follow these guidelines to make the trailer towing as safe as possible:
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. Failure to follow these instructions may result in
serious or fatal injury.
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When hauling cargo or towing a trailer, do not overload your vehicle or trailer. Overloading can cause a loss of control, poor performance or
