freightliner Sprinter Operator's Manual

Driving tips
149
Operation
i To reduce the possibility of damage, remove
the ball hitch adapter from the receiver when not
in use.
Electrical connections
The Sprinter is available with a variety of
pre-installed equipment (lines and turn sig-
nal indicator and brake module installed
and/or not installed). Make sure that the
correct trailer hitch receiver kit is used. For
further information, please see your autho-
rized Sprinter Dealer.
! In order to prevent possible damage to the
vehicle's electrical system by incorrectly install-
ing the trailer wiring plug, we recommend having
the harness connected at an authorized Sprinter
Dealer.
Attaching a trailer
Please observe the maximum permitted
trailer dimensions (width and length).
Most states and all Canadian provinces re-
quire safety chains between your tow vehi-
cle and the trailer. The chains should be
crisscrossed under the trailer tongue. They
must be attached to the hitch receiver, and
not to the vehicle's bumper or axle. Be
sure to leave enough slack in the chains to
permit turning corners.
i Most states and all Canadian provinces re-
quire a separate brake system at various trailer
weights.
Towing a trailer
i Trailer towing is subject to numerous laws,
including speed limit restrictions. Make sure that
your vehicle-trailer combination will be legal, not
only for where you reside, but also for where you
will be driving.
A good source for this information can be the
police or local authorities.
Before you start driving with the trailer,
check the trailer hitch, break-away switch,
safety chains, electrical connections, light-
ing and tires. Also adjust the mirrors to
permit an unobstructed view beyond the
rear of the trailer.
If the trailer has electric brakes, start your
vehicle and trailer moving slowly, and then
apply the trailer brake controller only by
hand, to be sure that the brakes are work-
ing properly.
When towing a trailer, check occasionally
to be sure that the load is secure, and that
lighting and trailer brakes (if so equipped)
are functioning properly.
G Warning
Couple and decouple the trailer carefully. A
trailer which is incorrectly coupled to the tow-
ing vehicle could break away. A correctly cou-
pled trailer must be positioned horizontally
behind the vehicle.
G Warning
Do not connect a trailer brake system (if the
trailer so equipped) directly to the vehicle's
hydraulic brake system, as your vehicle is
equipped with anti-lock brakes. If you do, nei-
ther the vehicle's brakes nor the trailer's
brakes will function properly. This could
cause an accident resulting in damage to
property, injury or death to you or others.
The provided vehicle electrical wiring harness
for trailer towing has a brake signal wire for
hook-up to a brake controller.
Most states and all Canadian provinces re-
quire a break-away switch on trailers with a
separate brake system. The switch activates
the trailer brakes in the event that the trailer
could separate from the tow vehicle.
You should consider using a trailer sway con-
trol system. For further information, see your
authorized Sprinter Dealer.

freightliner Sprinter Specifications

General

Brand	freightliner
Model	Sprinter
Category	Automobile
Language	English