Journey FWD V6-3.5L (2009)
Towing Information: Service and Repair
Trailer Towing - NAFTA, Puerto Rico
SPECIFICATION - TOWING, Trailer - NAFTA, Puerto Rico
you will find safety tips and information on limits to the type of towing you can reasonably do with your vehicle. Before towing a trailer, carefully review
this information to tow your load as efficiently and safely as possible.
To maintain warranty coverage, follow the requirements and recommendations concerning vehicles used for trailer towing.
Common Towing Definitions
The following trailer towing related definitions will assist you in understanding the following information:
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR)
The Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) is the total allowable weight of your vehicle. This includes driver, passengers, cargo, and tongue weight. The
total load must be limited so that you do not exceed the GVWR.
Gross Trailer Weight (GTW)
The Gross Trailer Weight (GTW) is the weight of the trailer plus the weight of all cargo, consumables, and equipment (permanent or temporary) loaded
in or on the trailer in its "loaded and ready for operation" condition. The recommended way to measure GTW is to put your fully loaded trailer on a
vehicle scale. The entire weight of the trailer must be supported by the scale.
Gross Combination Weight Rating (GCWR)
The Gross Combination Weight Rating (GCWR) is the total permissible weight of your vehicle and trailer when weighed in combination. (Note that
GCWR ratings include a 150 lbs (68 kg) allowance for the presence of a driver.)
Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR)
The Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) is the maximum capacity of the front and rear axles. Distribute the load over the front and rear axles evenly.
Make sure that you do not exceed either front or rear GAWR.
WARNING: It is important that you do not exceed the maximum front or rear GAWR. A dangerous driving condition can result if either
rating is exceeded. You could lose control of the vehicle and have an accident. Failure to follow these instructions may result in
possible serious or fatal injury.
Tongue Weight (TW)
Tongue weight (TW) is the downward force exerted on the hitch ball by the trailer. In most cases, it should not be less than 10% or more than 15% of the
trailer load. You must consider this as part of the load on your vehicle.
Frontal Area
Frontal area is the maximum height and maximum width of the front of a trailer.
Trailer Sway Control - Electronic
For information on this system, See: Brakes and Traction Control/Description and Operation.
Trailer Sway Control - Mechanical
The trailer sway control is a telescoping link that can be installed between the hitch receiver and the trailer tongue that typically provides adjustable
friction associated with the telescoping motion to dampen any unwanted trailer swaying motions while traveling.
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 kinds of hitches are the most popular on the market today and they are commonly used to tow small- and medium-sized trailers.
Weight-Distributing Hitch
