Towing Tips - Chrysler 2014 Grand Cherokee SRT Owner's Manual

Towing Tips

Before setting out on a trip, practice turning,
stopping and backing the trailer in an area away
from heavy traffic.
Automatic Transmission
The DRIVE range can be selected when towing.
The transmission controls include a drive strat-
egy to avoid frequent shifting when towing.
However, if frequent shifting does occur while in
DRIVE, select TOW mode, or use the Paddle
Shift switches to manually select a lower gear.
NOTE:
Using a lower gear while operating the ve-
hicle under heavy loading conditions will
improve performance and extend transmis-
sion life by reducing excessive shifting and
heat build up. This action will also provide
better engine braking.
TOW Mode
To reduce the potential for automatic transmis-
sion overheating, select TOW mode when driv-
ing in hilly areas, or select a lower gear (using
the Paddle Shift switches) on more severe
grades.
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Paddle Shift Mode
• When using the Paddle Shift switches, select
the highest gear that allows for adequate
performance and avoids frequent downshifts.
For example, choose "5" if the desired speed
can be maintained. Choose "4" or "3" if
needed to maintain the desired speed.
• To prevent excess heat generation, avoid
continuous driving at high RPM. Reduce
vehicle speed as necessary to avoid ex-
tended driving at high RPM. Return to a
higher gear or vehicle speed when grade and
road conditions allow.
Electronic Speed Control – If Equipped
• Do not use in hilly terrain or with heavy loads.
• When using the speed control, if you experi-
ence speed drops greater than 10 mph
(16 km/h), disengage until you can get back
to cruising speed.
• Use speed control in flat terrain and with light
loads to maximize fuel efficiency.
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Cooling System
To reduce potential for engine and transmission
overheating, take the following actions:
City Driving
When stopped for short periods of time, shift the
transmission into NEUTRAL and increase en-
gine idle speed.
Highway Driving
Reduce speed.
Air Conditioning
Turn off temporarily.
Trailer Hitch Attaching Points
Your vehicle will require extra equipment to tow
a trailer safely and efficiently. The trailer tow
hitch must be attached to your vehicle using the
provided attaching points on the vehicle's
frame. Refer to the following chart to determine
the accurate attaching points. Other equipment,
such as trailer sway controls and braking equip-
ment, trailer equalizing (leveling) equipment
and low profile mirrors, may also be required or
strongly recommended.
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