towing MERCEDES-BENZ SPRINTER 2015 MY15 Operator’s Manual

X
Remove the objects that are preventing the
trailer from rolling, e.g. wheel chocks.
X Release the trailer parking brake.
i The subharness of the vehicle has a cable
connection to the brake lamp indicator
lamp.
Observe the maximum permissible trailer
dimensions (width and length).
Most federal states and all Canadian provin-
ces require by law:
R safety chains between the towing vehicle
and the trailer. The chains should be cross-
wound under the trailer drawbar. They must be fastened to the vehicle's trailer cou-
pling, not to the bumper or the axle.
Leave enough slack in the chains. This
allows you to drive round tight corners.
R a separate brake system for certain types
of trailer.
R a safety switch for braked trailers. Find out
the specific requirements according to the
applicable laws.
If the trailer detaches from the towing vehi- cle, the safety switch applies the trailer's
brakes. Towing a trailer
There are numerous legal requirements con-
cerning the towing of a trailer, e.g. speed
restrictions. Make sure your vehicle/trailer
combination complies with local laws. This
not only means where you live, but also any-
where you are driving to. Information is avail-
able from the police and local authorities.
Observe the following when towing a trailer:
R Practice driving around bends, stopping
and backing up at a place where there is no
traffic. This enables you to gain experience and get used to the new handling charac-
teristics.
R Before driving, check:
- that the trailer tow hitch and ball cou-
pling are secure
- that the safety switch for a braked trailer
is functioning properly
- that the safety chains are secure and not
damaged
- that the electrical connections are
secure
- that the lights are working
- that the wheels are in good order and the
tire pressure is correct
R Adjust the exterior mirrors to provide an
unobstructed view of the rear section of the
trailer.
R If the trailer has electronically controlled
brakes, pull the vehicle/trailer combina-
tion away carefully. Brake manually using
the brake controller and check that the
brakes are working.
R Secure the load on the trailer according to
the applicable specifications and current
standards on securing loads (Y page 242).
R When driving with a trailer, check at regular
intervals that the load is secured and that
the brakes and lights are working.
R Bear in mind that the handling will be less
stable when towing a trailer than when driv-
ing without one. Avoid sudden steering
movements.
R The vehicle/trailer combination is heavier,
accelerates more slowly and has a
decreased gradient climbing capability and
a longer braking distance.
It is more susceptible to crosswinds and
requires cautious steering.
R If possible, do not brake suddenly, but
rather moderately at first so that the trailer
can activate its brakes. Then increase the
force on the brake pedal.
R If the automatic transmission repeatedly
shifts between gears when driving on 176
Towing a trailerDriving and pa
rking

inclines, restrict the shift range. Select shift
range 4,3, 2or 1.
Driving in a low gear and at a low speed
reduces the risk of damaging the engine.
R When driving on a downhill gradient, shift to
a low gear and take advantage of the
engine's braking effect.
Avoid continuous brake application as this
may overheat the vehicle brakes and, if
installed, the trailer brakes.
R If the coolant temperature increases dra-
matically while the air-conditioning system
is switched on, switch off the air-condition-
ing system.
Coolant heat can also be dissipated by
switching the airflow and the temperature
of the heater/air conditioning to the maxi-
mum level. Open the windows if necessary.
R When overtaking, pay particular attention
to the extended length of your vehicle/
trailer combination.
Due to the length of your vehicle/trailer
combination you need an additional dis-
tance before you can return to your original
lane. Uncoupling a trailer
G
WARNING
If you uncouple a trailer with the overrun
brake engaged, you could trap your hand
between the vehicle and the trailer drawbar.
There is a risk of injury.
Do not uncouple a trailer if the overrun brake is engaged.
! Do not disconnect a trailer with an
engaged overrun brake. Otherwise, your
vehicle could be damaged by the rebound- ing of the overrun brake.
X Make sure the selector lever of the auto-
matic transmission is in position P.
X Apply the parking brake of the vehicle.
X Close all doors. X
Apply the parking brake of the trailer.
X In addition, secure the trailer against rolling
away with a wheel chock or similar object.
X Remove the trailer cable and safety chains
and decouple the trailer. Permissible trailer loads and trailer
drawbar noseweights
Weight information !
On vehicles with a permissible gross vehi-
cle weight of 11030 lbs (5003 kg), the per- missible gross combination weight is less
than the total of the permissible gross vehi-
cle weight and the permissible trailer load.
Exceeding the permissible gross combina-
tion weight can lead to damage to the driv-
etrain, to the transmission or to the trailer
tow hitch.
If the vehicle or the trailer is fully laden, the relevant value for the permissible gross
vehicle weight or the permissible trailer
load is therefore lower. In this case, the
trailer or the vehicle may only be partially
loaded.
The gross trailer weight (GTW) is calculated by adding the weight of the trailer to the weight
of the load and equipment.
The maximum gross vehicle weight is vehicle-specific and equipment-dependent: 5,000 lbs
(2,268 kg) or 7,500 lbs (3,402 kg).
The maximum perm issible trailer drawbar
noseweight on the ball coupling is 500 lbs
(227 kg) or 750 lbs (340 kg). Theactual nose-
weight may not exceed the value given on the
identification plates of the trailer tow hitch or
the trailer. If the values vary, the lowest value always applies.
The gross combination weight rating (GCWR)is calculated by adding the gross weight of the
trailer to the gross vehicle weight including a
driver's weight of approximately 150 lbs
(68 kg). The permissible Gross Combination
Weight Rating is vehicle-specific and depends
on the equipment level. Towing a trailer
177Driving and parking Z

When driving with a trailer, you should not
exceed the permitted Gross Combination
Weight Rating (GCWR).
The permissible values, which must not be
exceeded, can be found in your vehicle docu-
ments and on the trailer tow hitch type plates
for the trailer and the vehicle (Y page 316).
The basic values approved by the manufac-
turer can also be found in the "Technical data" section (Y page 328). If the values vary, the
lowest value always applies.
Loading a trailer !
Utilize the maximum permissible nose-
weight as fully as possible. Do not allow the
weight to fall below the minimum permis-
sible noseweight, otherwise the trailer may
come loose.
R You must distribute the load on the vehicle
and trailer so that the permitted maximum
values for the gross vehicle weight (GVWR), gross trailer weight (GTW) and gross com-
bined weight (GCWR) as well as permitted
gross axle loads (GAWR) and noseweight
(TWR) of your vehicle are not exceeded.
R Add the drawbar noseweight on the ball
coupling (TWR) to the rear axle load. This
will prevent you from exceeding the per-
missible gross axle weight (GAWR).
R Add the drawbar noseweight on the ball
coupling (TWR) to the vehicle payload. This
will prevent you from exceeding the per-
missible gross vehicle weight (GVWR).
Checking the vehicle and trailer weight R
Make sure the weights of the towing vehicle
and the trailer comply with the maximum
permissible values. Have the vehicle/
trailer combination weighed on a calibrated weighbridge. The vehicle/trailer combina-
tion consists of the towing vehicle including
the driver, passengers and load, as well as
the loaded trailer.
R Check the maximum permissible gross axle
weight rating of the front and rear axles (GAWR), the gross trailer weight (GTW), the
gross combination weight rating (GCWR)
and the noseweight of the trailer drawbar
(TWR). Trailer power supply
! Incorrect wiring of the connector plug
could, under certain circumstances, cause
malfunctions in the vehicle's other elec-
tronic systems. We therefore recommend
having the connector plug wired at a quali-
fied specialist workshop.
! You can connect accessories with a max-
imum power consumption of 240 W to the
permanent power supply.
You must not charge a trailer battery using
the power supply.
Your vehicle may be equipped with various
electrical installations for trailer towing.
Depending on your trailer, you may need an
adapter to connect the electrical system of
the trailer with that of the vehicle.
The trailer socket of your vehicle is equipped at the factory with a permanent power supply.
The permanent power supply is on the trailer
socket pin assignment 4.
Note that the permanent power supply of the
trailer is not switched off when the on-board
voltage is low. This can completely discharge the starter battery of your vehicle.
The turn signals on the trailer are only guar-
anteed to function when incandescent bulbs
are used.
Further information on the electrical equip-
ment currently installed on your vehicle and
on installing trailer electrics can be obtained
at any qualified specialist workshop. 178
Towing a trailerDriving and parking

Problem
Possible causes/consequences and
0050
0050Solutions 0065
The red brake
system indicator
lamp is lit while
the engine is
running. There is insufficient brake fluid in the expansion tank.
G WARNING
Braking performance can be impaired.
There is a risk of an accident. X Vehicles with steering wheel buttons: also observe the mes-
sages in the display (Y page 197).
X Stop the vehicle as soon as possible, paying attention to road
and traffic conditions.
X Check the brake fluid level in the expansion tank (Y page 254).
X If the brake fluid is below the MIN mark: do not drive on!
X Do not add brake fluid. This does not solve the problem.
X Consult a qualified specialist workshop. 0065
When towing a
trailer: the red
brake system
indicator lamp is
lit while the
engine is run-
ning.
Additionally, a
warning tone
sounds. G
WARNING
The brake force booster in the trailer is faulty.
The driving and braking characteristics of your vehicle could
change. There is a risk of the trailer overbraking and of you losing control over the truck/trailer combination.
There is a risk of an accident.
X Vehicles with steering wheel buttons: also observe the mes-
sages in the display (Y page 197).
X Stop the vehicle as soon as possible, paying attention to road
and traffic conditions.
X Do not drive on.
X Consult a qualified specialist workshop. 003D
The yellow ASR/
BAS indicator
lamp is lit while
the engine is
running. ASR has been deactivated due to a malfunction.
The engine power output may be reduced.
G WARNING
The driven wheels can spin when accelerating.
There is an increased risk of skidding and accidents.
X Drive on with care.
X Consult a qualified specialist workshop as soon as possible. Indicator and warning lamps in the instrument cluster
219On-board computer and displays Z

Useful information
............................230
Stowage spaces and stowage com- partments .......................................... 230
Folding table in the twin co-driver's seat .................................................... 234
Cup holder ......................................... 234
Bottle holder ...................................... 235
Ashtray .............................................. 235
Cigarette lighter ................................ 235
12 V socket ....................................... 236
Mobile phone ..................................... 236
Additional communications equip-
ment ................................................... 237 229Stowing and features

Useful information
This Operator's Manual describes all models
as well as standard and optional equipment of your vehicle that were available at the time of going to print. Country-specific variations are
possible. Note that your vehicle may not be
equipped with all of the described functions.
This also applies to systems and functions
relevant to safety.
Read the information on qualified specialist
workshops (Y page 25). Stowage spaces and stowage com-
partments
Important safety notes
G
WARNING
If you do not correctly store objects in the
vehicle interior, they can slip or be flung
around, thus striking vehicle occupants.
There is a risk of injury, especially when brak- ing or abruptly changing directions.
R Always store objects so that they cannot be
flung around in these or in similar situa-
tions.
R Always make sure that objects do not pro-
trude from stowage compartments, parcel
nets or stowage nets.
R Close lockable stowage compartments
while driving.
R Stow and secure objects that are heavy,
hard, pointy, sharp-edged, fragile or too
large in the trunk.
In addition, observe the information in the
"Loading guidelines" section (Y page 240). Glove box
Glove box (example: glove box with a lockable lid)
0047 Unlocked
0048 Locked
0087 Glove box handle
You can lock and unlock the glove box using
the mechanical or folding key.
X To open: unlock the glove box lid if neces-
sary.
X Pull glove box handle 0087in the direction of
the arrow. 0085
Card holder
0083 Pen holder
X To close: fold the glove box up and press it
until it engages. 230
Stowage spaces and stowage compartmentsStowing and features

Eyeglasses compartment in the over-
head control panel X
To open: briefly press cover 0043.
The eyeglasses compartment opens down- wards.
X To close: press the eyeglasses compart-
ment into the overhead control panel until
it engages.
Make sure that the eyeglasses compartment
is always closed while the vehicle is in motion. Dashboard stowage compartments
G
WARNING
Objects protruding from the stowage com-
partment above the co-driver front air bag
could obstruct or even prevent deployment of the co-driver front air bag. The co-driver front air bag may then fail to provide the intended
protection. There is an increased risk of
injury.
Do not place any protruding objects in the
stowage compartment above the co-driver
front air bag.
! The right and left storage spaces may be
loaded with a maximum of 11 lb (5 kg) each. Stowage space (example: co-driver's side)
Stowage compartment equipped with smartphone
connections
0087 USB port
0085 3.5 mm audio jack
i Depending on the vehicle equipment, a
USB port and an AUX-in connection is
installed in the stowage compartment. A
Media Interface is a universal interface for
portable audio equipment, e.g. for an iPod ®
or MP3 player (see the separate audio sys-
tem operating instructions). Stowage spaces and stowage compartments
231Stowing and features Z

Stowage compartment in the center
console Stowage compartment on the dashboard above
the center console (example with lid)
The stowage compartments on and in the
center console can be used to store small,
light objects.
X To open: pull release handle 0044.
Lid 0043swings up.
X To close: close lid0043and engage it.
The lid of the stowage compartment must
remain closed while the vehicle is in motion
to ensure that stowed objects are con-
tained safely. Stowage space above the headliner
! The entire stowage space may be loaded
with a maximum of 66 lb (30 kg).
Do not place high, bulky loads in the stow- age space. You could otherwise damage
the headliner in the event of sharp braking. On vehicles with a partition, stowage
space
0043can only be loaded from the cargo
compartment. Stowage space above the windshield
! The right and left stowage spaces may be
loaded with a maximum of 5.5 lb (2.5 kg)
each. Stowage compartment (example: driver's side)
0043
Stowage compartment Stowage compartment under the twin
co-driver's seat Twin co-driver's seat (example: Cargo Van)
You can stow various articles in the stowage
compartment under the twin co-driver's seat.
X To fold a seat cushion forwards: lift the
seat cushion out of front anchorage 0043.
X Pull the seat cushion forwards slightly and
out of rear anchorage 0044.
X Fold the rear edge of the seat cushion up. 232
Stowage spaces and stowage compartmentsStowing and features

X
To fold the seat cushion back: fold down
the seat cushion by the rear edge.
X Slide the seat cushion under the seat back-
rest into rear anchorage 0044.
X Push down on the seat cushion at the front
until it engages in front anchorage 0043.Stowage compartment under the rear
bench seat G
WARNING
Always secure the folded-up seat cushion
with the retainer loop. The seat cushion could otherwise drop down unexpectedly and
thereby cause injury to yourself or others. G
WARNING
When folding down the seat cushion, make
sure that nobody can become trapped.
! The retainer loop is neither a grab handle
for people to use nor a securing point for
loads. It may tear if used incorrectly. For vehicles with a crewcab, you can use the
stowage compartment under the rear bench
seat to safely store tools and other small
items. X
To fold up the rear bench seat: lift seat
cushion 0043out of the front anchorage and
fold it upwards in the direction of the arrow. Retainer loops
0044are secured to the outer
head restraints.
X Attach retainer loop 0044to hook 0087under-
neath folded-up seat cushion 0043.
X To fold down the seat cushion: hold seat
cushion 0043and detach retainer loop 0044
from hook 0087.
X Fold down seat cushion 0043.
The seat cushion engages automatically. Paper holder
X
To open: press the top of paper holder 0043. Stowage spaces and stowage compartments
233Stowing an d features Z

Folding table in the twin co-driver's
seat G
WARNING
If objects, luggage or loads are not secured or not secured sufficiently, they could slip, tip
over or be flung around and thereby hit vehicle
occupants. There is a risk of injury, particu-
larly in the event of sudden braking or a sud-
den change in direction.
Always store objects so that they cannot be
flung around. Secure objects, luggage or
loads against slipping or tipping before the
journey. X
To fold down the folding table: pull fold-
ing table 0043forward by the tab.
X Fold folding table 0043down in the direction
of the arrow and onto the seat cushion.
i The folding table is equipped with a pen
holder and cup holder. Cup holder
Important safety notes
G
WARNING
The cup holder cannot hold a container secure whilst traveling. If you use a cup holder whilsttraveling, the container may be flung around
and liquid may be spilled. The vehicle occu-
pants may come into contact with the liquid
and if it is hot, they may be scalded. You may
be distracted from the traffic conditions and you could lose control of the vehicle. There is
a risk of an accident and injury.
Only use the cup holder when the vehicle is
stationary. Only use the cup holder for con-
tainers of the right size. Always close the con-
tainer, particularly if the liquid is hot.
! Do not use the cup holder recesses as
ashtrays. This could damage the cup hold-
ers. Cup holders in the dashboard
Cup holder in dashboard stowage compartment
(example: right-hand side of vehicle)
0043 Cup holder
i If your vehicle is equipped with a twin co-
driver's seat, you will find further cup hold-
ers (Y page 234) in the folding table. Cup holders in the center console
Cup holders in the center console234
Cup holderStowing and featu
res