2009 Jeep Patriot Owner's Manual - Page 344

342 STARTING AND OPERATING NOTE: Remember that everything put into or on the trailer adds to the load on your vehicle. Also, additional factory-installed options, or authorized dealer-installed options, must be considered as part of the total load on your vehicle. Refer to the Tire and Loading Information placard in the Tire Safety Information section of this manual for the maximum combined weight of occupants and cargo for your vehicle. Towing Requirements To promote proper break-in of your vehicle drivetrain components, the following guidelines are recommended: Perform the maintenance listed in the "Maintenance Schedule." Refer to Section 8 of this manual. When towing a trailer, never exceed the GAWR, or GCWR, ratings. WARNING! Improper towing can lead to an injury accident. Follow these guidelines to make your trailer towing as safe as possible: Make certain that the load is secured in the trailer and will not shift during travel. When trailering cargo that is not fully secured, dynamic load shifts can occur that may be difficult for the driver to control. You could lose control of your vehicle and have an accident. • When hauling cargo or towing a trailer, do not overload your vehicle or trailer. Overloading can cause a loss of control, poor performance or damage to brakes, axle, engine, transmission, steering, suspension, chassis structure or tires. CAUTION! • Avoid towing a trailer for the first 500 miles (805 km) of vehicle operation. Doing so may damage your vehicle. • During the first 500 miles (805 km) of trailer towing, limit your speed to 50 mph (80 km/h).