Dodge 2008 Dakota - Manual (Page 196)

tongue that typically provides adjustable friction associ-
ated with the telescoping motion to dampen any un-
wanted trailer swaying motions while traveling.
CAUTION!
• During the first 500 miles (805 km) your new
vehicle is driven, do not tow a trailer. Doing so
may damage your vehicle.
• When first towing a trailer, limit your speed to 50
mph (80 km/h) during the first 500 miles (805 km)
of towing.
Consider the following items when computing the
weight on the rear axle:
• the tongue weight of the trailer
• the weight of any other type of cargo or equipment put
in or on your vehicle
NOTE: Remember that everything put into or on the
trailer adds to the load on your vehicle. Also, additional
factory-installed options, or dealer-installed options,
must be considered as part of the total load on your
vehicle. Refer to the Certification label located at the
driver’s door for the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating.
Perform maintenance services as prescribed in the Main-
tenance Schedules section. When your vehicle is used for
trailer towing, never exceed the gross axle weight rating
(GAWR) and GVWR.
WARNING!
Improper towing can lead to an injury accident.
Follow these guidelines to make your trailer towing
as safe as possible:
• Be sure the trailer is loaded heavier in front, with 60%
to 65% of the weight located ahead of the trailer’s
axles(s) sufficiently to place result in tongue weights of
between 10% and 15% of the GTW loaded trailer
weight on the tow hitch of your vehicle. (For a
Љ5th
196 STARTING AND OPERATING