Jeep Patriot 2011 Operating Information Manual page 176

Loose Fuel Filler Cap Message
If the vehicle diagnostic system determines
that the fuel filler cap is loose or improperly
installed, a "gASCAP" message will be dis-
played in the Odometer/Trip Odometer in the
instrument cluster. Refer to "Instrument Cluster
Description" in "Understanding Your Instrument
Panel" for further information. Tighten the fuel
filler cap properly and press the odometer/trip
odometer RESET button to turn the message
off. If the problem continues, the message will
appear the next time the vehicle is started.
Refer to "Onboard Diagnostic System" in
"Maintaining Your Vehicle" for further informa-
tion.
TRAILER TOWING
In this section you will find safety tips and
information on limits to the type of towing you
can reasonably do with your vehicle. Before
towing a trailer carefully review this information
to tow your load as efficiently and safely as
possible.
172
To maintain warranty coverage, follow the re-
quirements and recommendations in this
manual concerning vehicles used for trailer
towing.
Common Towing Definitions
The following trailer towing related definitions
will assist you in understanding the following
information:
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 exceed the GVWR.
Gross Trailer Weight (GTW)
The GTW is the weight of the trailer plus the
weight of all cargo, consumables and equip-
ment (permanent or temporary) loaded in or on
the trailer in its loaded and ready for operation
condition. The recommended way to measure
GTW is to put your fully loaded trailer on a
vehicle scale. The entire weight of the trailer
must be supported by the scale.
Gross Combination Weight Rating (GCWR)
The GCWR is the total permissible weight of
your vehicle and trailer when weighed in com-
bination.
NOTE:
The GCWR rating includes a 150 lbs (68 kg)
allowance for the presence of a driver.
Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR)
The GAWR is the maximum capacity of the front
and rear axles. Distribute the load over the front
and rear axles evenly. Make sure that you do
not exceed either front or rear GAWR.
WARNING!
It is important that you do not exceed the
maximum front or rear GAWR. A dangerous
driving condition can result if either rating is
exceeded. You could lose control of the ve-
hicle and have an accident.
Tongue Weight (TW)
The tongue weight is the downward force ex-
erted on the hitch ball by the trailer. In most
cases, it should not be less than 5% or more
than 10% of the trailer load. Tongue weight