Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Operating Instructions Manual page 177

is case, use a trailer with a height-adjusta-
ble 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.
This also applies if cruise control is acti-
i
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.
X
Do not counter-steer.
X
Brake if necessary.
X
You can reduce the risk of the trailer
i
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
R
when driving without towing a trailer.
Avoid sudden braking. Apply the brakes
R
gently at first to allow the trailer brake to
Towing a trailer
overrun. Then, increase the brake force
quickly.
The figures for the gradient climbing capa-
R
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.
Coupling up a trailer
! Do not connect the trailer's brake system
(if featured) to the hydraulic brake system
of the towing vehicle, as the latter is equip-
ped with an anti-lock brake system. Doing
so will result in a loss of function of the
brake systems of both the vehicle and the
trailer.
Trailer coupled ready for use
Make sure the selector lever of the auto-
X
matic transmission is in position P.
Apply the parking brake of the vehicle.
X
Close all doors.
X
Position the trailer horizontally behind your
X
vehicle.
The height of the ball neck changes
i
according to the load on the vehicle. In this
case, use a trailer with a height-adjustable
trailer drawbar.
Couple the trailer.
X
Establish all electrical and other connec-
X
tions to the trailer. When doing so, hook the
breakaway cable of the trailer into eye-
let : on the ball coupling.
175
Z