Pling - Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Operator's Manual

safety. The notes on operation, care and
maintenance issued by the manufacturer
should be observed.
The bumpers of your vehicle are not suita-
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ble for installing detachable trailer cou-
plings.
Do not install rented trailer couplings or
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other detachable trailer couplings to the
bumpers.
Minimize the risk of damage to the ball cou-
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pling. If you do not require the ball coupling,
remove it from the ball coupling recess.
Weight information can be found in the "Per-
missible trailer and drawbar noseweights"
section ( page 178).
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The height of the ball neck changes
according to the load on the vehicle. If this
is case, use a trailer with a height-adjust-
able trailer drawbar.
Driving tips
The maximum permissible speed for vehicle/
trailer combination depends on the type of
trailer. Before setting off, check the vehicle
documents of the your trailer to find out the
permissible maximum speed. Observe the
legally prescribed maximum speed for vehi-
cle/trailer combinations in the relevant coun-
try, state or Canadian province.
When towing a trailer, your vehicle's handling
characteristics will be different in comparison
to when driving without a trailer and it will
consume more fuel.
On long, steep downhill slopes you must
select shift range 3, 2 or 1 in good time.
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This also applies if cruise control is acti-
vated.
This enables you to utilize the engine's brak-
ing effect and you do not need to brake so
heavily to keep the correct speed. which pro-
tects the brake system and prevents the
brakes from overheating and wearing too
quickly. If you need to brake additionally, to
not depress the brake pedal constantly, but
periodically.
Driving tips
If the trailer begins to swing from side to side:
Do not accelerate.
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Do not counter-steer.
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Brake if necessary.
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You can reduce the risk of the trailer
swinging and rocking by retrofitting anti-
roll bars or trailer stability programs. More
information is available from your author-
ized Sprinter Dealer.
Maintain a greater distance than you would
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when driving without towing a trailer.
Avoid sudden braking. Apply the brakes
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gently at first to allow the trailer brake to
overrun. Then, increase the brake force
quickly.
The figures for the gradient climbing capa-
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bilities from a standstill refer to sea level.
When driving in mountainous areas, note
that the power output of the engine, and
with it its gradient climbing capability,
decrease with increasing altitude.
Attaching and removing the ball cou-

pling

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WARNING
If the ball coupling is not correctly installed
and secured, it could come loose while driving
and endanger other road users. There is a risk
of an accident and injury.
Install and secure the ball coupling as descri-
bed in the ball coupling manufacturer's instal-
lation instructions. Make sure that the ball
coupling is correctly installed and secured
before every journey.
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WARNING
If the ball coupling is not installed and secured
correctly the trailer may come loose. There is
a risk of an accident.
Install and secure the ball coupling as descri-
bed in the ball coupling installation instruc-
tions. Make sure that the ball coupling is
Towing a trailer
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