Dodge Durango (2019 year). Instruction — part 22

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 “Tires” in
“Servicing And Maintenance” for further information.
The addition of passengers and cargo may require
reducing trailer tongue load and Gross Trailer Weight
(GTW). Redistributing cargo (to the trailer) may be
necessary to avoid exceeding Rear Gross Axle Weight
Rating (GAWR) of 3,900 lbs (1 769 kg).

• Vehicles not factory equipped with trailer tow package

are limited to 3,500 lbs (350 lbs tongue weight).

Trailer Hitch Receiver Cover Removal — If
Equipped

Your vehicle may be equipped with a trailer hitch receiver
cover, this must be removed to access the trailer hitch
receiver (if equipped). This cover is located at the bottom
center of the rear fascia.

1. Turn the two locking retainers located at the bottom of

the hitch receiver cover a 1/4 turn counterclockwise and
pull bottom of the hitch receiver cover outward (to-
wards you).

Hitch Receiver Cover Retainers

1 — Hitch Receiver Cover
2 — Locking Retainers

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2. Pull the bottom of the cover outward (towards you) then

downwards to disengage the tabs located at the top of
the hitch receiver cover to remove.

To reinstall the cover after towing repeat the procedure in
reverse order.

NOTE:

Be sure to engage all tabs of the hitch receiver cover

in the bumper fascia prior to installation.

Trailer And Tongue Weight
Never exceed the maximum tongue weight stamped on
your bumper or trailer hitch.

CAUTION!

Always load a trailer with 60% of the weight in the
front of the trailer. This places 10% of the 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 collisions.

Hitch Receiver Cover

Weight Distribution

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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.

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 drivetrain
components, the following guidelines are recommended.

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 “Scheduled Servic-
ing”. Refer to “Scheduled Servicing” in “Servicing And
Maintenance” 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:

• 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.

(Continued)

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WARNING! (Continued)

• When hauling cargo or towing a trailer, do not

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

ⴖchockⴖ the trailer wheels.

• GCWR must not be exceeded.

(Continued)

WARNING! (Continued)

• 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. Tongue weight rating for the trailer hitch utilized.

Towing Requirements — Tires
• Do not attempt to tow a trailer while using a compact

spare tire.

• Do not drive more than 50 mph (80 km/h) when towing

while using a full size spare tire.

• Proper tire inflation pressures are essential to the safe

and satisfactory operation of your vehicle. Refer to
“Tires” in “Servicing And Maintenance” for proper tire
inflation procedures.

• Check the trailer tires for proper tire inflation pressures

before trailer usage.

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• Check for signs of tire wear or visible tire damage before

towing a trailer. Refer to “Tires” in “Servicing And
Maintenance” for the proper inspection procedure.

• When replacing tires, refer to “Tires” in “Servicing And

Maintenance” for the proper tire replacement proce-
dures. Replacing tires with a higher load carrying capac-
ity 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 per-
sonal injury.

• An electronically actuated trailer brake controller is

required when towing a trailer with electronically actu-
ated 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 (453 kg) and required for trailers in excess of
2,000 lbs (907 kg).

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.

CAUTION!

If the trailer weighs more than 1,000 lbs (453 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.

Integrated Trailer Brake Module — If Equipped

Your vehicle may have an Integrated Trailer Brake Module
(ITBM) for Electric and Electric Over Hydraulic (EOH)
trailer brakes.

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NOTE:

This module has been designed and verified with

electric trailer brakes and new electric over hydraulic
systems. Some previous EOH systems may not be compat-
ible with ITBM.

The user interface consists of the following:

Instruction Brake Control Lever

Slide the instruction brake control lever to the left to activate
power to the trailer’s electric brakes independent of the
tow vehicle’s brakes. If the instruction brake control lever is
activated while the brake is also applied, the greater of the
two inputs determines the power sent to the trailer brakes.

The trailer and the vehicle’s brake lamps will come on
when either vehicle braking or instruction trailer brakes are
applied.

Trailer Brake Status Indicator Light

This light indicates the trailer electrical connection status.

If no electrical connection is detected after the ignition is
turned on, pushing the GAIN adjustment button or sliding
the instruction brake control lever will display the GAIN
setting for 10 seconds and the “Trailer Brake Status Indi-
cator Light” will not be displayed.

If a fault is detected in the trailer wiring or the Integrated
Trailer Brake Module (ITBM), the “Trailer Brake Status
Indicator Light” will flash.

Integrated Trailer Brake Module (ITBM)

1 — GAIN Adjustment Button
2 — GAIN Adjustment Button
3 — Instruction Brake Control Lever

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GAIN Adjustment Buttons (+/-)

Pushing these buttons will adjust the brake control power
output to the trailer brakes in 0.5 increments. The GAIN
setting can be increased to a maximum of 10 or decreased
to a minimum of 0 (no trailer braking).

GAIN

The GAIN setting is used to set the trailer brake control for
the specific towing condition and should be changed as
towing conditions change. Changes to towing conditions
include trailer load, vehicle load, road conditions and
weather.

Adjusting GAIN

NOTE:

This should only be performed in a traffic free

environment at speeds of approximately 20–25 mph
(30–40 km/h).

1. Make sure the trailer brakes are in good working

condition, functioning normally and properly adjusted.
See your trailer dealer if necessary.

2. Hook up the trailer and make the electrical connections

according to the trailer manufacturer’s instructions.

3. When a trailer with electric/EOH brakes is plugged in,

the trailer connected message should appear in the
instrument cluster display (if the connection is not
recognized by the ITBM, braking functions will not be
available), the GAIN setting will illuminate and the
correct type of trailer must be selected from the instru-
ment cluster display options.

4. Push the UP or DOWN button on the steering wheel

until “TRAILER TOW” appears on the screen.

5. Push the RIGHT arrow on the steering wheel to enter

“TRAILER TOW”.

6. Push the UP or DOWN buttons until the Trailer Brake

Type appears on the screen.

7. Push the RIGHT arrow and then push the UP or DOWN

buttons until the proper Trailer Brake Type appears on
the screen.

8. In a traffic-free environment, tow the trailer on a dry,

level surface at a speed of 20–25 mph (30–40 km/h) and
squeeze the instruction brake control lever completely.

9. If the trailer wheels lockup (indicated by squealing

tires), reduce the GAIN setting; if the trailer wheels turn
freely, increase the GAIN setting.

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Repeat steps 8 and 9 until the GAIN setting is at a point just
below trailer wheel lockup. If towing a heavier trailer,
trailer wheel lockup may not be attainable even with the
maximum GAIN setting of 10.

Display Messages

The trailer brake control interacts with the instrument
cluster display. Display messages, along with a single
chime, will be displayed when a malfunction is determined
in the trailer connection, trailer brake control, or on the
trailer. Refer to “Instrument Cluster Display” in “Getting
To Know Your Instrument Panel” for further information.

WARNING!

Connecting a trailer that is not compatible with the
ITBM system may result in reduced or complete loss of
trailer braking. There may be a increase in stopping
distance or trailer instability which could result in
personal injury.

CAUTION!

Connecting a trailer that is not compatible with the
ITBM system may result in reduced or complete loss of
trailer braking. There may be a increase in stopping
distance or trailer instability which could result in
damage to your vehicle, trailer, or other property.

NOTE:
• An aftermarket controller may be available for use with

trailers with air or electric-over-hydraulic trailer brake
systems. To determine the type of brakes on your trailer
and the availability of controllers, check with your
trailer manufacturer or dealer.

• Removal of the ITBM will cause errors and it may cause

damage to the electrical system and electronic modules
of the vehicle. See your authorized dealer if an aftermar-
ket module is to be installed.

Towing Requirements — Trailer Lights And Wiring

Whenever you pull a trailer, regardless of the trailer size,
stoplights 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 harness 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.

NOTE:
• Disconnect trailer wiring connector from the vehicle

before launching a boat (or any other device plugged
into vehicle’s electrical connect) into water.

• Be sure to reconnect once clear from water area.

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 up the trailer in an area located away from heavy
traffic.

Automatic Transmission

Select the DRIVE range when towing. The transmission
controls include a drive strategy to avoid frequent shifting
when towing. However, if frequent shifting does occur
while in DRIVE, you can use the AutoStick shift control to
instructionly select a lower gear.

NOTE:

Using a lower gear while operating the vehicle

under heavy loading conditions, will improve performance
and extend transmission life by reducing excessive shifting
and heat buildup. This action will also provide better
engine braking.

AutoStick
• When using the AutoStick shift control, select the high-

est gear that allows for adequate performance and
avoids frequent downshifts. For example, choose “5” if
the desired speed can be maintained. Choose “4” or “3”
if needed to maintain the desired speed.

• To prevent excess heat generation, avoid continuous

driving at high RPM. Reduce vehicle speed as necessary
to avoid extended driving at high RPM. Return to a
higher gear or vehicle speed when grade and road
conditions allow.

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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Speed Control — If Equipped
• Do not use on 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.

Cooling System

To reduce potential for engine and transmission overheat-
ing, take the following actions:

City Driving
• In city traffic — while stopped, place the transmission in

NEUTRAL, but do not increase engine idle speed.

Highway Driving
• Reduce speed.
• Temporarily turn off air conditioning.

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 unexpectedly
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.

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RECREATIONAL TOWING (BEHIND MOTORHOME, ETC.)
Towing This Vehicle Behind Another Vehicle

Towing Condi-

tion

Wheels

OFF The

Ground

Rear-

Wheel

Drive

Models

All-Wheel Drive Models With

Single-Speed Transfer Case

All-Wheel Drive Models With

Two-Speed Transfer Case

Flat Tow

NONE

NOT AL-

LOWED

NOT ALLOWED

• See Instructions

• Transmission In PARK

• Transfer Case In NEUTRAL

(N)

• Tow In Forward Direction

Dolly Tow

Front

NOT AL-

LOWED

NOT ALLOWED

NOT ALLOWED

Rear

OK

NOT ALLOWED

NOT ALLOWED

On Trailer

ALL

OK

OK

OK

NOTE:

When towing your vehicle, always follow appli-

cable state and provincial laws. Contact state and provin-
cial Highway Safety offices for additional details.

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Recreational Towing — Rear-Wheel Drive Models

DO NOT flat tow this vehicle. Damage to the drivetrain
will result.

Recreational towing (for two-wheel drive models) is al-
lowed ONLY if the rear wheels are OFF the ground. This
may be accomplished using a tow dolly or vehicle trailer. If
using a tow dolly, follow this procedure:

1. Properly secure the dolly to the tow vehicle, following

the dolly manufacturer’s instructions.

2. Drive the rear wheels onto the tow dolly.

3. Firmly apply the parking brake. Shift the transmission

into PARK.

4. Turn the ignition OFF.

5. Properly secure the rear wheels to the dolly, following

the dolly manufacturer’s instructions.

6. Install a suitable clamping device, designed for towing,

to secure the front wheels in the straight position.

CAUTION!

Towing with the rear wheels on the ground will cause
severe transmission damage. Damage from improper
towing is not covered under the New Vehicle Limited
Warranty.

Recreational Towing — All Wheel Drive Models
(Single-Speed Transfer Case)

Recreational towing is not allowed.

These models do not

have a NEUTRAL (N) position in the transfer case.

NOTE:

This vehicle may be towed on a flatbed or vehicle

trailer provided all four wheels are OFF the ground.

CAUTION!

Towing this vehicle in violation of the above require-
ments can cause severe transmission and/or transfer
case damage. Damage from improper towing is not
covered under the New Vehicle Limited Warranty.

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Recreational Towing — All-Wheel Drive Models
(Two-Speed Transfer Case)
The transfer case must be shifted into NEUTRAL (N) and
the transmission must be in PARK for recreational towing.
The NEUTRAL (N) selection button is adjacent to the
transfer case selector switch. Shifts into and out of transfer
case NEUTRAL (N) can take place with the selector switch
in any mode position.

CAUTION!

• DO NOT dolly tow any AWD vehicle. Towing with

only one set of wheels on the ground (front or rear)
will cause severe transmission and/or transfer case
damage. Tow with all four wheels either ON the
ground, or OFF the ground (using a vehicle trailer).

• Tow only in the forward direction. Towing this

vehicle backwards can cause severe damage to the
transfer case.

• The transmission must be in PARK for recreational

towing.

• Before recreational towing, perform the procedure

outlined under “Shifting Into NEUTRAL(N)” to be
certain that the transfer case is fully in NEUTRAL
(N). Otherwise, internal damage will result.

(Continued)

CAUTION! (Continued)

• Towing this vehicle in violation of the above require-

ments can cause severe transmission and/or transfer
case damage. Damage from improper towing is not
covered under the New Vehicle Limited Warranty.

• Do not use a bumper-mounted clamp-on tow bar on

your vehicle. The bumper face bar will be damaged.

Shifting Into NEUTRAL (N)

WARNING!

You or others could be injured or killed if you leave the
vehicle unattended with the transfer case in the NEU-
TRAL (N) position without first fully engaging the
parking brake. The transfer case NEUTRAL (N) posi-
tion disengages both the front and rear driveshafts
from the powertrain and will allow the vehicle to roll,
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.

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CAUTION!

It is necessary to follow these steps to be certain that
the transfer case is fully in NEUTRAL (N) before
recreational towing to prevent damage to internal
parts.

1. Bring the vehicle to a complete stop on level ground,

with the engine running.

2. Press and hold the brake pedal.

3. Shift the transmission into NEUTRAL.

4. Using a ballpoint pen or similar object, push and hold

the recessed transfer case NEUTRAL (N) button (located
by the selector switch) for four seconds. The light
behind the N symbol will blink, indicating shift in
progress. The light will stop blinking (stay on solid)
when the shift to NEUTRAL (N) is complete. A “FOUR
WHEEL DRIVE SYSTEM IN NEUTRAL” message will
appear in the instrument cluster.

5. After the shift is completed and the NEUTRAL (N) light

stays on, release the NEUTRAL (N) button.

6. Shift the transmission into REVERSE.

7. Release the brake pedal for five seconds and ensure that

there is no vehicle movement.

8. Press and hold the brake pedal. Shift the transmission

back into NEUTRAL.

9. Firmly apply the parking brake.

NEUTRAL (N) Switch

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10. With the transmission and transfer case in NEUTRAL,

push and hold the ENGINE START/STOP button until
the engine turns off.

11. Place the transmission gear selector in PARK. Release

the brake pedal.

12. Push the ENGINE STOP/START button twice (without

pressing the brake pedal) to turn the ignition to the
OFF mode.

CAUTION!

Damage to the transmission may occur if the transmis-
sion is shifted into PARK with the transfer case in
NEUTRAL (N) and the engine running. With the
transfer case in NEUTRAL (N) ensure that the engine
is OFF before shifting the transmission into PARK.

13. Attach the vehicle to the tow vehicle using a suitable

tow bar.

14. Release the parking brake.

NOTE:
• Steps 1 through 3 are requirements that must be met

before pushing the NEUTRAL (N) button, and must
continue to be met until the shift has been completed. If
any of these requirements are not met before pushing
the NEUTRAL (N) button or are no longer met during
the shift, the NEUTRAL (N) indicator light will flash
continuously until all requirements are met or until the
NEUTRAL (N) button is released.

• The ignition must be in the ON/RUN mode for a shift to

take place and for the position indicator lights to be
operable. If the ignition is not in the ON/RUN mode, the
shift will not take place and no position indicator lights
will be on or flashing.

• A flashing NEUTRAL (N) position indicator light indi-

cates that shift requirements have not been met.

Shifting Out Of NEUTRAL (N)

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

1. Bring the vehicle to a complete stop, leaving it con-

nected to the tow vehicle.

2. Firmly apply the parking brake.

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