Driving
8-6 2017 Interstate
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 specied on a touring coach
certication 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 specied towed
vehicle braking requirements, consult the 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 Sprinter or Airstream dealer�
Towing a Trailer
There are many different laws, including speed limit
restrictions, having to do with trailer towing� Make sure
that your vehicle-trailer combination will be legal not
only for where you reside, but also for where you’ll
be driving� A good source for this information can
be the State Attorney General, State Police, or local
authorities�
Before you start driving with a trailer, check the trailer’s
hitch, breakaway switch, safety chains, electrical
connections, lighting, and tires� Also, adjust the mirrors
to permit unobstructed view beyond the rear of trailer�
If the trailer has brakes using an electric brake
controller, start your vehicle and trailer moving slowly,
and then apply the brakes manually using the brake
controller to be sure the brakes are working properly�
Read and follow the controller manufacturer’s
recommendations�
When towing a trailer, check occasionally to be sure
the load is secure, and lighting and trailer brakes (if
so equipped) are functioning properly� Always secure
items in the trailer to prevent load shifts while driving�
Take into consideration that when towing a trailer, the
handling characteristics are different and less stable
from those when operating the vehicle without a trailer�
It is important to avoid sudden maneuvers�
The vehicle and trailer combination is heavier, and
therefore is limited in acceleration ability and requires
longer stopping distances� It is more prone to reacting
to side wind gusts, and requires more sensitive
steering input�
In order to gain skill and an understanding of the
vehicle’s behavior, you should practice turning,
stopping and backing up in an area which is free from
trafc.
If possible, do not brake abruptly, but rather engage
the brake slightly at rst to permit trailer to activate its
brake� Then increase the braking force�
We want every owner to be a safe and courteous
driver� A few hours of towing practice in a large empty
parking lot will make pulling your trailer over the road
much easier� Line out two corners for left and right
turns� You may also use these corners to practice
backing and parking�
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