Jeep Compass Operating Information Manual page 147

WARNING! (Continued)
When trailering cargo that is not fully se-
cured, dynamic load shifts can occur that
may be difficult 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, suspen-
sion, chassis structure, or tires.
• Safety chains must always be used be-
tween your vehicle and trailer. Always con-
nect the chains to the frame or hook retain-
ers 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 park-
ing brake on the tow vehicle. Put the tow
vehicle transmission in PARK. Always
block or "chock" the trailer wheels.
• GCWR must not be exceeded.
144
WARNING! (Continued)
• Total weight must be distributed be-
tween the tow vehicle and the trailer
such that the following four ratings are
not exceeded:
1. GVWR
2. GTW
3. GAWR
4. Tongue weight rating for the trailer hitch
utilized.
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.
(Continued)
Towing Requirements — Tires
• Do not attempt to tow a trailer while using a
compact spare tire.
• Proper tire inflation pressures are essential to
the safe and satisfactory operation of your
vehicle. Refer to "Tires" in "Servicing And
Maintenance" for proper
procedures.
• Check the trailer tires for proper tire inflation
pressures before trailer usage.
• Check for signs of tire wear or visible tire
damage before towing a trailer. Refer to
"Tires" in "Servicing And Maintenance" for the
proper inspection procedure.
• When replacing tires, refer to "Tires" in "Ser-
vicing And Maintenance" for the proper tire
replacement procedures. Replacing tires with
a higher load carrying capacity will not in-
crease the vehicle's GVWR and GAWR
limits.
Towing Requirements — Trailer Brakes
• Do not interconnect the hydraulic brake sys-
tem 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 con-
troller is required when towing a trailer with
electronically actuated brakes. When towing
a trailer equipped with a hydraulic surge
actuated brake system, an electronic brake
controller is not required.
tire inflation