Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2018 Operating Instructions Manual page 179

the country in question. Before driving, consult
the trailer's vehicle documents to see the maxi‐
mum permissible speed for your trailer.
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 instructions.
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When using a trailer, remember that
PARKTRONIC is available only to a limited
extent, if at all.
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The ball head height will change depending
on the vehicle's load. In this case, use a
trailer with a height-adjustable drawbar.
Driving notes
The maximum permissible speed for vehicle/
trailer combinations depends on the type of
trailer. Before driving, consult the trailer's vehicle
documents 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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This also applies if the cruise control or the
speed limiter is switched on.
You will thereby make use of the engine's braking
effect and will not have to brake as often to con‐
trol the speed. This will take some of the strain
off the brake system and prevent the brakes from
overheating and wearing too quickly. If you need
additional braking, depress the brake pedal inter‐
mittently rather than continuously.
Driving tips
If the trailer sways, remember the following
points:
Do not accelerate under any circumstances.
R
Do not countersteer.
R
If necessary, apply the brakes.
R
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You can prevent the trailer from swaying and
rocking by retrofitting stabiliser bars or trailer
stability programs. You can obtain further
information from a Mercedes-Benz service
centre.
Maintain a larger distance than when driving
R
without a trailer.
Avoid braking abruptly. If possible, brake gen‐
R
tly first of all so that the trailer closes up
behind your vehicle. Then, increase the brak‐
ing force rapidly.
Driving and parking 177
The values given for start-off gradeability
R
refer to sea level. When driving in mountain‐
ous areas, note that engine output, and there‐
fore start-off gradeability, will decrease with
increasing altitude.
Attaching the ball coupling
& WARNING Danger of accident‑ and injury
due to incorrectly installed and secured
ball coupling
If the ball coupling has not engaged, it can
become detached during driving and endan‐
ger other road users.
Engage the ball coupling as described
#
and ensure that it is securely installed.
& WARNING Danger of accident due to
non-engaged ball coupling
If the ball coupling has not engaged, the
trailer can become detached.
Always engage the ball coupling as
#
described and ensure that it is securely
installed.
Use the parking brake to secure the vehicle
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against rolling away.
Pull safety spring 1
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upwards in the direction of the arrow, push it
backwards and hold it in this position.
of ball coupling 3