Sprinter 3500 V6-3.0L DSL Turbo (2008)
dealer-installed options, must be considered as part of the total load on your vehicle. Refer to the Tire and Loading Information placard in the Tire Safety
Information Section for the maximum combined weight of occupants and cargo for your vehicle.
Trailer sway control and a weight distributing (load equalizing) hitch are recommended for Tongue Weights (TW) above 150 lbs (68 kg) and
required for Tongue Weights above 300 lbs (136 kg).
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) of 10% 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.
Checking weights of vehicle and trailer
To assure that the tow vehicle and trailer are in compliance with the maximum permissible weight limits, and to know the actual weights, have the loaded
vehicle-trailer combination (tow vehicle including driver, passengers and cargo, trailer fully loaded) weighed on a commercial scale.
Check the vehicle's front and rear Gross Axle Weight (GAW), the GTW and TW. The values as measured must not be exceeded, according to the
weights listed under "Vehicle and trailer weights and ratings".
Towing Requirements
To promote proper break-in of your new vehicle drivetrain components the following guidelines are recommended:
CAUTION:
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Avoid towing a trailer for the first 500 miles (805 km) of vehicle operation. Doing so may damage your vehicle.
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During the first 500 miles (805 km) of trailer towing, limit your speed to 50 mph (80 km/h).
When towing a trailer, never exceed the GAWR, or GCWR, ratings.
WARNING:
Improper towing can lead to an injury accident. Follow these guidelines to make your trailer towing as safe as possible:
Make certain that the load is secured in the trailer and will not shift during travel. When trailering cargo that is not fully secured, dynamic
load shifts can occur that may be difficult for the driver to control. You could lose control of your vehicle and have an accident.
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When hauling cargo or towing a trailer, do not overload your vehicle or trailer. Overloading can cause a loss of control, poor performance or
damage to brakes, axle, engine, transmission, steering, suspension, chassis structure or tires.
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Safety chains must always be used between your vehicle and trailer. Always connect the chains to the frame or hook retainers of the vehicle hitch.
Cross the chains under the trailer tongue and allow enough slack for turning corners.
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Vehicles with trailers should not be parked on a grade. When parking, apply the parking brake on the tow vehicle. Put the tow vehicle automatic
transmission in P for Park. Always, block or "chock" the trailer wheels.
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GCWR must not be exceeded.
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Total weight must be distributed between the tow vehicle and the trailer such that the following four ratings are not exceeded:
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GVWR
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GTW
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GAWR
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Tongue weight rating for the trailer hitch utilized (This requirement may limit the ability to always achieve the 10% range of tongue weight as a
percentage of total trailer weight).
Towing Requirements - Tires
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Do not attempt to tow a trailer while using a compact spare tire.
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Proper tire inflation pressures are essential to the safe and satisfactory operation of your vehicle.
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Also, check the trailer tires for proper tire inflation pressures before trailer usage.
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Check for signs of tire wear or visible tire damage before towing a trailer. Refer to the section on Tread Wear Indicators for the proper inspection
procedure.See: Maintenance/Wheels and Tires/Tires/Description and Operation/Tires - Description
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When replacing tires refer to See: Maintenance/Wheels and Tires/Tires/Description and Operation/Tires - Description for proper tire replacement
procedures. Replacing tires with a higher load carrying capacity will not increase the vehicle's GVWR and GAWR limits.
Towing Requirements - Trailer Brakes
