freightliner Sprinter Operator's Manual

Driving tips
150
Operation
Always secure items in the trailer to pre-
vent load shifts while driving.
Take into consideration that when towing a
trailer, the handling characteristics are dif-
ferent and less stable from those when op-
erating the vehicle without a trailer. It is
important to avoid sudden maneuvers.
The vehicle and trailer combination is
heavier, and is therefore limited in acceler-
ation and climbing ability, and requires
longer stopping distances. It is more prone
to reacting to side wind gusts, and requires
more sensitive steering input.
Extreme care must be exercised since your
vehicle with a trailer will require additional
passing distance ahead than when driving
without a trailer. Because your vehicle and
trailer is longer than your vehicle alone,
you will also need to go much farther
ahead of the passed vehicle before you can
return to your lane.
In order to gain skill and an understanding
of the vehicle's behavior, you should prac-
tice turning, stopping and backing up in an
area which is free from traffic.
If possible, do not brake abruptly, but rath-
er engage the brake slightly at first to per-
mit the trailer to activate its brake. Then
increase the braking force.
If the trailer begins to swing from side to
side:
E Do not accelerate.
E Do not counter-steer.
E Brake if necessary.
i You can reduce the risk of the trailer swing-
ing and snaking by retrofitting anti-roll bars or
trailer stability programs. For further informa-
tion, please see your authorized Sprinter Dealer.
! If the transmission hunts between gears on
inclines, manually shift to a lower gear (select 4,
3, 2
or 1). A lower gear and reduction of speed
reduces the chance of the engine overloading
and/or overheating.
When going down a long hill, shift into a lower
gear and use the engine's braking effect. Avoid
riding the brakes, thus overheating the vehicle
and trailer brakes.
If the engine coolant rises to an extremely high
temperature (coolant temperature needle ap-
proaching the red zone) when the air conditioner
is on, turn off the air conditioner. Heat from the
engine coolant can be also be dissipated by
opening the windows, switching the climate con-
trol fan speed to high and setting the tempera-
ture control to the maximum hot position.
G Warning
Never ride the brakes during a journey, e.g.
light dragging caused by continuous applica-
tion of pedal pressure. This leads to overheat-
ing of the braking system, increased braking
distance and ultimately results in complete
brake failure.
G Warning
Take into consideration that when towing a
trailer, the handling characteristics are differ-
ent and less stable from those when operat-
ing the vehicle without a trailer.
It is important to avoid sudden maneuvers.
Sudden maneuvers may lead to loss of con-
trol over the vehicle-trailer combination. This
could cause an accident resulting in property
damage or injury to you or others.
G Warning
Do not attempt, under any circumstances, to
straighten the vehicle-trailer combination by
increasing vehicle speed.

freightliner Sprinter Specifications

General

Brand	freightliner
Model	Sprinter
Category	Automobile
Language	English