Durango 2WD V6-3.7L (2009)
Towing Information: Service and Repair
SPECIFICATIONS
In this article you will find safety tips and information on limits to the type of towing you can reasonably do with the vehicle. Before towing a trailer
carefully review this information to tow the 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 GVWR is the total allowable weight of the 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 the 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 the 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 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. Failure to follow these instructions may result in serious or fatal injury.
Tongue Weight (TW)
The downward force exerted on the hitch ball by the trailer is the tongue weight. 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 the vehicle.
Frontal Area
The maximum height and maximum width of the front of a trailer.
TSC (Trailer Sway Control) - If Equipped
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Trailer Sway Control - Electronic TSC uses sensors in the vehicle to recognize a swaying trailer and will take the appropriate actions to attempt
to stop the sway. The system will reduce engine power and apply individual brakes that will counteract the sway of the trailer. TSC will become
active automatically once the swaying trailer is recognized. No driver action is required. TSC cannot stop all trailers from swaying. Always use
caution when towing a trailer and follow the tongue weight recommendations. Even if the vehicle is equipped with electronic TSC, mechanical
sway control is recommended when appropriate for the size of the trailer.
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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 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