2010 Jeep Patriot Owner's Manual - Page 370
2010 Jeep Patriot Manual
Page 370 highlights
STARTING AND OPERATING 369 Overloading can cause potential safety hazards and TRAILER TOWING shorten useful service life. Heavier suspension compo- In this section you will find safety tips and information on limits to the type of towing you can reasonably do nents do not necessarily increase the vehicle's GVWR. with your vehicle. Before towing a trailer, carefully Loading review this information to tow your load as efficiently To load your vehicle properly, first figure out its empty and safely as possible. weight. Store heavier items down low and be sure you distribute their weight as evenly as possible. Stow all To maintain warranty coverage, follow the requirements loose items securely before driving. Improper weight and recommendations in this manual concerning vedistribution can have an adverse effect on the way your hicles used for trailer towing. vehicle steers and handles, and the way the brakes Common Towing Definitions operate. The following trailer towing related definitions will assist you in understanding the information: 5 CAUTION! Do not load your vehicle any heavier than the GVWR. If you do, parts on your vehicle can break, or it can change the way your vehicle handles. This could cause you to lose control. Also, overloading can shorten the life of your vehicle. Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) The 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