Owners Manual

The basic values approved by the
manufacturer can also be found in the
“Technical data” section (Y page 291). If
different values are stated in your vehicle
documents or on the identification plates, the
lowest value always applies.
G
WARNING
When towing a trailer, your vehicle's handling
characteristics will be different in comparison
with when driving without a trailer.
The vehicle/trailer combination:
R
is heavier
R
is restricted in its acceleration and
gradient-climbing capability
R
has an increased braking distance
R
is affected more by strong crosswinds
R
demands more sensitive steering
R
has a larger turning circle
As a result, the handling characteristics may
be impaired and you may lose control of the
vehicle. This could lead to an accident with
serious or even fatal injuries.
When towing a trailer, always adjust your
speed to the current road and weather
conditions. Do not exceed the maximum
permissible speed for your vehicle/trailer
combination.
G
WARNING
Never depress the brake pedal continuously
while the vehicle is in motion, e.g. never cause
the brakes to rub by applying constant slight
pedal pressure. This causes the brake system
to overheat, increases the braking distance
and can lead to the brakes failing completely.
G
WARNING
Under no circumstances try to straighten the
vehicle/trailer combination by increasing the
speed.
General notes
R
Observe the legally prescribed maximum
speed for vehicle/trailer combinations in
the respective country, state or Canadian
province.
This reduces the risk of accidents.
R
Install only an approved trailer coupling on
your vehicle. Only use a ball coupling that
is approved for your vehicle with your
Sprinter trailer tow hitch. More information
on the availability, mounting and
installation of the trailer electrics is
available at any qualified specialist
workshop.
R
The turn signals on the trailer are only
guaranteed to function when bulbs are
used. You can obtain more information
about installing the trailer electrics at any
qualified specialist workshop.
R
The trailer coupling is one of the most
important vehicle parts with regard to road
safety. The notes on operation, care and
maintenance issued by the manufacturer
should be observed.
R
The bumpers of your vehicle are not
suitable for installing detachable trailer
couplings.
R
Do not install rented trailer couplings or
other detachable trailer couplings to the
bumpers.
R
To reduce the risk of damage to the ball
coupling, remove it from the ball coupling
mounting when you are not using it.
Weight information can be found in the
“Permissible trailer and drawbar
noseweights” section (Y page 154).
Note that when driving with a trailer,
PARKTRONIC is restricted or not available
(Y page 123).
i
The height of the ball neck changes
according to the load on the vehicle. In this
case, use a trailer with a height-adjustable
trailer drawbar.
Towing a trailer
151
Operation
Z