Dodge 2004 PL Neon - Manual (Page 148)

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 re-
view 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 ve-
hicles used for trailer towing.
Perform maintenance services as prescribed in the main-
tenance schedules manual. When your vehicle is used for
trailer towing, never exceed the gross axle weight rating
(GAWR) by the addition of:
• The tongue weight of the trailer.
• The weight of any other type of cargo or equipment
put in or on your vehicle.
• Remember that everything put in or on the trailer adds
to the load on your vehicle.
Warranty Requirements
The Manufacturer’s Passenger Vehicle Warranty will
apply to vehicles used to tow trailers for non-commercial
use. However the following conditions must be met:
• The maximum trailer load for vehicles with the Stan-
dard 2.0L Engine and manual tranaxles is 1,500 lbs
(680 kg).
• The maximum trailer load for vehicles with the Stan-
dard 2.0L Engine and automatic transaxles is 1,000 lbs
(454 kg).
• Trailer towing is not recommended for vehicles with
the optional 2.0L Magnum Engine (R/T) and manual
transaxle.
• If using a manual transaxle vehicle for trailer towing,
all starts must be in FIRST gear to avoid excessive
clutch slippage.
• The maximum frontal area of the trailer cannot exceed
20 square feet (1.86 square meters).
• The trailer tongue load must be considered as part of
the combined weight of occupants and cargo, and
should never exceed the weight referenced on the Tire
148 STARTING AND OPERATING