Loading A Trailer; Checking Weights Of Vehicle And Trailer; Attaching A Trailer - Airstream INTERSTATE X 2024 Owner's Manual

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
Mercedes-Benz 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 Mercedes-Benz 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 Mercedes-Benz
Sprinter manual; see Specifications on page 4-3
NOTE
Check the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter manual for all
weights and tire information placard locations.
2024 Interstate 19X

Attaching a Trailer

Please observe maximum permitted trailer dimensions
(weight and length)�
Most states and all Canadian provinces require safety
chains between your tow vehicle and trailer� The chains
should be crisscrossed under the trailer tongue� They
must be attached to the hitch receiver and not to the
vehicles bumper or axle� Be sure to leave enough slack
in the chains to permit turning corners�
Most states and all Canadian provinces required a
separate brake system for towing trailers�
WARNING
The towing vehicle's braking system is rated
for operation at GVWR, NOT at the GCWR. A
separate, functioning brake system is required
for any towed vehicles or trailers weighing more
than 1000 lb (450 kg) when fully loaded. NEVER
exceed the GVWR, or the GAWR specified
on a touring coach certification label. Also,
NEVER exceed the weight ratings of a trailer
hitch installed on a touring coach. Failure to
heed any part of this warning could result in
loss of control of the touring coach and towed
vehicle or trailer which may cause an accident
and serious injury. For specified towed vehicle
braking requirements, consult the Mercedes-Benz
Sprinter Operator's Manual that comes with this
vehicle.
WARNING
Do not connect a trailer brake system (if trailer is
so equipped) directly to the vehicle's hydraulic
brake system if your vehicle is equipped with
anti-lock brakes. If you do, neither the vehicle's
brakes nor the trailer's brakes will function
properly. Property damage, injury, or death to you
or others may be the result.
The provided vehicle electrical wiring harness for trailer
towing has a brake signal wire for hookup to a brake
controller� Most states and all Canadian provinces
require a breakaway switch on trailers with a separate
brake system� The switch activates the trailer brakes
in the possible event that the trailer might separate
from the tow vehicle� Please consider using a trailer
sway control system� For further information, see
your authorized Mercedes-Benz Sprinter or Airstream
dealer�
Driving
8-5