Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2019 Operating Instructions Manual page 156

154 Driving and parking
Permissible gross mass of the towing vehicle
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Permissible gross mass of the trailer
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Permissible gross towing mass
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Maximum permissible speed of the trailer
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The relevant permitted values, which must not be
exceeded, can be found in the following places:
In your vehicle documents
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On the identification plate of the trailer hitch
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On the trailer's identification plate
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On the vehicle identification plate
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If there are discrepancies between the values, the
lowest one applies.
Before driving off, ensure the following:
The tire pressure on the rear axle of the tow‐
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ing vehicle has been set for the maximum
load.
The headlamps have been set correctly.
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Values approved by the manufacturer can be
found on the identification plates and in the sec‐
tion for the towing vehicle (
→
Your vehicle will act differently with a trailer com‐
pared to without a trailer:
The vehicle/trailer combination is heavier.
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The vehicle/trailer combination is restricted
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in its acceleration and climbing ability.
The vehicle/trailer combination has an
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increased braking distance.
The vehicle/trailer combination is more sus‐
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ceptible to crosswind gusts.
The vehicle/trailer combination requires
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more sensitive steering.
The vehicle/trailer combination has a larger
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turning circle.
This can impair the vehicle's driving characteris‐
tics.
When driving with a vehicle/trailer combination,
always adapt your speed to the current road and
weather conditions. Drive carefully. Keep a suffi‐
cient safe distance.
Comply with the maximum speed of 49 mph
(80 km/h) or 62 mph (100 km/h), even in coun‐
tries in which higher speeds are permitted for
vehicle/trailer combinations.
Comply with the legally prescribed maximum
speed for vehicle/trailer combinations in force in
the country, state or Canadian province in ques‐
tion. Before driving, consult the trailer's vehicle
papers to see the maximum permissible speed
for your trailer.
Attach only an approved trailer hitch to your vehi‐
cle. Only use a ball neck that has been approved
for your vehicle. Further information about availa‐
bility and installation of the trailer electrical sys‐
tem is available from any qualified specialist
workshop.
The trailer hitch is one of the most important
vehicle parts for road safety. Comply with the
instructions on operating, maintaining and servic‐
ing in the manufacturer's operating manual.
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Do not attach any rented trailer hitches or any
other removable trailer hitches to the bumpers.
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page 207).
Driving notes
The maximum permissible speed for vehicle/
trailer combinations depends on the type of
trailer. Before driving, consult the trailer's vehicle
papers to see the maximum permissible speed
for your trailer.
Your vehicle will act differently with a trailer rela‐
tive to without a trailer, and will consume more
fuel. In the case of a long and steep descent, you
must select shift range 3, 2 or 1 in good time.
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You thereby make use of the braking effect of the
engine and do not have to brake as often to con‐
trol the speed. This relieves the load on the brake
system and prevents the brakes from overheating
and wearing too quickly. If you need additional
braking, depress the brake pedal repeatedly
rather than continuously.
Driving tips
If the trailer sways, remember the following
points:
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Your vehicle's bumpers are not suitable for
installing removable trailer hitches.
When using a trailer, remember that
PARKTRONIC is available only to a limited
extent, if at all.
The ball head height changes depending on
the vehicle's load. In this case, use a trailer
with a height-adjustable drawbar.
This also applies if the cruise control is
switched on.
Do not accelerate under any circumstances.
Do not countersteer.
If necessary, apply the brakes.