Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Operating Instructions Manual page 180

Towing a trailer
178
When driving with a trailer, you should not
exceed the permitted Gross Combination
Weight Rating (GCWR).
The permissible values, which must not be
exceeded, can be found in your vehicle docu-
ments and on the trailer tow hitch type plates
for the trailer and the vehicle (
The basic values approved by the manufac-
turer can also be found in the "Technical data"
section ( page 328). If the values vary, the
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lowest value always applies.
Loading a trailer
! Utilize the maximum permissible nose-
weight as fully as possible. Do not allow the
weight to fall below the minimum permis-
sible noseweight, otherwise the trailer may
come loose.
You must distribute the load on the vehicle
R
and trailer so that the permitted maximum
values for the gross vehicle weight (GVWR),
gross trailer weight (GTW) and gross com-
bined weight (GCWR) as well as permitted
gross axle loads (GAWR) and noseweight
(TWR) of your vehicle are not exceeded.
Add the drawbar noseweight on the ball
R
coupling (TWR) to the rear axle load. This
will prevent you from exceeding the per-
missible gross axle weight (GAWR).
Add the drawbar noseweight on the ball
R
coupling (TWR) to the vehicle payload. This
will prevent you from exceeding the per-
missible gross vehicle weight (GVWR).
Checking the vehicle and trailer weight
Make sure the weights of the towing vehicle
R
and the trailer comply with the maximum
permissible values. Have the vehicle/
trailer combination weighed on a calibrated
weighbridge. The vehicle/trailer combina-
tion consists of the towing vehicle including
the driver, passengers and load, as well as
the loaded trailer.
Check the maximum permissible gross axle
R
weight rating of the front and rear axles
(GAWR), the gross trailer weight (GTW), the
gross combination weight rating (GCWR)
and the noseweight of the trailer drawbar
(TWR).
Trailer power supply
page 316).
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! Incorrect wiring of the connector plug
could, under certain circumstances, cause
malfunctions in the vehicle's other elec-
tronic systems. We therefore recommend
having the connector plug wired at a quali-
fied specialist workshop.
! You can connect accessories with a max-
imum power consumption of 240 W to the
permanent power supply.
You must not charge a trailer battery using
the power supply.
Your vehicle may be equipped with various
electrical installations for trailer towing.
Depending on your trailer, you may need an
adapter to connect the electrical system of
the trailer with that of the vehicle.
The trailer socket of your vehicle is equipped
at the factory with a permanent power supply.
The permanent power supply is on the trailer
socket pin assignment 4.
Note that the permanent power supply of the
trailer is not switched off when the on-board
voltage is low. This can completely discharge
the starter battery of your vehicle.
The turn signals on the trailer are only guar-
anteed to function when incandescent bulbs
are used.
Further information on the electrical equip-
ment currently installed on your vehicle and
on installing trailer electrics can be obtained
at any qualified specialist workshop.