NITRO Trailer Towing

**rickaren** · #1 (**permalink**) 07-05-2010, 04:53 PM

For those that are interested in purchasing a new NITRO and need info about trailer towing, or Owners that do not have an Owner's Manual, or new NITRO owners that only have the Factory supplied DVD manual, I have scanned this info from my 2007 NITRO R/T manual to supply more information to help.

**rickaren** · #2 (**permalink**) 07-05-2010, 04:56 PM

**rickaren** · #3 (**permalink**) 07-05-2010, 04:59 PM

**rickaren** · #4 (**permalink**) 07-05-2010, 05:01 PM

PINEGLADE · #5 (**permalink**) 06-01-2011, 01:13 PM

I have a Dodge Nitro R/T and tow a 4000lb Trailer with electric brakes. I tow in 4th gear but as I get up to 90 km/hr (55 Miles/hr) it starts to climb over 3000rpm. On interstates I would like to cruise around 100km/hr (60 miles/hr). Is it safe to switch to Drive to lower the rpm or should I stay in 4th gear?

turtlew · #6 (**permalink**) 07-05-2011, 02:59 PM

I have an '07 4wd with the towing package. I am wondering if it is already wired for trailer brakes? It has the 7 pin plug.
Thanks

dhh3 · #7 (**permalink**) 07-05-2011, 03:18 PM

You should be all set to go. If your trailer has a round 7-pin plug, all you need to do is plug it into the round receptacle by the hitch. If your trailer has a standard flat 4-pin connector, you will need a round 7-pin to 4-flat adapter which will plug into the receptacle first, then plug your trailer into the end of the adapter. Your Nitro should have come from the factory with the adapter, as my Jeep Commander did. I have one - the part number stamped on it is 56019824. I am not sure about trailer brakes, as these did not become available on the Jeep Commander until 08 or 09. My 06 Commander did not have them, even though I had the 7 pin connector, so I do not believe that Chrysler offered trailer brakes until a year or two ago, at least on the SUV's. If your Nitro did have them, there should be a module located under the dash, on the drivers side. Hope this answers your question.

heini-bu · #8 (**permalink**) 07-10-2011, 02:24 AM

Interesting to read, that the Rules are a little bit other than I am used to.

My 2WD is allowed to tow 2 tons (4400 lb), the 4WD is alowed up to 3.5 tons (7700 lb)
We are not looking for a Weght Distribution of 60% / 40% as described in the Manual, but we have a maximum Load on the Hitch (mine with 100kg), that should always be reached.

Since some Years, our Plugs have 13 Poles, elder with 7 Poles.

Maximum Standard Speed is 80 km/h (50 mph)
Maximum Speed with some technical Additions (Tires max 6 Years old, hydraulic Dampers, Anti Side Rolling Clutch) and some burocratic Issues (the technical Papers of the Trailer have to be changed, the Empty Weight of the car needs to be higher than the Max Weight of the Trailer, a Special "100"-Sticker with a special Stamp needs to be placed on the back of the Trailer) is 100 km/h (60 mph).

No Problems with Towing with 100 km/h. Accelaration is still fantastic,
and I am always using the highest Gear (in flat Areas rolling in the 6th Gear with 2000rpm). In the Hills driving with 2500rpm "upstairs" and I have also no Problems like maybe becoming slower or no reserves for Acceleration.