Airstream Interstate 24X, Owner'S Manual

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Driving
2022 Interstate 24X
8-5
Loading a Trailer
When loading a trailer, you should ensure neither the
permissible GTW (Gross Tongue Weight), nor the
trailer GVWR are exceeded�
Maximum permissible values are listed on the safety
compliance certification labels for the vehicle and
for the trailer to be towed� For their location, see the
Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Operator’s Manual� The
lowest value listed must be selected when determining
how the vehicle and trailer are loaded�
To assist in attaining good handling of the vehicle/trailer
combination, it is important that the tongue weight
be maintained at approximately 10-15 percent of the
loaded trailer weight, but not to exceed the hitch rating�
Tongue loads can be adjusted by proper distribution of
the load in the trailer, and can be checked by weighing
separately the loaded trailer and then the tongue�
The tongue weight at the hitch ball must be added to
the GVW to prevent exceeding your Sprinter towed
vehicle’s rear GAWR�
When towing trailers, touring coach tires should be
inflated to the highest pressures shown on the Sprinter
Tire Information Placard� See Mercedes-Benz Sprinter
Operator’s Manual for its location� The Cargo Carrying
Capacity (CCC) of this vehicle is reduced by the
amount that equals the trailer tongue load on the trailer
hitch�
Checking Weights of Vehicle and Trailer
To assure that the tow vehicle and trailer comply
with the maximum permissible weight limits and to
know the actual weights, have the loaded vehicle-
trailer combination (tow vehicle including driver,
passengers, cargo, and trailer fully loaded) weighed on
a commercial scale as explained earlier in this section�
Also, check the vehicles front and rear axle weights
and tongue weight� The values as measured must
not exceed the Sprinter weight ratings listed on
vehicle information placards and in the Mercedes-
Benz Sprinter manual� These ratings are also listed
in section 4 - Floor Plans, Specification Chart of this
manual�
NOTE
Check the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter manual for all
weights and tire information placard locations.
Attaching a Trailer
Please observe maximum permitted trailer dimensions
(weight and length)�
Most states and all Canadian provinces require safety
chains between your tow vehicle and trailer� The chains
should be crisscrossed under the trailer tongue� They
must be attached to the hitch receiver and not to the
vehicles bumper or axle� Be sure to leave enough slack
in the chains to permit turning corners�
Most states and all Canadian provinces required a
separate brake system for towing trailers�
WARNING
The towing vehicle’s braking system is rated for
operation at GVWR, NOT at the GCWR. A separate,
functioning brake system is required for any towed
vehicles or trailers weighing more than 1000 lb
(450 kg) when fully loaded. NEVER exceed the
GVWR, or the GAWR specified on a touring coach
certification label. Also, NEVER exceed the weight
ratings of a trailer hitch installed on a touring
coach. Failure to heed any part of this warning
could result in loss of control of the touring coach
and towed vehicle or trailer which may cause
an accident and serious injury. For specified
towed vehicle braking requirements, consult the
Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Operator’s Manual that
comes with this vehicle.
WARNING
Do not connect a trailer brake system (if trailer is
so equipped) directly to the vehicle’s hydraulic
brake system if your vehicle is equipped with anti-
lock brakes. If you do, neither the vehicle’s brakes
nor the trailer’s brakes will function properly.
Property damage, injury, or death to you or others
may be the result.
The provided vehicle electrical wiring harness for trailer
towing has a brake signal wire for hookup to a brake
controller� Most states and all Canadian provinces
require a breakaway switch on trailers with a separate
brake system� The switch activates the trailer brakes
in the possible event that the trailer might separate
from the tow vehicle� Please consider using a trailer
sway control system� For further information, see
your authorized Mercedes-Benz Sprinter or Airstream
dealer�