Trailer Towing; Common Towing Definitions - Dodge grand caravan 2011 Owner's Manual

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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.
To maintain warranty coverage, follow the
requirements and recommendations in
this manual concerning vehicles used for
trailer towing.

Common Towing Definitions

The following trailer towing-related defini-
tions 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, passen-
gers, cargo/luggage and trailer tongue
weight. The total load must be limited so
that you do not exceed the GVWR. Refer
to "Vehicle Loading/Vehicle Certification
Label" in "Starting and Operating" for fur-
ther information.
Gross Trailer Weight (GTW)
The GTW is the weight of the trailer plus
the weight of all cargo, consumables and
equipment (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.
STARTING AND OPERATING
Gross Combination Weight Rating
(GCWR)
The GCWR is the total permissible weight
of your vehicle and trailer when weighed in
combination.
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. Refer to "Vehicle Loading/
Vehicle Certification Label" in "Starting
and Operating" for further information.
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