2004 Dodge Dakota Owner's Manual - Page 196

196 STARTING AND OPERATING tongue that typically provides adjustable friction associated with the telescoping motion to dampen any unwanted trailer swaying motions while traveling. CAUTION! • During the first 500 miles (805 km) your new vehicle is driven, do not tow a trailer. Doing so may damage your vehicle. • When first towing a trailer, limit your speed to 50 mph (80 km/h) during the first 500 miles (805 km) of towing. Consider the following items when computing the weight on the rear axle: • the tongue weight of the trailer • the weight of any other type of cargo or equipment put in or on your vehicle 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 Certification label located at the driver's door for the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating. Perform maintenance services as prescribed in the Maintenance Schedules section. When your vehicle is used for trailer towing, never exceed the gross axle weight rating (GAWR) and GVWR. WARNING! Improper towing can lead to an injury accident. Follow these guidelines to make your trailer towing as safe as possible: • Be sure the trailer is loaded heavier in front, with 60% to 65% of the weight located ahead of the trailer's axles(s) sufficiently to place result in tongue weights of between 10% and 15% of the GTW loaded trailer weight on the tow hitch of your vehicle. (For a 5th