R
On the trailer's identi cation plate
R
On the vehicle identi cation plate
If there are discrepancies between the values, the
lowest one shall apply.
Before driving o , ensure the following:
R
The tire pressure on the rear axle of the towing
vehicle has been set for the maximum load.
R
The headlamps have been set correctly.
Values approved by the manufacturer can be found
on the identi cation plates and in the section for
the towing vehicle (
/
page 240).
Your vehicle will behave di erently with a trailer
relative to without a trailer:
R
The vehicle/trailer combination will be heavier.
R
The vehicle/trailer combination will be restric-
ted in its acceleration and gradeability.
R
The vehicle/trailer combination will have an
increased braking distance.
R
The vehicle/trailer combination will be more
susceptible to crosswind gusts.
R
The vehicle/trailer combination will require
more sensitive steering.
R
The vehicle/trailer combination will have a
larger turning radius.
This may impair the vehicle's driving characteris-
tics.
When driving with a vehicle/trailer combination,
always adapt your speed to the current road and
weather conditions. Drive carefully. Keep a su -
cient safe distance.
Comply with the maximum permissible speed of
50 mph (80 km/h) or 62 mph (100 km/h), even in
countries in which higher speeds are permitted for
vehicle/trailer combinations.
Attach only an approved trailer hitch to your vehi-
cle. Use only a ball neck that has been approved
for your vehicle. Further information about availa-
bility and installation, including that of the trailer
electrics, is available from any quali ed specialist
workshop.
The trailer hitch is one of the most important vehi-
cle parts for road safety. Comply with the instruc-
tions on operation, maintenance and servicing in
the manufacturer's operating instructions.
%
Your vehicle's bumpers are not suitable for
installing detachable trailer hitches.
Do not attach any rented trailer hitches or any
other detachable trailer hitches to the bumpers.
%
During trailer operation, remember that
PARKTRONIC is available only to a limited
extent, if at all.
%
The height of the ball head will change
depending on the vehicle's load. In this case,
use a trailer with a height-adjustable drawbar.
Dr
Driving ins
iving instrtructions
uctions
The maximum permissible speed for vehicle/trailer
combinations depends on the type of trailer.
Before setting o , consult the trailer's vehicle
documents to nd out the maximum permissible
speed.
Your vehicle will behave di erently with a trailer
relative to without a trailer, and will consume more
fuel.
On long and steep downhill gradients, you must
select shi range 33, 22 or 11 in good time.
%
This also applies if cruise control is switched
on.
You will thereby make use of the engine's braking
e ect and will not have to brake as o en to control
the speed. This will take some of the strain o the
brake system and prevent the brakes from over-
heating and wearing too quickly. If you need addi-
tional braking, depress the brake pedal intermit-
tently rather than continuously.
Observe the notes on ESP
®
trailer stabilization
(
/
page 141).
Dr
Driving tips
iving tips
If the trailer sways, remember the following points:
R
Do not accelerate under any circumstances.
R
Do not countersteer.
R
If necessary, apply the brakes.
%
You can reduce the risk of the trailer swaying
and rocking by retro tting stabilizer bars or
trailer stability programs. Further information
is available from any Freightliner Sprinter
service center.
When you are driving with a trailer, observe the fol-
lowing points:
R
Maintain a greater distance than when driving
without a trailer.
R
Avoid braking abruptly. If possible, brake gently
rst of all so that the trailer closes up behind
your vehicle. Then, increase the braking force
rapidly.
R
The values given for start-o gradeability refer
to sea level. When driving in mountainous
areas, note that engine output, and therefore
164
164 Driving and parking
