trailer DODGE SPRINTER 2006 1.G Owners Manual

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…Winter tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 206
Q Snow Chains . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 207
Q Fuel Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 209
…Fuel Filter with Water Separator . . . . . . . . . . . 210…Diesel Fuels for Use at Very
Low Temperatures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 211
Q Refueling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 212
…Capacity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 213
Q Programmed Top Speed (Optional) . . . . . . . . . . 213
Q Bleeding Diesel Fuel System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 214
Q Draining Fuel Filter with Water Separator . . . . 214
…Bleeding the Diesel Fuel System . . . . . . . . . . . 216
Q Permissible Roof Load . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 216
Q Loading the Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 216
…Tire and Loading Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . 217
Q Trailer Towing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 221
…Trailer Hitches (Optional) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 222
…Electrical Connections (Optional) . . . . . . . . . . 222
…Vehicle and Trailer Weights and Ratings . . . . 222
…Trailer Tongue Load . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 223
…Loading a Trailer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 223…Checking Weights of Vehicle and Trailer . . . . 224
…Attaching a Trailer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 224…Towing a Trailer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 225
…Parking a Trailer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 227
Q Emissions Control System
(Catalytic Converter) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 228
Q Inhalation of Exhaust Gas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 228
Q Fording (Wading Capability) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 228
Q Body Builder Guideline . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 229
…A Special Note Concerning
Vehicle Alteration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 230

154 STARTING AND OPERATING
The system is operational if after reverse gear is
engaged:
 an acknowledgement tone sounds
 the multi-function indicator shows the distance to
an obstacle that has been detected.
WARNING!
The reversing aid is feature designed to provide as-
sistance and may not detect all obstacles. The sys-
tem is not a replacement for your own diligence.
The reversing aid does not detect people and/or
objects within a range of approximately 12 in (30
cm). There is a possibility that certain objects
which could come into contact with the vehicle at
the rear will not be detected by the system’s
sensors. This could cause an accident resulting in
severe personal injuries, death and property
damage.
For this reason, you should make sure before
manuevring that no people or animals are in the
maneuvring range of the vehicle.
Pay particular attention to people and/or objects
above or below sensors when parking, such as
small children, toddlers, flower pots or trailer
towbars.
You are always responsible for safety at all times
and must continue to pay attention to your
immediate surroundings when manoeuvring. A
second person should assist you in manouevring if
necessary.

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Bead
The tire bead contains steel wires wrapped by steel
cords that hold the tire onto the rim.
Cold Tire Inflation Pressure
Tire inflation pressure when your vehicle has been
sitting for at least 3 hours or d r i v e n n o m o r e t h a n 1 m i l e
(1.6 km).
Curb Weight
The weight of a motor vehicle with standard
equipment including the maximum capacity of fuel,
oil, and coolant, and, if so equipped, air conditioning
and additional optional equipment, but without
passengers and cargo.
DOT (Department of Transportation)
A tire branding symbol which denotes the tire meets
requirements of the U.S. Department of
Transportation.
GAWR (Gross Axle Weight Rating)
The GAWR is the maximum permissible axle weight.
The gross vehicle weight on each axle must never
exceed the GAWR for the front and rear axle indicatedon the Certification Label located below the driver’s
seat on an outward facing position of the mounting
pillar.
GTW (Gross Trailer Weight)
The GTW is the weight of the trailer plus the weight of
all cargo, equipment, luggage etc. loaded on the trailer.
GVW (Gross Vehicle Weight)
The GVW comprises the weight of the vehicle
including fuel, tools, spare wheel, installed accessories,
passengers and cargo and, if applicable, trailer tongue
load. The GWV must never exceed the GWVR
indicated on the Certification Label located below the
driver’s seat on an outward facing position of the
mounting pillar.
GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating)
This is themaximum permissible vehicle weight of the
fully loaded vehicle (weight of the vehicle including all
options, passengers, fuel, and cargo and, if applicable,
trailer tongue load). It is indicated on the Certification
Label located below the driver’s seat on an outward
facing position of the mounting pillar.

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TIN (Tire Identification Number)
Unique identifier which facilitates efforts by tire
manufacturers to notify purchasers in recall situations
or other safety matters concerning tires and gives
purchases the means to easily identify such tires. The
TIN is comprised of "Manufacturer’s identification
mark", "Tire size", "Tire type code" and "Date of
manufacture".
Tire Load Rating
Numerical code associated with the maximum load a
tire can support.
Tire Ply Composition and Material used
This indicates the number of plies or the number of
layers of rubber-coated fabric in the tire tread and
sidewall. Tire manufacturers also must indicate the ply
materials in the tire and sidewall, which include steel,
nylon, polyester, and others.
Tire Speed Rating
Part of tire designation; indicates the speed range for
which a tire is approved.Traction
Force exerted by the vehicle on the road via the tires.
The amount of grip provided.
Tread
The portion of a tire that comes into contact with the
road.
Treadwear Indicators
Narrow bands, sometimes called "wear bars" that
show across the tread of a tire when only 1/16 in (1.6
mm) of tread remains.
TWR (Tongue Weight Rating)
Maximum permissible weight on trailer tongue.
Uniform Tire Quality Grading Standards
A tire information system that provides consumers
with ratings for a tire’s traction, temperature and
treadwear.
Ratings are determined by tire manufacturers using
government testing procedures. The ratings are
molded into the sidewall of the tire.

218 STARTING AND OPERATING
Tire and Loading Information placard
Seating capacity (1)
Load limit information (2)
NOTE: Data shown on placard are for illustration
purposes only. Load limit data and seating data are
specific to each vehicle and may vary from data shown
in the illustration.
Refer to placard on vehicle for actual data specific to
your vehicle.Seating Capacity
The seating capacity (2) gives you important
information on the number of occupants that can be in
the vehicle.
Observe front and rear seating capacity.
Never let more people ride in the vehicle than there are
designated seating positions and seat belts available.
Be sure everyone riding in the vehicle is correctly
restrained with a separate seat belt.
Load Limit Information
Locate the statement "The combined weight of
occupants and cargo should never exceed XXX
kilograms or XXX lbs." (1) on the Tire and Loading
Information placard. The combined weight of all
occupants, cargo/luggage and trailer tongue load (if
applicable) should never exceed the weight referenced
in that statement.
Steps for Determining Correct Load Limit
The following steps have been developed as required
of all manufacturers under Title 49, Code of U.S.
Federal Regulations, Part 575 pursuant to the "National
Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act of 1966".

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Step 1
 Locate the statement "The combined weight of
occupants and cargo should never exceed XXX kg or
XXX lbs." on your vehicle’s placard.
Step 2
 Determine the combined weight of the driver
andpassengers that will be riding in your vehicle.
Step 3
 Subtract the combined weight of the driver and
passengers from XXX kilograms or XXX lbs.
Step 4
 The resulting figure equals the available amount of
cargo and luggage load capacity. For example, if the
"XXX" amount equals 1400 lbs. and there will be five
150 lbs. passengers in your vehicle, the amount of
available cargo and luggage load capacity is 650 lbs.
(1400 – 750 (5 x 150) = 650 lbs.)
Step 5
 Determine the combined weight of luggage and
cargo being loaded on the vehicle. That weight may
not safely exceed the available cargo and luggage
load capacity calculated in step 4.Step 6 (if applicable)
 If your vehicle will be towing a trailer, load from
your trailer will be transferred to your vehicle.
Refer to "Trailer Tongue Load" to determine how
this reduces the available cargo and luggage load
capacity of your vehicle.
The following table shows examples on how to
calculate total load, cargo load and towing capacities
with varying seating configurations and number and
size of occupants.
The following examples use a load limit of 1500 lbs.
NOTE: This is for illustration purposes only. Make
sure you are using the actual load limit for your vehicle
stated on the vehicle’s Tire and Loading Information
placard.

220 STARTING AND OPERATING
The higher the weight of all occupants, the less cargo
and luggage load capacity is available.
For more information, refer to "Trailer Tongue Load".
ExampleCombined
weight limit of
occupants and
cargo from
placardNumber of
occupants
(driver and
passengers)Seating
configurationOccupants weightCombined
weight of all
occupantsAvailable cargo/luggage
and trailer tongue weight
(total load limit from
placard minus combined
weight of all occupants)
1 1500 lbs 5 front: 2
rear: 3Occupant 1: 150 lbs
Occupant 2: 180 lbs
Occupant 3: 160 lbs
Occupant 4: 140 lbs
Occupant 5: 120 lbs.750 lbs 1500 lbs – 750 lbs = 750 lbs
2 1500 lbs 3 front: 1
rear: 2Occupant 1: 200 lbs
Occupant 2: 190 lbs
Occupant 3: 150 lbs 540 lbs 1500 lbs – 540 lbs = 960 lbs
3 1500 lbs 1 front: 1 Occupant 1: 150 lbs 150 lbs 1500 lbs – 150 lbs = 1350 lbs

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Certification Label
Even after careful determination of the combined
weight of all occupants, cargo and the trailer tongue
load (if applicable) as to not exceed the permissible
load limit, you must make sure that your vehicle never
exceeds the Gross VehicleWeight Rating (GVWR) and
the Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) for either the
front or rear axle.
Under a maximum loaded vehicle condition, gross axle
weight ratings (GAWR’s) for the front and rear axles
must not be exceeded.
To determine the maximum loading conditions of your
vehicle, locate the statement "The combined weight of
occupants and cargo should never exceed XXX kg or
XXX lbs." on the Tire and Loading Information placard.
The combined weight of occupants, cargo/luggage
and trailer tongue weight (if applicable) should never
exceed the weight referenced here.
You can obtain the GVWR and GAWR from the
Certification label. The Certification Label can be
found below the driver’s seat on an outward facing
position of the mounting pillar. For more information on the trailer tongue load, refer
to "Trailer Tongue Load".
TRAILER TOWING
WARNING!
Failure to use proper equipment and driving tech-
nique can result in a loss of vehicle control when
towing a trailer.
Improper towing or failure to follow the
instructions contained in this guide can result in
serious injury. Follow the guidelines below
carefully to assure safe trailer operation.
Ask your authorized Sprinter Dealer, if you
require an explanation of information contained
in this guide.

222 STARTING AND OPERATING
Trailer Hitches (Optional)
Only install a trailer hitch receiver approved for your
vehicle. For information on availability and
installation, please see your authorized Sprinter
Dealer.
The bumpers on your vehicle are not designed for use
with clamp-type hitches. Do not attach rental hitches
or other bumper-type hitches to them.
To reduce the possibility of damage, remove the hitch
ball adaptor from the receiver when not in use.
Electrical Connections (Optional)
The Sprinter is available with a variety of pre-installed
conditions (lines and turn signal 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 authorized Sprinter
Dealer.
In order to prevent possible damage to the vehicle’s
electrical system by incorrectly installing the trailer
wiring plug, we recommend having the harness
connected at an authorized Sprinter Dealer.Vehicle and Trailer Weights and Ratings
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) is the maximum
permissible vehicle weight:
8,550 lbs (3,878 kgs),
9,990 lbs (4,531 kgs) or 10,200 lbs (4,627 kgs).
NOTE: The weight of your Sprinter is indicated on the
type plate. For type plate, see Identification Labels.
Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW): comprises weight of
vehicle including fuel, tools, spare wheel, installed
accessories, passengers, cargo and trailer tongue. It
must never exceed the GVWR.
Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) is the maximum
permissible axle weight:
Type GVWR GAWR (FA) GAWR (RA)
2500
C/HC /
SHC8,550 lbs
3,878 kgs3,860 lbs
(1,751 kgs)5,360 lbs
(2,431 kgs)
3500
C/HC /
SHC9,990 lbs
4,531 kgs3,860 lbs
(1,751 kgs)7,060 lbs
(3,202 kgs)
10,200 lbs
4,627 kgs3,860 lbs
(1,751 kgs)7,060 lbs
(3,202 kgs)

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Gross Trailer Weight (GTW) is the maximum
permissible trailer weight to be towed:
5,000 lbs. (2,260 kgs)
Trailer Tongue Weight Rating (TWR) is the maximum
permissible weight of the trailer tongue: 500 lbs. (225 kgs)
limit for Sprinter approved hitch receiver.
NOTE: The GVWR and GAWR of your vehicle is
indicated on the Certification Label.
Trailer Tongue Load
The tongue load (tongue weight at the hitch ball) of any
trailer is an important weight tomeasure because it
affects the load you can carry in your vehicle. If a trailer
is towed, the tongue load must be added to the weight
of all occupants riding and any cargo you are carrying
in the vehicle to prevent exceeding your Sprinter tow
vehicle’s rear GAWR. The tongue load typically is
between 10 % and 15 % of the trailer weight and
everything loaded in it.
For example, if the trailer tongue load equals 140 lbs.
and the determined available cargo/luggage and
trailer tongue weight equals 750 lbs., the amount of
available cargo and luggage load capacity is 610 lbs.
(750 – 140 = 610 lbs.)Loading a Trailer
When loading a trailer, you should observe that
neither the permissible GTW, nor the GVWR are
exceeded.
Maximum permissible values are listed on the safety
compliance certification labels for the vehicle and for
the trailer to be towed. The lowest value listed must be
selected when determining how the vehicle and trailer
are loaded.
Load the trailer in such a manner that it has a tongue
weight (TW) between 10% and 15% of the GTW.
The tongue weight at the hitch ball must be added to
the GVW to prevent exceeding your Sprinter tow
vehicle’s rear GAWR.