Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Operator's Manual page 174

Towing a trailer
172
available 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
characteristics.
Before driving, check:
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that the trailer tow hitch and ball
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coupling 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
combination 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
( page 234).
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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
driving 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
inclines, restrict the shift range. Select shift
range 4, 3, 2 or 1.
Driving in a low gear and at a low speed
reduces the risk of damaging the engine.
When driving on a downhill gradient, shift
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to a low gear and take advantage of the
engine's braking effect.
Avoid continuous brake application as this
may overheat the vehicle brakes and, if
installed, the trailer brakes.
If the coolant temperature increases
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dramatically while the air-conditioning
system is switched on, switch off the air-
conditioning system.
Coolant heat can also be dissipated by
switching the airflow and the temperature
of the heater/air conditioning to the
maximum level. Open the windows if
necessary.
When overtaking, pay particular attention
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to the extended length of your vehicle/
trailer combination.
Due to the length of your vehicle/trailer
combination you need an additional
distance before you can return to your
original lane.
Uncoupling a trailer
G WARNING
If you uncouple a trailer with the overrun
brake engaged, you could trap your hand
between the vehicle and the trailer drawbar.
There is a risk of injury.
Do not uncouple a trailer if the overrun brake
is engaged.
! Do not disconnect a trailer with an
engaged overrun brake. Otherwise, your