Owners Manual

Trailer coupled ready for use
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
vehicle/trailer combinations in the
respective country, state or Canadian
province.
Your vehicle behaves differently with a trailer
than without one.
On long, steep downhill slopes you must
select shift range 3, 2 or 1 in good time.
i
This also applies if you have activated
cruise control.
This enables you to utilize the engine's
braking effect and you do not need to brake
so heavily to keep the correct speed. This
protects 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
R
Maintain a greater distance than you would
when driving without towing a trailer.
R
Avoid sudden braking. Apply the brakes
gently at first to allow the trailer brake to
overrun. Then, increase the brake force
quickly.
R
When driving in mountainous areas, note
that the power output of the engine, and
with it its gradient climbing capability,
decrease with increasing altitude.
If the trailer begins to swing from side to side:
X
do not accelerate.
X
do not counter-steer.
X
brake if necessary.
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You can reduce the risk of the trailer
swinging and rocking by retrofitting anti-
roll bars or trailer stability programs. More
information is available from your
authorized Sprinter Dealer.
Attaching and removing the ball
coupling
G
WARNING
If the ball coupling is incorrectly mounted or
not properly secured, the ball coupling and
the trailer may come loose. As a result, you
could cause an accident.
Therefore note the following:
R
Make sure the ball coupling is correctly
secured. Observe the information in the
operating instructions of the ball coupling
manufacturer.
R
If you cannot mount the ball coupling
correctly, remove it. In this case, the ball
coupling may not be used for towing a
trailer.
Have the entire trailer coupling checked at a
qualified specialist workshop.
If your vehicle is equipped with a Sprinter
trailer tow hitch, you need a ball coupling that
is approved for the trailer tow hitch.
When mounting and removing the approved
ball coupling, observe the relevant
information in the operating instructions of
the ball coupling manufacturer.
152
Towing a trailer
Operation