Dodge Magnum SRT (2008 year). Manual

Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR)
The Gross Axle Weight Rating (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!

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.

Tongue Weight (TW)
Tongue weight (TW) is 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
Frontal area is 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. These kinds
of hitches are the most popular on the market today and
they are 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 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 (TW) and may be required depending on vehicle
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
performance, and could result in an accident.

• 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.

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349

Trailer Hitch Classification
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 the “Trailer Towing Weights (Maximum Trailer
Weight Ratings)” chart for the Maximum GTW towable
for your given drivetrain.

Trailer Hitch Classification

Class

Max. GTW

(Gross Trailer Wt.)

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)

All trailer hitches should be professionally installed on
your vehicle.

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

Engine/Transmission

Frontal Area

Max. GTW (Gross Trailer

Wt.)

Max. Tongue Wt.

6.1L Automatic

40 sq ft (3.72 sq m)

Up to 2 persons & luggage

3,800 lbs (1724 kg)

380 lbs (172 kg)

40 sq ft (3.72 sq m)

Up to 3 persons & luggage

3,000 lbs (1361 kg)

300 lbs (136 kg)

40 sq ft (3.72 sq m)

Up to 4 persons & luggage

1,500 lbs (680 kg)

150 lbs (68 kg)

40 sq ft (3.72 sq m)

Up to 5 persons & NO lug-

gage 1,000 lbs (454 kg)

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
it should never exceed the weight referenced on the “Tire

and Loading Information” placard. Refer to “Tire–Safety
Information” in this section.

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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 the vehicle and trailer.
Failure to load trailers heavier in front is the cause of
many trailer accidents.

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

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 the “Tire and Loading Information” placard 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. When tow-
ing 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 that it will not shift during travel. When traile-
ring 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, suspen-
sion, 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.

• 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

⬙chock⬙ 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. Tongue weight rating for the trailer hitch utilized.
(This requirement may limit the ability to always
achieve the 10% to 15% range of 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
“Tires–General Information” in this section for infor-
mation on tire pressures and 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 “Tires–General Infor-
mation” in this section for information on tread wear
indicators and for the proper inspection procedure.

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

tion” in this section for information on replacement
tires and for the 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

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

− 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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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.

The Trailer Tow Package may include a 4- and 7-pin
wiring harness. Use a factory approved trailer harness
and connector.

NOTE:

Do not cut or splice wiring into the vehicles

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.

4-Pin Connector

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Towing Tips
Before setting out on a trip, practice turning, stopping,
and backing up the trailer in an area located away from
heavy traffic.

Towing Tips — Automatic Transmission
The DRIVE range can be selected when towing. How-
ever, if frequent shifting occurs while in this range, the
“3” range should be selected.

NOTE:

Using the “3” range while operating the vehicle

under heavy operating conditions will improve perfor-
mance and extend transmission life by reducing exces-
sive shifting and heat build up. This action will also
provide better engine braking.

If you REGULARLY tow a trailer for more than 45
minutes of continuous operation, then change the auto-
matic transmission fluid and filter according to the
interval specified for “police, taxi, fleet, or frequent trailer
towing” in the Maintenance Schedule.

7-Pin Connector

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Towing Tips — Electronic Speed Control (If
Equipped)

− Don’t 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 get back to cruising speed.

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

maximize fuel efficiency.

Towing Tips — Autostick

威 (If Equipped)

− By using the Autostick

威 modes and selecting a specific

gear range, frequent shifting can be avoided. The
highest gear range should be selected that allows for
adequate performance. For example, choose “4” if the
desired speed can be maintained. Choose “3” or “2” if
needed to maintain the desired speed.

− Extended driving at high RPM should be avoided to

prevent excess heat generation. A reduction in vehicle
speed may be required to avoid extended driving at
high RPM. Return to a higher gear range or vehicle
speed when road conditions and RPM level allows.

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

− City Driving
When stopped for short periods, put transmission in “N”
(Neutral) and increase engine idle speed.

− Highway Driving
Reduce speed.

− Air Conditioning
Turn off temporarily.

− Refer to “Cooling System” under “Maintenance Pro-

cedures” in Section 7.

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RECREATIONAL TOWING (BEHIND
MOTORHOME, ETC.)

TOWING THIS VEHICLE BEHIND ANOTHER
VEHICLE (Flat Towing With All Four Wheels On
The Ground)
Recreational towing for this vehicle is not recommended.

NOTE:

If the vehicle requires towing, make sure all four

wheels are off the ground.

GROUND CLEARANCE

CAUTION!

Damage to the front and rear fascias can occur if you
disregard the low ground clearance in the front and
rear of this vehicle. Pay close attention when parking
to avoid running into parking curbs. Exercise caution
when entering or exiting steep driveways or when
pulling off the road onto soft shoulders.

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WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

CONTENTS

䡵 Hazard Warning Flasher . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 364
䡵 If Your Engine Overheats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 364
䡵 TIREFIT Tire Repair . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 365
䡵 Jump-Starting Procedures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 371
䡵 Freeing A Stuck Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 374
䡵 Towing A Disabled Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 375

▫ Without The Ignition Key . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 375
▫ Towing This Vehicle Behind Another Vehicle

(Flat Towing With All Four Wheels On The
Ground) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 375

▫ Towing This Vehicle Behind Another Vehicle

With A Tow Dolly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 376

Dodge Magnum SRT (2008 year). Manual - part 22