Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Operating Instructions Manual page 170

168 Driving and parking
This can significantly impair the driving charac-
teristics and the trailer may become loose.
There is a risk of fatal injury.
Only install a ball neck that complies with
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the permissible dimensions and is
designed for the requirements of trailer
operation.
Do not modify the ball neck or the trailer
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hitch.
You can find specifications regarding the ball neck
on the trailer's identification plate. You can find
specifications regarding the trailer on the towing
vehicle's identification plate and in the Technical
Data ( page 295).
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& WARNING Risk of accident and injury due
to incorrectly installed ball neck
If the ball neck is not correctly installed and
secured, it may become loose during a journey
and endanger other road users. There is a risk
of fatal injuries.
Install and secure the ball neck as descri-
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bed in the ball neck manufacturer's
installation instructions.
If a ball neck is installed, ensure sure
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that it is properly secured before every
journey.
& WARNING Risk of accident due to a ball
neck that is not correctly installed or
secured
If the ball neck is not correctly installed and
secured, the trailer may come loose.
Install and secure the ball neck as descri-
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bed in the ball neck manufacturer's
installation instructions.
If a ball neck is installed, ensure sure
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that it is properly secured before every
journey.
* 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.
* NOTE The operating permit may be invali-
dated due to the illegal installation of
trailer hitches
The installation – including retrofitting – of a
non-folding or non-removable trailer hitch that
even partially conceals the license plate or the
lighting system is prohibited.
Observe the applicable legal regulations
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for the installation of trailer hitches.
Be sure to comply with the operating instructions
of the manufacturer of the trailer coupling and the
ball neck.
Place your vehicle/trailer combination on surfaces
that are as even as possible and secure it against
rolling away ( page 139). Couple and uncouple
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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.
Note the following regarding the tongue weight:
Make full use of the maximum tongue weight,
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where possible.
Never fall below a legally prescribed minimum
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tongue weight; the tongue weight must always
be positive.
Do not exceed or fall below the permissible
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tongue weights – this must be observed during
loading and unloading of the trailer.
Do not exceed the following values:
Permitted braked or unbraked towing capacity
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The maximum permissible towing capacity for
unbraked trailers is 1,653 lbs (750 kg).
Permissible rear axle load of the towing vehicle
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Permissible gross weight of the towing vehicle
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Permissible gross weight of the trailer
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Permissible gross combination weight
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Maximum permissible speed of the trailer
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The relevant permitted values, which must not be
exceeded, can be found in the following places:
In your vehicle documents
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On the identification plate of the trailer hitch
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