Mercedes-Benz 2016 Sprinter Operator's Manual page 158

Towing a trailer
156
Install and secure the ball coupling as descri-
bed in the ball coupling manufacturer's instal-
lation instructions. Make sure that the ball
coupling is correctly installed and secured
before every journey.
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WARNING
When the vehicle/trailer combination begins
to lurch, you could lose control of it. The vehi-
cle/trailer combination could even rollover.
There is a risk of an accident.
On no account should you attempt to
straighten up the vehicle/trailer combination
by increasing the speed. Reduce vehicle
speed and do not countersteer. Apply the
brake as necessary.
Always observe the operating instructions pro-
vided by the manufacturers of the trailer cou-
pling and the ball coupling.
Couple and decouple the trailer carefully. When
backing up the towing vehicle, make sure
nobody is standing between the vehicle and the
trailer.
A trailer which is incorrectly coupled to the tow-
ing vehicle could break away. A correctly cou-
pled trailer must be positioned horizontally
behind the towing vehicle.
Ensure that the following weights are not excee-
ded:
the permissible noseweight
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the permissible trailer load
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the permissible rear axle load of the towing
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vehicle
the permissible gross weight of both the tow-
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ing vehicle and the trailer
the permissible gross combination weight
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The applicable permissible values that may not
be exceeded can be found:
in your vehicle documents
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on the type plates for the trailer tow hitch
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on the type plates for the trailer
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on the vehicle identification plate
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( page 276).
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Where the values differ, the lowest is valid.
You will find values approved by the manufac-
turer on the identification plates and those for
the towing vehicle in the "Permissible trailer
loads and trailer drawbar noseweights" section
( page 159).
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Your vehicle behaves differently with a trailer
than without one.
The vehicle/trailer combination:
is heavier
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is restricted in its acceleration and gradient-
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climbing capability
has an increased braking distance
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is more susceptible to strong crosswinds
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requires more sensitive steering
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has a larger turning circle
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This may impair the handling characteristics.
When towing a trailer, always adjust your speed
to suit the road and weather conditions. Drive
carefully. Maintain a safe distance.
If you require any further explanation of the
information contained in the Operator's Manual,
please contact an authorized Sprinter dealer.
General notes
Observe the legally prescribed maximum
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speed for vehicle/trailer combinations in the
relevant country, state or Canadian province.
Before setting off, check the vehicle docu-
ments of the your trailer to find out the per-
missible maximum speed.
This reduces the risk of accidents.
Install only an approved trailer coupling on
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your vehicle. Only use a ball coupling that is
approved for your vehicle and Sprinter trailer
tow hitch. More information on the availabil-
ity, mounting and installation of the trailer
electrics is available at any qualified specialist
workshop.
The trailer coupling is one of the most impor-
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tant vehicle parts with regard to road safety.
The notes on operation, care and mainte-
nance issued by the manufacturer should be
observed.
The bumpers of your vehicle are not suitable
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for installing detachable trailer couplings.
Do not attach rented trailer tow hitches or
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other detachable trailer tow hitches to the
bumper.
Minimize the risk of damage to the ball cou-
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pling. If you do not require the ball coupling,
remove it from the ball coupling recess.