Coupling Up A Trailer - Mercedes-Benz 2016 Sprinter Operator's Manual

Weight information can be found in the "Per-
missible trailer and drawbar noseweights" sec-
tion ( page 159).
Y
i
The height of the ball neck changes accord-
ing to the load on the vehicle. If this is case,
use a trailer with a height-adjustable trailer
drawbar.
Driving tips
The maximum permissible speed for vehicle/
trailer combination depends on the type of
trailer. Before setting off, check the vehicle
documents of the your trailer to find out the
permissible maximum speed. Observe the
legally prescribed maximum speed for vehicle/
trailer combinations in the relevant country,
state or Canadian province.
When towing a trailer, your vehicle's handling
characteristics will be different in comparison to
when driving without a trailer and it will con-
sume more fuel.
On long, steep downhill slopes you must select
shift range 3, 2 or 1 in good time.
i
This also applies if cruise control is activa-
ted.
This enables you to utilize the engine's braking
effect and you do not need to brake so heavily to
keep the correct speed. which protects the
brake system and prevents the brakes from
overheating and wearing too quickly. If you need
to brake additionally, to not depress the brake
pedal constantly, but periodically.
Driving tips
If the trailer begins to swing from side to side:
Do not accelerate.
X
Do not counter-steer.
X
Brake if necessary.
X
i
You can reduce the risk of the trailer swing-
ing and rocking by retrofitting anti-roll bars or
trailer stability programs. More information is
available from your authorized Sprinter
Dealer.
Maintain a greater distance than you would
R
when driving without towing a trailer.
Avoid sudden braking. Apply the brakes gen-
R
tly at first to allow the trailer brake to overrun.
Then, increase the brake force quickly.
The figures for the gradient climbing capabil-
R
ities from a standstill refer to sea level. When
driving in mountainous areas, note that the
power output of the engine, and with it its
gradient climbing capability, decrease with
increasing altitude.

Coupling up a trailer

Trailer coupled ready for use
Make sure the selector lever of the automatic
X
transmission is in position P.
Apply the vehicle's parking brake.
X
Close all doors.
X
Position the trailer horizontally behind your
X
vehicle.
i
The height of the ball neck changes accord-
ing to the load on the vehicle. In this case, use
a trailer with a height-adjustable trailer draw-
bar.
Couple the trailer.
X
Establish all electrical and other connections
X
to the trailer. When doing so, hook the break-
away cable of the trailer into eyelet : on the
ball coupling.
Remove the objects that are preventing the
X
trailer from rolling, e.g. wheel chocks.
Release the trailer parking brake.
X
i
The subharness of the vehicle has a cable
connection to the brake lamp indicator lamp.
Observe the maximum permissible trailer
dimensions (width and length).
Towing a trailer
Z
157