Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Operating Instructions Manual page 176

Towing a trailer
174
sure nobody is standing between the vehicle
and the trailer.
A trailer which is incorrectly coupled to the
towing vehicle could break away. A correctly
coupled trailer must be positioned horizon-
tally behind the towing vehicle.
Ensure that the following weights are not
exceeded:
the permissible noseweight
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the permissible trailer load
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the permissible rear axle load of the towing
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vehicle
the permissible gross weight of both the
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towing vehicle and the trailer
the permissible gross combination weight
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The applicable permissible values that may
not be exceeded can be found:
in your vehicle documents
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on the type plates for the trailer tow hitch
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on the type plates for the trailer
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on the vehicle identification plate
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( page 316).
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Where the values differ, the lowest is valid.
You will find values approved by the manu-
facturer on the identification plates and those
for the towing vehicle in the "Permissible
trailer loads and trailer drawbar noseweights"
section ( page 177).
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Your vehicle behaves differently with a trailer
than without one.
The vehicle/trailer combination:
is heavier
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is restricted in its acceleration and gradi-
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ent-climbing capability
has an increased braking distance
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is more susceptible to strong crosswinds
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requires more sensitive steering
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has a larger turning circle
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This may impair the handling characteristics.
When towing a trailer, always adjust your
speed to suit the road and weather condi-
tions. Drive carefully. Maintain a safe dis-
tance.
If you require any further explanation of the
information contained in the Operator's Man-
ual, please contact an authorized Sprinter
dealer.
General notes
Observe the legally prescribed maximum
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speed for vehicle/trailer combinations in
the relevant country, state or Canadian
province. Before setting off, check the vehi-
cle documents of the your trailer to find out
the permissible maximum speed.
This reduces the risk of accidents.
Install only an approved trailer coupling on
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your vehicle. Only use a ball coupling that is
approved for your vehicle and Sprinter
trailer tow hitch. More information on the
availability, mounting and installation of the
trailer electrics is available at any qualified
specialist workshop.
The turn signals on the trailer are only guar-
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anteed to function when incandescent
bulbs are used. You can obtain more infor-
mation about installing the trailer electrics
at any qualified specialist workshop.
The trailer coupling is one of the most
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important vehicle parts with regard to road
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 attach rented trailer tow hitches or
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other detachable trailer tow hitches to the
bumper.
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 177).
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The height of the ball neck changes
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according to the load on the vehicle. If this