2005 Dodge Dakota Owner Manual - Page 256
2005 Dodge Dakota Manual
Page 256 highlights
256 STARTING AND OPERATING TRAILER TOWING To maintain warranty coverage, follow the requirements and recommendations in this manual concerning vehicles used for trailer towing. Definitions The following trailer towing related terminology definitions will assist in understanding the subsequent sections: 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 68 kg (150 lb.) allowance for the presence of a driver.) Tongue Weight (of a trailer) is the weight placed on a vehicle's trailer hitch by the trailer. 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 Љloaded and ready for operationЉ condition. 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. 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. Perform the maintenance listed in Section 8 of this manual. When towing a trailer, never exceed the GAWR, or GCWR, ratings.