Jeep Commander (2010 year). Manual — part 21

This label contains the month and year of manufacture,
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR), Gross Axle Weight
Rating (GAWR) front and rear, and Vehicle Identification
Number (VIN). A Month-Day-Hour (MDH) number is
included on this label and indicates the month, day, and
hour of manufacture. The bar code that appears on the
bottom of the label is your VIN.

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR)
The GVWR is the total permissible weight of your vehicle
including driver, passengers, vehicle, options, trailer
tongue weight, and cargo. The label also specifies maxi-
mum capacities of front and rear axle systems (GAWR).
Total load must be limited, so GVWR, and front and rear
GAWR are not exceeded.

Payload
The payload of a vehicle is defined as the allowable load
weight a truck can carry, including the weight of the
driver, all passengers, options and cargo.

Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR)
The GAWR is the maximum permissible load on the front
and rear axles. The load must be distributed in the cargo
area so that the GAWR of each axle is not exceeded.

Each axle’s GAWR is determined by the components in
the system with the lowest load carrying capacity (axle,
springs, tires, or wheels). Heavier axles or suspension
components, sometimes specified by purchasers for in-
creased durability, does not necessarily increase the ve-
hicle’s GVWR.

Tire Size
The tire size on the 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.

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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.

Loading
The actual total weight and the weight of the front and
rear of your vehicle at the ground can best be determined
by weighing it when it is loaded and ready for operation.

The entire vehicle should first be weighed on a commer-
cial scale to ensure that the GVWR has not been ex-
ceeded. The weight on the front and rear of the vehicle

should then be determined separately to be sure that the
load is properly distributed over front and rear axle.
Weighing the vehicle may show that the GAWR of either
the front or rear axles has been exceeded, but the total
load is within the specified GVWR. If so, weight must be
shifted from front to rear, or rear to front, as appropriate
until the specified weight limitations are met. Store the
heavier items down low and be sure that the weight is
distributed equally. Stow all loose items securely before
driving.

Improper weight distributions can have an adverse affect
on the way your vehicle steers and handles, and the way
the brakes operate.

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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.

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 assist
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 and trailer tongue
weight. The total load must be limited so that you do not
exceed the GVWR.

Gross Trailer Weight (GTW)
The GTW is the weight of the trailer plus the weight of all
cargo, consumables and equipment (permanent or tem-
porary) loaded in or on the trailer in its

⬙loaded and

ready for operation

⬙ condition. The recommended 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.

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Gross Combination Weight Rating (GCWR)
The GCWR is the total permissible weight of your vehicle
and trailer when weighed in combination.

NOTE:

The GCWR rating includes a 150 lbs (68 kg)

allowance for the presence of a driver.

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!

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 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
The frontal area is the maximum height and 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.

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Weight-Distributing Hitch
A weight-distributing hitch system 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 manufacturer’s direc-
tions, 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 cross-
winds, and contributes positively to tow vehicle and
trailer stability. Trailer sway control and a weight distrib-
uting (load equalizing) hitch are recommended for
heavier trailer 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, and brak-
ing performance, and could result in an accident.

• Weight-distributing hitch systems may not be

compatible with Surge Brake Couplers. Consult
with your hitch and trailer manufacturer or a
reputable Recreational Vehicle dealer for addi-
tional information.

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Without Weight-Distributing Hitch (Incorrect)

With Weight-Distributing Hitch (Correct)

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Trailer Hitch Classification

Your vehicle may be factory equipped for safe towing of
trailers weighing over 3,500 lbs (1 587 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 Max. GTW towable for your
given 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 (1 587 kg)

Class III - Heavy Duty

5,000 lbs (2 268 kg)

Class IV - Extra Heavy
Duty

10,000 lbs (4 540 kg)

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

Improper Adjustment of Weight-Distributing Hitch

(Incorrect)

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All trailer hitches should be professionally installed on
your vehicle.

Trailer Towing Weights (Maximum Trailer Weight Ratings)

The following chart provides the maximum trailer weight ratings towable for your given drivetrain.

Engine

Model

GCWR (Gross Com-

bined Wt. Rating)

Frontal Area

Max. GTW (Gross

Trailer Wt.)

Max. Trailer

Tongue Wt. (See

Note)

3.7L

4x2

8,700 lbs (3 946 kg)

40 sq ft

(3.72 sq m)

3,500 lbs (1 587 kg)

350 lbs (159 kg)

3.7L

4x4

8,800 lbs (3 991 kg)

40 sq ft

(3.72 sq m)

3,500 lbs (1 587 kg)

350 lbs (159 kg)

5.7L

4x2

12,700 lbs (5 760 kg)

60 sq ft

(5.57 sq m)

7,400 lbs (3 356 kg)

740 lbs (336 kg)

5.7L

4x4

12,700 lbs (5 760 kg)

60 sq ft

(5.57 sq m)

7,200 lbs (3 266 kg)

720 lbs (327 kg)

Refer to local laws for maximum trailer towing speeds.

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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” section in this manual.

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 accidents.

Consider the following items when computing the
weight on the front/rear axles 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 plac-
ard 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 drive-
train components the following guidelines are recom-
mended:

CAUTION!

• Avoid towing a trailer for the first 500 miles

(805 km) of vehicle operation. Doing so may dam-
age your vehicle.

(Continued)

CAUTION! (Continued)

• During the first 500 miles (805 km) of trailer

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

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.

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• 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
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 transmission in PARK. For
four-wheel drive vehicles, make sure the transfer case
is not in NEUTRAL. 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

4. Trailer 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.

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− 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. Refer to “Tires–General Infor-
mation” in this section.

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

tion” in this section. 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.

− 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.

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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 an
accident.

• Towing any trailer will increase your stopping

distance. When towing, you should allow for ad-
ditional space between your vehicle and the ve-
hicle in front of you. Failure to do so could result
in an accident.

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 includes a seven–pin connector
at the rear of the vehicle and a four-pin harness located
under the rear bumper. The four-pin harness must be
unclipped before use. Use a factory-approved trailer
harness and connector.

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

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Four-Pin Connector

1 — Female Pins

4 — Park

2 — Male Pin

5 — Left Stop/Turn

3 — Ground

6 — Right Stop/Turn

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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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 mode (if equipped) or a lower gear range
should be selected.

NOTE:

Using the TOW/HAUL mode (if equipped) or a

lower gear range while operating the vehicle under
heavy operating conditions, will improve performance
and extend transmission life by reducing excessive shift-
ing and heat buildup. This action will also provide better
engine braking.

The transmission fluid and filter should be changed if
you REGULARLY tow a trailer for more than 45 minutes
of continuous operation. Refer to the “Maintenance
Schedule” in Section 8 for the proper maintenance inter-
vals.

NOTE:

Check the transmission fluid level before towing

(5.7L engine).

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 get back to cruising speed.

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

maximize fuel efficiency.

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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.

SNOW PLOW

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.

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 and you could be injured.

RECREATIONAL TOWING (BEHIND
MOTORHOME, ETC.)

Towing – Two-Wheel Drive Models

Recreational towing is allowed ONLY if the driveshaft
is removed.

Towing with the rear wheels on the ground

while the driveshaft is connected can result in severe
transmission damage.

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