Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Operating Instructions Manual page 165

& WARNING Swerving of the vehicle/
trailer combination due to increased
speed
If the vehicle/trailer combination swerves,
you can lose control of it.
The vehicle/trailer combination can even tip
over.
Under no circumstances should you try
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to increase the speed to straighten the
vehicle/trailer combination.
Reduce speed and do not counter-steer.
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If necessary, apply the brakes.
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& WARNING Risk of accident due to the
brake system overheating
If you leave your foot on the brake pedal
when driving, the brake system may overheat.
This increases the braking distance and the
brake system may even fail.
Never use the brake pedal as a footrest.
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Do not depress the brake pedal and the
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accelerator pedal at the same time
while driving.
& WARNING Danger of accident due to
unsuitable ball coupling
If you install an unsuitable ball coupling, over‐
loading of the trailer hitch and rear axle will
be the result. This is particularly the case if
the ball coupling is relatively long or angled
differently.
The handling characteristics may be heavily
impaired and the trailer can become
detached. There is a risk of fatal injury.
Only install a ball coupling that meets
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the permitted dimensions and has been
designed for the trailer operation
requirements.
Do not modify the ball coupling or the
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trailer hitch.
& WARNING Risk of accident and injury
due to an incorrectly installed ball cou‐
pling
If the ball coupling is not installed and
engaged correctly, it may become detached
during travel and endanger other road users.
There is a risk of fatal injury.
Install and secure the ball coupling as
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described in the ball coupling manufac‐
turer's installation instructions.
When the ball coupling has been instal‐
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led, ensure that it is correctly secured
before every trip.
& WARNING Risk of accident due to an
incorrectly installed and secured ball
coupling
If the ball coupling has not been correctly
installed and secured, the trailer can become
detached.
Install and secure the ball coupling as
#
described in the ball coupling manufac‐
turer's installation instructions.
When the ball coupling has been instal‐
#
led, ensure that it is correctly secured
before every trip.
* NOTE Wearing out the brake linings by
continuously depressing the brake pedal
Do not depress the brake pedal continu‐
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ously whilst driving.
To use the braking effect of the engine,
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shift to a lower gear in good time.
Always comply with the operating instructions of
the manufacturer of the trailer coupling and the
ball neck.
Place your vehicle/trailer combination on surfa‐
ces that are as even as possible and secure it
against rolling away (
/
uncouple the trailer carefully.
When backing up the towing vehicle, ensure that
there is no-one between the vehicle and the
trailer.
If you do not couple the trailer to the towing vehi‐
cle correctly, the trailer may become detached.
Once it has been coupled and is roadworthy, the
trailer must be in a horizontal position behind the
towing vehicle.
Driving and parking 163
page 140). Couple and