Dodge Dakota (2011 year). Manual

Trailer Tongue Weight (TW)
The tongue weight is the downward force exerted on the
hitch ball by the trailer is the tongue weight. 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 frontal area is the maximum height multiplied by the
maximum width of the front of a trailer.

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. These kind of
hitches are the most popular on the market today and
they are commonly used to tow small- and medium-
sized trailers.

Weight-Distributing Hitch
A weight-distributing hitch works by applying leverage
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 axle(s). When used
in accordance with the manufacturers’ directions, it pro-
vides 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 and may be required depending on vehicle and
trailer configuration/loading to comply with Gross Axle
Weight Rating (GAWR) requirements.

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WARNING!

• An improperly adjusted weight-distributing hitch

may reduce handling, stability, and braking per-
formance, and could result in a collision.

• Weight-Distributing Systems may not be compat-

ible with surge brake couplers. Consult with your
hitch and trailer manufacturer or a reputable rec-
reational

vehicle

dealer

for

additional

information.

EXAMPLE — Without Weight-Distributing

Hitch (Incorrect)

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Trailer Hitch Classification
The rear bumper is intended to tow trailers up to
2,000 lbs (907 kg) without added equipment or altera-
tions to the standard equipment. 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 your 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.
Refer to “Trailer Towing Weights (Maximum Trailer
Weight Ratings)” for the website address that contains
the necessary information for your specific drivetrain.

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)

Fifth Wheel/
Gooseneck

Greater than 10,000 lbs

(4540 kg)

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

All trailer hitches should be professionally installed on
your vehicle.

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Trailer Towing Weights
(Maximum Trailer Weight Ratings)

NOTE:

For additional trailer towing information in-

cluding maximum trailer and tongue weight rating for
your vehicle, refer to the following website addresses:

• http:// www.ramtrucks.com
• http:// www.dodge.ca (Canada)

Trailer And 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 sway severely side to side
which will cause loss of control of vehicle and trailer.
Failure to load trailers heavier in front is the cause of
many trailer collisions.

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

• The tongue weight of the trailer.
• The weight of any other type of cargo or equipment

put in or on your vehicle.

• The 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 dealer-installed options,
must be considered as part of the total load on your
vehicle. Refer to “Tire Safety Information/Tire and Load-
ing Information Placard” in “Starting and Operating” for
further information.

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

CAUTION!

• Do not tow a trailer at all during the first 500 miles

(805 km) the new vehicle is driven. The engine,
axle or other parts could be damaged.

(Continued)

CAUTION! (Continued)

• Then, during the first 500 miles (805 km) that a

trailer is towed, do not drive over 50 mph
(80 km/h) and do not make starts at full throttle.
This helps the engine and other parts of the
vehicle wear in at the heavier loads.

Perform the maintenance listed in the Maintenance
Schedule. Refer to “Maintenance Schedule” for the
proper maintenance intervals. When towing a trailer,
never exceed the GAWR or GCWR ratings.

WARNING!

Improper towing can lead to a collision. Follow these
guidelines to make your trailer towing as safe as
possible:

(Continued)

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WARNING! (Continued)

• 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 a collision.

• When hauling cargo or towing a trailer, do not

overload your vehicle or trailer. Overloading can
cause a loss of control, poor performance or dam-
age to brakes, axle, engine, transmission, steering,
suspension, chassis 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.

(Continued)

WARNING! (Continued)

• 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. For four-wheel drive ve-
hicles, make sure the transfer case is not in NEU-
TRAL. Always, block or

ⴖchockⴖ the trailer wheels.

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

vehicle and the trailer so that the following four
ratings are not exceeded:
1. GVWR
2. GTW
3. GAWR
4. Tongue weight rating for the trailer hitch uti-
lized (This requirement may limit the ability to
always achieve the 10% to 15% range of tongue
weight as a percentage of total trailer weight.)

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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. For proper
tire inflation procedures, refer to “Tires – General
Information” in “Starting and Operating” for further
information.

− Check the trailer tires for proper tire inflation pres-

sures before trailer usage.

− Check for signs of tire wear or visible tire damage

before towing a trailer. For the proper inspection
procedure, refer to “Tires – General Information” in
“Starting and Operating” for further information.

− When replacing tires, refer to “Tires – General Infor-

mation” in “Starting and Operating” for further infor-
mation. 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

hydraulic brake lines. It can overload your brake
system and cause it to fail. You might not have
brakes when you need them and could have a
collision.

• Towing any trailer will increase your stopping

distance. When towing you should allow for addi-
tional space between your vehicle and the vehicle
in front of you. Failure to do so could result in a
collision.

Towing Requirements – Trailer Lights and Wiring
Whenever you pull a trailer, regardless of the trailer size,
stop lights and turn signals on the trailer are required for
motoring safety.

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The Trailer Tow Package may include a four and seven-
pin wiring harness. Use a factory approved trailer har-
ness and connector.

NOTE:

Do not cut or splice wiring into the vehicle’s

wiring harness.

The electrical connections are all complete to the vehicle
but you must mate the harness to a trailer connector.
Refer to the following illustrations:

Four-Pin Connector

1 — Female Pins

4 — Park

2 — Male Pin

5 — Left Stop/Turn

3 — Ground

6 — Right Stop/Turn

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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. How-
ever, if frequent shifting occurs while in this range, the
TOW/HAUL feature should be selected.

NOTE:

Using the TOW/HAUL feature while operating

the vehicle under heavy operating conditions will im-
prove performance and extend transmission life by re-
ducing excessive shifting and heat build up. This action
will also provide better engine braking.

The automatic transmission fluid and filter should be
changed if you REGULARLY tow a trailer for more than
45 minutes of continuous operation. Refer to “Mainte-
nance Schedule” for the proper maintenance intervals.

Seven-Pin Connector

1 — Battery

5 — Ground

2 — Backup Lamps

6 — Left Stop/Turn

3 — Right Stop/Turn

7 — Running Lamps

4 — Electric Brakes

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NOTE:

Check the automatic transmission fluid level

before towing.

Tow/Haul – If Equipped
To reduce potential for automatic transmission overheat-
ing, turn the TOW/HAUL feature ON when driving in
hilly areas or shift the transmission to Drive position 2 on
more severe grades.

Electronic Speed Control – If Equipped

− Do not use in hilly terrain or with heavy loads.

− When using the speed control, if you experience speed

drops greater than 10 mph (16 km/h), disengage until
you can resume cruising speed.

− Use speed control in flat terrain and with light loads to

maximize fuel efficiency.

Cooling System
To reduce potential for engine and transmission over-
heating, take the following actions:

− City Driving
When stopped for short periods of time, shift the trans-
mission into NEUTRAL and increase engine idle speed.

− Highway Driving
Reduce speed.

− Air Conditioning
Turn off temporarily.

SNOWPLOW
Snow plows, winches, and other aftermarket equipment
should not be added to the front end of your vehicle. The
airbag crash sensors may be affected by the change in the
front end structure. The airbags could deploy unexpect-
edly or could fail to deploy during a collision.

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WARNING!

Do not add a snow plow, winches, or any other
aftermarket equipment to the front of your vehicle.
This could adversely affect the functioning of the
airbag system in a collision and you could be injured.

RECREATIONAL TOWING (BEHIND
MOTORHOME, ETC.)

Two-Wheel Drive Models
Recreational towing of two-wheel drive models is not
allowable. Towing the vehicle with the transmission in
NEUTRAL can cause severe transmission damage. Re-
moval of the driveshaft for towing is not recommended,
since this would allow fluid to drain from the
transmission.

Four-Wheel Drive Models

CAUTION!

• Internal damage to the transfer case will occur if a

front or rear wheel lift is used when recreational
towing.

• The transfer case must be shifted into NEUTRAL

for recreational towing. The NEUTRAL button is
located on the lower left hand corner of the trans-
fer case switch. Shifts into and out of transfer case
NEUTRAL can take place with the transfer case
switch in any mode position.

• Automatic transmissions must be placed in PARK

position for recreational towing.

• Failure to follow these procedures can cause se-

vere transmission and/or transfer case damage.

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Recreational Towing Procedure

WARNING!

You or others could be injured if you leave the
vehicle unattended with the transfer case in the
NEUTRAL position without first fully engaging the
parking brake. The transfer case NEUTRAL position
disengages both the front and rear driveshafts from
the powertrain and will allow the vehicle to move,
even if the transmission is in PARK. The parking
brake should always be applied when the driver is
not in the vehicle.

Use the following procedure to prepare your vehicle for
recreational towing.

CAUTION!

It is necessary to follow these steps to be certain that
the transfer case is fully in NEUTRAL before recre-
ational towing to prevent damage to internal parts.

1. Bring the vehicle to a complete stop.

2. Shut the engine OFF.

3. Turn the ignition key to the ON position but do not
start the engine.

4. Press the brake pedal.

5. Shift the transmission into NEUTRAL.

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6. Using the point of a ballpoint pen or similar object,
press the transfer case NEUTRAL button for four sec-
onds.

7. After the shift is completed and the NEUTRAL light
comes on, release the NEUTRAL button.

8. Start the engine.

9. Shift the transmission into REVERSE.

10. Release the brake pedal for five seconds and ensure
that there is no vehicle movement.

11. Repeat Steps 9 and 10 with the transmission in
DRIVE.

12. Shut the engine OFF, and place the ignition key into
the unlocked OFF position.

13. Shift the transmission into PARK.

14. Attach vehicle to tow vehicle with tow bar.

15. Disconnect the negative battery cable.

NOTE:

• Steps 1 through 5 are requirements that must be met

prior to pressing the NEUTRAL button, and must
continue to be met until the four seconds elapse and
the shift has been completed. If any of these require-
ments (with the exception of 3 - Key ON) are not met

NEUTRAL Button

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prior to pressing the NEUTRAL button or are no
longer met during the four second timer, then the
NEUTRAL indicator light will flash continuously until
all requirements are met or until the NEUTRAL button
is released.

• The ignition key must be ON for a shift to take place

and for the position indicator lights to be operable. If
the key in not ON, the shift will not take place and no
position indicator lights will be on or flashing.

• A flashing NEUTRAL position indicator light indicates

that shift requirements have not been met.

CAUTION!

Damage to the transmission may occur if the trans-
mission is shifted into PARK with the transfer case in
NEUTRAL and the engine running. With the transfer
case in NEUTRAL, ensure that the engine is OFF
prior to shifting the transmission into PARK.

Returning to Normal Operation
Use the following procedure to prepare your vehicle for
normal usage.

1. Reconnect the negative battery cable.

2. The vehicle must be at a complete stop.

3. Place the ignition key in the OFF position (if it has
been moved or the engine has been started).

4. Place the ignition key into the ON position (engine
off).

5. Press the brake pedal.

6. Shift the transmission into NEUTRAL.

7. Using the point of a ballpoint pen or similar object,
press the recessed transfer case NEUTRAL button for one
second.

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Dodge Dakota (2011 year). Manual - part 20