Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Operating Instructions Manual page 178

Towing a trailer
176
Remove the objects that are preventing the
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trailer from rolling, e.g. wheel chocks.
Release the trailer parking brake.
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The subharness of the vehicle has a cable
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connection to the brake lamp indicator
lamp.
Observe the maximum permissible trailer
dimensions (width and length).
Most federal states and all Canadian provin-
ces require by law:
safety chains between the towing vehicle
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and the trailer. The chains should be cross-
wound under the trailer drawbar. They must
be fastened to the vehicle's trailer cou-
pling, not to the bumper or the axle.
Leave enough slack in the chains. This
allows you to drive round tight corners.
a separate brake system for certain types
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of trailer.
a safety switch for braked trailers. Find out
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the specific requirements according to the
applicable laws.
If the trailer detaches from the towing vehi-
cle, the safety switch applies the trailer's
brakes.
Towing a trailer
There are numerous legal requirements con-
cerning the towing of a trailer, e.g. speed
restrictions. Make sure your vehicle/trailer
combination complies with local laws. This
not only means where you live, but also any-
where you are driving to. Information is avail-
able from the police and local authorities.
Observe the following when towing a trailer:
Practice driving around bends, stopping
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and backing up at a place where there is no
traffic. This enables you to gain experience
and get used to the new handling charac-
teristics.
Before driving, check:
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that the trailer tow hitch and ball cou-
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pling are secure
that the safety switch for a braked trailer
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is functioning properly
that the safety chains are secure and not
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damaged
that the electrical connections are
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secure
that the lights are working
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that the wheels are in good order and the
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tire pressure is correct
Adjust the exterior mirrors to provide an
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unobstructed view of the rear section of the
trailer.
If the trailer has electronically controlled
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brakes, pull the vehicle/trailer combina-
tion away carefully. Brake manually using
the brake controller and check that the
brakes are working.
Secure the load on the trailer according to
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the applicable specifications and current
standards on securing loads (
When driving with a trailer, check at regular
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intervals that the load is secured and that
the brakes and lights are working.
Bear in mind that the handling will be less
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stable when towing a trailer than when driv-
ing without one. Avoid sudden steering
movements.
The vehicle/trailer combination is heavier,
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accelerates more slowly and has a
decreased gradient climbing capability and
a longer braking distance.
It is more susceptible to crosswinds and
requires cautious steering.
If possible, do not brake suddenly, but
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rather moderately at first so that the trailer
can activate its brakes. Then increase the
force on the brake pedal.
If the automatic transmission repeatedly
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shifts between gears when driving on
page 242).
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