Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Operating Instructions Manual page 168

166 Driving and parking
become trapped between the vehicle and the
trailer drawbar.
Do not uncouple trailers with an
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engaged overrun brake.
Do not uncouple a trailer with an overrun brake in
a state of overrun. Otherwise, the rebound of the
overrun brake can damage your vehicle.
Shift the selector lever to position j.
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Apply the vehicle's parking brake.
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Close all the doors.
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Apply the trailer's parking brake.
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Secure the trailer against rolling away with a
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wheel chock or similar object.
Remove the trailer cables and safety chains.
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Uncouple the trailer.
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Information about towing a trailer
Operating a trailer is subject to many statutory
regulations such as speed restrictions.
Many states also require an auxiliary separate
functional braking system when towing a weight
that exceeds a certain limit. For your safety, it is
recommended to use a separate functional brak‐
ing system on any towed vehicle.
Make sure that your trailer combination meets
local regulations. This not only applies to your
place of residence, but also to your destination.
Information on this can be obtained from the
police and local authorities.
Comply with the following when driving with a
trailer:
Practice cornering, stopping and backing up
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in a traffic-free location. In this way, you will
gain driving experience and become accus‐
tomed to the new handling characteristics.
Before driving, check the following:
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that the trailer tow hitch and ball coupling
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are secure
that the safety switch for braked trailers is
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functioning correctly
that the safety chains are secure and
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undamaged
that the electrical connections are secure
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that the lights are functioning correctly
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the wheels for damage and correct tire
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pressure ( page 222)
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Adjust the outside mirrors so that you have a
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clear view of the rear section of the trailer.
If the trailer is equipped with an individual
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braking system, check before each journey
whether the brakes are functioning correctly.
If the trailer has electronically controlled
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brakes, pull away carefully with the vehicle/
trailer combination. Brake manually using the
brake controller and check whether the
brakes are functioning correctly.
Secure the load on the trailer in line with the
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requirements and rules for load-securing
methods.
When driving with a trailer, check at regular
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intervals that the load is secure and that the
lights and brakes are functioning correctly.
Bear in mind that the handling characteristics
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are more unstable when towing a trailer than
when driving without a trailer. Avoid sudden
steering movements.
The vehicle/trailer combination is heavier,
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accelerates more slowly, has a reduced
climbing ability and an increased braking dis‐
tance. It is more susceptible to side winds
and requires careful steering.
If possible, do not brake suddenly, but rather
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moderately at first so that the trailer can acti‐
vate its brakes. Then increase the pressure on
the brake pedal.
If the automatic transmission shifts between
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gears on uphill or downhill gradients, restrict
the shift range. Select shift range 4, 3, 2 or 1.
A lower gear and reduced speed decrease the
risk of engine damage.
When driving on a downhill gradient, shift to a
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lower gear to use the engine's braking effect.
Avoid constant braking, as this could cause
the vehicle brakes and possibly also the
trailer brakes to overheat.
If the coolant temperature increases signifi‐
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cantly when the air-conditioning system is
switched on, switch the air-conditioning sys‐
tem off.
Coolant heat can also be dissipated by
switching the airflow and the temperature of
the heater or air conditioning to the maximum
level. Open the windows if necessary.
When overtaking, pay particular attention to
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the increased overtaking distance of your
vehicle/trailer combination.