Dakota 2WD V8-4.7L Flex Fuel (2009)
damage to brakes, axle, engine, transmission, steering, suspension, chassis structure or tires.
-
Safety chains must always be used between your vehicle and trailer. Always connect the chains to the frame or hook retainers of the vehicle hitch.
Cross the chains under the trailer tongue and allow enough slack for turning corners.
-
Vehicles with trailers should not be parked on a grade. When parking, apply the parking brake on the tow vehicle. Put the tow vehicle automatic
transmission in P for Park. Always, block or "chock" the trailer wheels.
-
GCWR must not be exceeded.
-
Total weight must be distributed between the tow vehicle and the trailer such that the following four ratings are not exceeded:
-
GVWR
-
GTW
-
GAWR
-
Tongue weight rating for the trailer hitch utilized (This requirement may limit the ability to always achieve the 10% to 15% range of tongue weight
as a percentage of total trailer weight).
Towing Requirements - Tires
-
Do not attempt to tow a trailer while using a compact spare tire.
-
Proper tire inflation pressures are essential to the safe and satisfactory operation of your vehicle.
-
Also, check the trailer tires for proper tire inflation pressures before trailer usage.
-
Check for signs of tire wear or visible tire damage before towing a trailer. Refer to the See: Wheels and Tires/Tires/Description and Operation
section on Tread Wear Indicators for the proper inspection procedure.
-
When replacing tires refer to See: Wheels and Tires/Tires/Description and Operation section on Replacement Tires for proper tire replacement
procedures. Replacing tires with a higher load carrying capacity will not increase the vehicle's GVWR and GAWR limits.
Towing Requirements - Trailer Brakes
-
Do not interconnect the hydraulic brake system or vacuum system of your vehicle with that of the trailer. This could cause inadequate braking and
possible personal injury.
-
An electronically actuated trailer brake controller is required when towing a trailer with electronically actuated brakes. When towing a trailer
equipped with a hydraulic surge actuated brake system, an electronic brake controller is not required.
-
Trailer brakes are recommended for trailers over 1,000 lbs (454 kg) and required for trailers in excess of 2,000 lbs (907 kg).
CAUTION: If the trailer weighs more than 454 kg (1,000 lbs) loaded, it should have its own brakes and they should be of adequate capacity.
Failure to do this could lead to accelerated brake lining wear, higher brake pedal effort, longer stopping distances and may result
in serious or fatal injury.
WARNING: Do not connect trailer brakes to the vehicle's hydraulic brake lines. It can overload the brake system and cause it to fail. You
might not have brakes when you need them and could have an accident.
Towing any trailer will increase the stopping distance. When towing you should allow for additional space between the vehicle and
the vehicle in front of you. Failure to follow these instructions may result in serious or fatal injury.
Towing Requirements - Trailer Lights AND Wiring
Whenever you pull a trailer, regardless of the trailer size, stop lights and turn signals on the trailer are required for motoring safety.
The Trailer Tow Package may include a 4 and 7 pin wiring harness. Use a factory approved trailer harness and connector.
NOTE: Do not cut or splice wiring into the vehicles wiring harness.
The electrical connections are all complete to the vehicle but you must mate the harness to a trailer connector. Refer to the following illustrations.