Dodge Charger: TRAILER TOWING / Towing Requirements
To promote proper break-in of your new vehicle drivetrain components, the following
guidelines are recommended.
WARNING!
- 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 diffi- cult for the driver to control. You
could lose control of your vehicle and have a collision.
- When hauling cargo or towing a trailer, do not overload your vehicle
or trailer. Over- loading can cause a loss of control, poor performance or damage
to brakes, axle, engine, transmission, steering, suspension, chassis structure
or tires.
- Safety chains must always be used between your vehicle and trailer.
Always connect the chains to the hook retainers of the vehicle hitch. Cross
the chains under the trailer tongue and allow enough slack for turning corners.
- Vehicles with trailers should not be parked on a grade. When parking,
apply the parking brake on the tow vehicle. Put the tow vehicle transmission
in PARK. Always, block or "chock" the trailer wheels.
- GCWR must not be exceeded.
- Total weight must be distributed between the tow vehicle and the trailer
such that the following four ratings are not exceeded:
- Max loading as defined on the “Tire and Loading Information” placard.
- GTW
- GAWR
- Tongue weight rating for the trailer hitch utilized.
Perform the maintenance listed in the “Scheduled Servicing” for the proper maintenance
intervals. When towing a trailer, never exceed the GAWR or GCWR ratings.
CAUTION!
- Do not tow a trailer at all during the first 500 miles (805 km) the
new vehicle is driven. The engine, axle or other parts could be damaged.
- Then, during the first 500 miles (805 km) that a trailer is towed,
do not drive over 50 mph (80 km/h) and do not make starts at full throttle.
This helps the engine and other parts of the vehicle wear in at the heavier
loads.
Never exceed the maximum tongue weight stamped on your fascia/bumper or trailer
hitch.
CAUTION!
Always load a trailer with 60% of the weight in the front of the trailer...
Do not attempt to tow a trailer while using a compact spare tire.
Do not drive more than 50 mph (80 km/h) when towing while using a full size
spare tire...
Other information:
Do not interconnect the hydraulic brake system or vacuum system of
your vehicle with that of the trailer. This could cause inad- equate braking
and possible personal injury.
An electronically actuated trailer brake controller is required when towing
a trailer with electronically actuated brakes...
The power door lock switches are located on each front door panel. Push the switch
to lock or unlock the doors.
The driver’s door will unlock automatically if the keys are found inside the
vehicle when the door lock button on the front door panel is used to lock the door...