Trailer Towing - Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Operating Instructions Manual

Trailer towing

176
Setting the working speed
X
Engage power take-off (
vate ADR.
X
To increase:press the E button.
X
To decrease:press the F button.
Trailer towing
Notes on towing a trailer
Important safety notes
G
WARNING
You could lose control of the vehicle/trailer
combination if it begins to swerve. The vehi-
cle/trailer combination could even overturn.
There is a risk of an accident.
On no account should you attempt to
straighten out the vehicle/trailer combina-
tion by increasing speed. Decrease your
speed and do not countersteer. Brake if nec-
essary.
Follow the manufacturer's operating instruc-
tions for the trailer tow hitch when using a
detachable trailer tow hitch.
Couple and decouple the trailer carefully. When
reversing the vehicle towards the trailer, make
sure there is nobody between the trailer and the
vehicle.
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.
Y
page 174) or acti-
Ensure that the following weights are not excee-
ded:
the permissible noseweight
R
the permissible trailer load
R
the permissible rear axle load of the towing
R
vehicle
the maximum permissible gross vehicle
R
weight of both the towing vehicle and the
trailer
the permissible gross combination weight
R
The applicable permissible values that may not
be exceeded can be found:
in your vehicle documents
R
on the type plates for the trailer tow hitch
R
on the type plates for the trailer
R
on the vehicle identification plate
R
Y
( page 295)
Where the values differ, the lowest is valid.
When towing a trailer, your vehicle's handling
characteristics will be different in comparison to
when driving without a trailer.
The vehicle/trailer combination:
is heavier
R
is restricted in its acceleration and gradient-
R
climbing capability
has an increased braking distance
R
is more susceptible to strong crosswinds
R
requires more sensitive steering
R
has a larger turning circle
R
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.
General notes
! Do not exceed the maximum speed of
80 km/h (100km/h) even in countries where
higher speeds are permitted for vehicle/
trailer combinations.
Do not exceed the legally prescribed maxi-
R
mum speed for vehicle/trailer combinations
in the relevant country. Before beginning the
journey, check the trailer's documents for the
maximum permitted speed. In Germany, the