Trailer Towing And Driving Tips; Trailer Hitches; Loading A Trailer; Checking Weights Of Vehicle And Trailer - Airstream TOMMY BAHAMA 2017 Owner's Manual

Trailer Towing and Driving Tips

(Some text is partially excerpted from Sprinter
Operators Manual�)
Failure to use proper equipment and driving
technique can result in a loss of vehicle control
when towing a trailer. Improper towing or failure
to follow the instructions contained in this section
can result in serious injury. Follow the guidelines
below carefully to assure safe trailer operation. Ask
your authorized Sprinter or Airstream dealer if you
require an explanation of information contained in
the manuals.

Trailer Hitches

Units have hitches and wiring installed from the
Sprinter manufacturer� The Sprinter 7- way connector
is used for lights and charge line on a trailer� For
further information, please see your authorized Sprinter
dealer�
To reduce the possibility of damage, remove the hitch
ball adapter from the receiver when not in use�
Since this vehicle is designed and intended primarily
as a load-carrying vehicle, towing a trailer will affect
handling, durability and economy� Maximum safety
and satisfaction depends upon proper use of correct
equipment and avoiding overloads and other abusive
operation�
The total weight of the touring coach and
trailer must not exceed the GCWR listed in the
specification section of this manual. The maximum
towing capacity varies according to the size of the
touring coach and its GCWR. Vehicles should be
properly equipped for towing trailers. Information
on trailer hauling capabilities and special
equipment required may be obtained from your
Sprinter and/or Airstream dealer.
2017 Tommy Bahama TC
WARNING
WARNING

Loading a Trailer

When loading a trailer, you should ensure neither the
permissible GTW (Gross Tongue Weight), nor the
trailer GVWR are exceeded�
Maximum permissible values are listed on the safety
compliance certification labels for the vehicle and
for the trailer to be towed� For their location, see the
Sprinter Operator's Manual� The lowest value listed
must be selected when determining how the vehicle
and trailer are loaded�
To assist in attaining good handling of the vehicle/trailer
combination, it is important that the tongue weight
be maintained at approximately 10-15 percent of the
loaded trailer weight, but not to exceed the hitch rating�
Tongue loads can be adjusted by proper distribution of
the load in the trailer, and can be checked by weighing
separately the loaded trailer and then the tongue�
The tongue weight at the hitch ball must be added to
the GVW to prevent exceeding your Sprinter towed
vehicle's rear GAWR�
When towing trailers, touring coach tires should be
inflated to the highest pressures shown on the Sprinter
Tire Information Placard� See Sprinter Operator's
Manual for its location� The Cargo Carrying Capacity
(CCC) of this vehicle is reduced by the amount that
equals the trailer tongue load on the trailer hitch�

Checking Weights of Vehicle and Trailer

To assure that the tow vehicle and trailer comply
with the maximum permissible weight limits and to
know the actual weights, have the loaded vehicle-
trailer combination (tow vehicle including driver,
passengers, cargo, and trailer fully loaded) weighed on
a commercial scale as explained earlier in this section�
Also, check the vehicles front and rear axle weights
and tongue weight� The values as measured must not
exceed the Sprinter weight ratings listed on vehicle
information placards and in the Sprinter manual�
These ratings are also listed in section 4 - Floor Plans,
Specification Chart of this manual.
NOTE
Check the Sprinter manual for all weights and tire
information placard locations.
Driving
8-5