Dodge Caravan (2008 year). Manual

Maintenance

If you operate the vehicle using E-85 fuel, follow the
maintenance schedule section of this manual.

CAUTION!

Do not use ethanol mixture greater than 85% in your
vehicle. It will cause difficulty in cold starting and
may affect driveability.

VEHICLE LOADING

As required by National Highway Traffic Safety Admin-
istration Regulations, your vehicle has a certification
label affixed to the driver’s side door or pillar.

If seats are removed for carrying cargo, do not exceed the
specified GVWR and GAWR.

Vehicle Certification Label Location

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Vehicle Certification Label

Your vehicle has a Vehicle Certification Label attached to
the driver’s door pillar.

The label contains the following information:

• Name of manufacturer
• Month and year of manufacture
• Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR)
• Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) front
• Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) rear
• Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
• Type of Vehicle
• Month Day and Hour of Manufacture (MDH)

The bar code allows a computer scanner to read the
Vehicle Identification Number (VIN).

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR)
The GVWR is the total allowable weight of your vehicle.
This includes driver, passengers, and cargo. The total
load must be limited so that you do not exceed the
GVWR.

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!

Because the front wheels drive and steer the vehicle,
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 vehicle and have an accident.

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Tire Size
The tire size on the Vehicle Certification Label represents
the actual tire size on your vehicle. Replacement tires
must be equal to the load capacity of this tire size.

Rim Size
This is the rim size that is appropriate for the tire size
listed.

Inflation Pressure
This is the cold tire inflation pressure for your vehicle for
all loading conditions up to full GAWR.

Curb Weight
The curb weight of a vehicle is defined as the total weight
of the vehicle with all fluids, including vehicle fuel, at full
capacity conditions, and with no occupants or cargo
loaded into the vehicle. The front and rear curb weight
values are determined by weighing your vehicle on a
commercial scale before any occupants or cargo are
added.

Overloading
The load carrying components (axle, springs, tires,
wheels, etc.) of your vehicle will provide satisfactory
service as long as you do not exceed the GVWR and front
and rear GAWR.

The best way to figure out the total weight of your
vehicle is to weigh it when it is fully loaded and ready for
operation. Weigh it on a commercial scale to ensure that
it is not over the GVWR.

Figure out the weight on the front and rear of the vehicle
separately. It is important that you distribute the load
evenly over the front and rear axles.

Overloading can cause potential safety hazards and
shorten useful service life. Heavier axles or suspension
components do not necessarily increase the vehicle’s
GVWR.

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Loading
To load your vehicle properly, first figure out its empty
weight, axle by axle and side by side. Store heavier items
down low and be sure you distribute their weight as
evenly as possible. Stow all loose items securely before
driving. If weighing the loaded vehicle shows that you
have exceeded either GAWR, but the total load is within
the specified GVWR, you must redistribute the weight.
Improper weight distribution can have an adverse effect
on the way your vehicle steers and handles and the way
the brakes operate.

CAUTION!

Do not load your vehicle any heavier than the GVWR
or the maximum front and rear GAWR. If you do,
parts on your vehicle can break, or it can change the
way your vehicle handles. This could cause you to
lose control. Also overloading can shorten the life of
your vehicle.

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A loaded vehicle is shown in the illustration. Note that
neither the GVWR or the GAWR capacities have been
exceeded.

LOADING TABLE — EXAMPLE ONLY

Front Axle

Rear Axle

Empty Weight

2,140 lbs
(971 kg)

1,470 lbs
(667 kg)

Load (Driver,
passengers, and
cargo/luggage)

360 lbs
(163 kg)

980 lbs
(445 kg)

TOTAL

2,500 lbs
(1 134 kg)

2,450 lbs
(1 111 kg)

GAWR

2,544 lbs
(1 154 kg)

A loaded vehicle is shown in the above table. Note that
neither the GVWR nor the GAWR capacities have been
exceeded.

NOTE:

Refer to the “Vehicle Certification Label” at-

tached to the rear of the driver’s door for your vehicle’s
GVWR and GAWR’s. This table is only an example.

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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 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.

Common Towing Definitions

The following trailer towing-related definitions will as-
sist 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/luggage and
trailer tongue weight. The total load must be limited so
that you do not exceed the GVWR.

Gross Trailer Weight (GTW)
The gross trailer weight (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

9loaded and ready for operation9 condition. The recom-
mended 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 gross combination weight rating (GCWR) is the total
permissible weight of your vehicle and trailer when
weighed in combination. (Note that GCWR ratings in-
clude a 68 kg (150 lbs) allowance for the presence of a
driver).

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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 vehicle and have an accident.

Trailer Tongue Weight (TW)
The downward force exerted on the hitch ball by the
trailer. In most cases it should not be less than 10% or
more than 15% of the trailer load. You must consider this
as part of the load on your vehicle.

Frontal Area
The maximum height and maximum width of the front of
a trailer.

Trailer Sway Control
The trailer sway control is a telescoping link that can be
installed between the hitch receiver and the trailer tongue
that typically provides adjustable friction associated with
the telescoping motion to dampen any unwanted trailer
swaying motions while traveling.

Weight-Carrying Hitch
A weight-carrying hitch supports the trailer tongue
weight, just as if it were luggage located at a hitch ball or
some other connecting point of the vehicle. This type of
hitch is the most popular on the market today and is
commonly used to tow small- and medium-sized trailers.

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Weight-Distributing Hitch
A weight-distributing system works by applying lever-
age through spring (load) bars. They are typically used
for heavier loads to distribute trailer tongue weight to the
tow vehicle’s front axle and the trailer’s axle(s). When
used in accordance with the manufacturers directions, it
provides for a more level ride, offering more consistent
steering and brake control thereby enhancing towing
safety. The addition of a friction/hydraulic sway control
also dampens sway caused by traffic and crosswinds and
contributes positively to tow vehicle and trailer stability.
Trailer sway control and a weight distributing (load
equalizing) hitch are recommended for heavier Tongue
Weights (TW), and may be required depending on Ve-
hicle and Trailer configuration/loading to comply with
gross axle weight rating (GAWR) requirements.

WARNING!

An improperly adjusted Weight Distributing Hitch
system may reduce handling, stability, braking per-
formance, and could result in an accident.

Weight Distributing Systems may not be compatible
with Surge Brake Couplers. Consult with an autho-
rized hitch and trailer manufacturer or a reputable
authorized Recreational Vehicle dealer for additional
information.

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Trailer Hitch Classifications
Your vehicle may be factory-equipped for safe towing of
trailers weighing over 2,000 lbs (907 kg) with the optional
Trailer Tow Prep Package. See an authorized dealer for
package content.

The following chart provides the industry standard for
the maximum trailer weight a given trailer hitch class can
tow and should be used to assist you in selecting the
correct trailer hitch for your intended towing condition.

Trailer Hitch Classification Definitions

Class

Max. Trailer Hitch Industry

Standards

Class I - Light Duty

2,000 lbs (907 kg)

Class II - Medium
Duty

3,500 lbs (1587 kg)

Class III - Heavy Duty

5,000 lbs (2268 kg)

Class IV - Extra
Heavy Duty

10,000 lbs (4540 kg)

Refer to the “Trailer Towing Weights (Maximum
Trailer Weight Ratings)” chart for the Maximum
Gross Trailer Weight (GTW) towable for your given
drivetrain.

All trailer hitches should be professionally installed on
your vehicle.

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Trailer Towing Weights (Maximum Trailer Weight Ratings)
The Trailer Towing Weights Chart provides the maximum trailer weight ratings towable for a given drivetrain.

TRAILER TOWING WEIGHTS (MAXIMUM TRAILER WEIGHT RATINGS)

Engine/

Transaxle

GCWR

(Gross Combined

Wt. Rating)

Frontal Area

Max. GTW

(Gross Trailer Wt.)

Max. Tongue

Wt.

3.3L, 3.8L and

4.0L / Auto-

matic

7,000 lbs (3 175 kg)

22 sq ft (2.0 sq m)

Up to 2 persons & Luggage 1,800 lbs (816 kg)

180 lbs (82 kg)

7,000 lbs (3 175 kg)

22 sq ft (2.0 sq m)

3 to 5 persons & Luggage 1,350 lbs (612 kg)

135 lbs (61 kg)

7,000 lbs (3 175 kg)

22 sq ft (2.0 sq m)

6 to 7 persons & Luggage 1,000 lbs (454 kg)

100 lbs (45 kg)

3.8L and 4.0L

/Automatic

(with trailer

tow package)

9,000 lbs (4 082 kg)

40 sq ft (3.72 sq m)

Up to 2 persons & Luggage 3,800 lbs (1 723 kg)

380 lbs (172 kg)

9,000 lbs (4 082 kg)

40 sq ft (3.72 sq m)

3 to 5 persons & Luggage 3,350 lbs (1 519 kg)

335 lbs (152 kg)

9,000 lbs (4 082 kg)

40 sq ft (3.72 sq m)

6 to 7 persons & Luggage 3,000 lbs (1 360 kg)

300 lbs (136 kg)

For vehicles equipped with Fold-in-Floor seating, the Gross Trailer Weight must be reduced by 100 lbs (45 kg). Refer to local

laws for maximum trailer towing speeds.
NOTE: The trailer tongue weight must be considered as part of the combined weight of occupants and cargo, and should
never exceed the weight referenced on the Tire and Loading Information placard. Refer to the Tire–Safety Information Sec-
tion in this manual.

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Trailer and Trailer Tongue Weight
Always load a trailer with 60% to 65% of the weight in
the front of the trailer. This places 10% to 15% of the
Gross Trailer Weight (GTW) on the tow hitch of your
vehicle. Loads balanced over the wheels or heavier in the
rear can cause the trailer to severely sway side-to-side,
which will cause loss of control of the vehicle and trailer.
Failure to load trailers heavier in front is the cause of
many trailer accidents.

Never exceed the maximum trailer tongue weight
stamped on your bumper or trailer hitch.

Consider the following items when computing the
weight on the rear axle of the vehicle:

• Trailer tongue weight
• Weight of any other type of cargo/luggage or equip-

ment put in or on your vehicle

• Weight of the driver and all passengers

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NOTE:

Remember that everything put into or on the

trailer adds to the load on your vehicle. Also, additional
factory-installed options, or authorized dealer-installed
options, must be considered as part of the total load on
your vehicle. Refer to the Tire and Loading Information
placard in the Tire Safety Information Section of this
manual for the maximum combined weight of occupants
and cargo for your vehicle.

Towing Requirements
To promote proper break-in of your new vehicle driv-
etrain components, the following guidelines are recom-
mended:

CAUTION!

• Avoid towing a trailer for the first 500 mi (805 km)

of vehicle operation. Doing so may damage your
vehicle.

• During the first 500 mi (805 km) of trailer towing,

limit your speed to 50 mph (80 km/h).

Perform the maintenance listed in Section 8 of this
manual. When towing a trailer, never exceed the GAWR
or GCWR ratings.

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WARNING!

Improper towing can lead to an injury accident.
Follow these guidelines to make your trailer towing
as safe as possible:

Make certain that the load is secured in the trailer
and will not shift during travel. When trailering
cargo that is not fully secured, dynamic load shifts
can occur that may be difficult for the driver to
control. You could lose control of your vehicle and
have an accident.

• When hauling cargo or towing a trailer, do not over-

load your vehicle or trailer. Overloading can cause a
loss of control, poor performance or damage to brakes,
axle, engine, transmission, steering, suspension, chas-
sis structure or tires.

• Safety chains must always be used between your

vehicle and trailer. Always connect the chains to the
frame or hook retainers of the vehicle hitch. Cross the
chains under the trailer tongue and allow enough
slack for turning corners.

• Vehicles with trailers should not be parked on a grade.

When parking, apply the parking brake on the tow
vehicle. Put the tow vehicle automatic transmission in
PARK. Always, block or

9chock9 the trailer wheels.

• GCWR must not be exceeded.
• Total weight must be distributed between the tow

vehicle and the trailer such that the following four
ratings are not exceeded:

1. GVWR

2. GTW

3. GAWR

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4. Trailer tongue weight rating for that trailer hitch.
(This requirement may limit the ability to always
achieve the 10% to 15% range of trailer tongue weight
as a percentage of total trailer weight.)

Towing Requirements — Tires

• Do not attempt to tow a trailer while using a compact

spare tire.

• Proper tire inflation pressures are essential to the safe

and satisfactory operation of your vehicle. Refer to the
Tires–General Information section of this manual on
Tire Pressures for proper tire inflation procedures.

• Also, check the trailer tires for proper tire inflation

pressures before trailer usage.

• Check for signs of tire wear or visible tire damage

before towing a trailer. Refer to the Tires–General
Information section of this manual on Tread Wear
Indicators for the proper inspection procedure.

• When replacing tires refer to the Tires–General Infor-

mation section of this manual on Replacement Tires
for proper tire replacement procedures. Replacing tires
with a higher load carrying capacity will not increase
the vehicle’s GVWR and GAWR limits.

Towing Requirements — Trailer Brakes

• Do not interconnect the hydraulic brake system or

vacuum system of your vehicle with that of the trailer.
This could cause inadequate braking and possible
personal injury.

• An electronically actuated trailer brake controller is

required when towing a trailer with electronically
actuated brakes. When towing a trailer equipped with
a hydraulic surge actuated brake system, an electronic
brake controller is not required.

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• Trailer brakes are recommended for trailers over 1,000

lbs (454 kg) and required for trailers in excess of 2,000
lbs (907 kg).

CAUTION!

If the trailer weighs more than 1,000 lbs (454 kg)
loaded, it should have its own brakes and they
should be of adequate capacity. Failure to do this
could lead to accelerated brake lining wear, higher
brake pedal effort, and longer stopping distances.

WARNING!

Do not connect trailer brakes to your vehicle’s hy-
draulic brake lines. It can overload your brake sys-
tem and cause it to fail. You might not have brakes
when you need them and could have an accident.

Towing any trailer will increase your stopping dis-
tance. When towing you should allow for additional
space between your vehicle and the vehicle in front
of you. Failure to do so could result in an accident.

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Dodge Caravan (2008 year). Manual - part 25