DRIvING
B - 8
B
weight ratings of trailer hitch installed on a motorhome. Failure to heed
any part of this warning could result in loss of control of the motorhome
and towed vehicle or trailer and may cause an accident and serious injury.
For specified 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 vehicles hydraulic brake system if your vehicle is
equipped with antilock brakes. If you do, neither the vehicles brakes nor
the trailers brakes will function properly. Property damage, injury or death
to you or others may be the result.
The provided vehicle electrical wiring harness for a trailer towing has a brake
signal wire for hookup to a brake controller. Most states and all Canadian
provinces require a brake away 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, brake away
switch, safety chains, electrical connections, lighting and tires. Also, adjust the
mirrors to permit unobstructed view beyond 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 con-
troller to be sure the brakes are working properly. Read and follow the controller
manufacturers recommendations.
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. 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 ac-
