Sprinter 3500 V6-3.0L DSL Turbo (2008)
Towing Information: Service and Repair
Trailer Towing - NAFTA
TRAILER TOWING - NAFTA
In this section you will find safety tips and information on limits to the type of towing you can reasonably do with your vehicle. Before towing a trailer
carefully review this information to tow your load as efficiently and safely as possible.
To maintain warranty coverage, follow the requirements and recommendations concerning vehicles used for trailer towing.
WARNING: Failure to use proper equipment and driving technique 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.
Common Towing Definitions
The following trailer towing related definitions will assist you in understanding the following information:
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR)
The GVWR is the total allowable weight of your vehicle. This includes driver, passengers, cargo and tongue weight. The total load must be limited so
that you do not exceed the GVWR.
CAUTION:
For vehicles model type 3500, the allowable GCWR is less than the combined maximum weight of the GVWR and the GTW. Exceeding the
CWR can cause damage to the drive train, the transmission, or the trailer hitch.
Thus, the permissible values for GVWR and/or the GTW are reduced when either the trailer or the vehicle is fully laden. You may therefor
only partly load the vehicle and/or the trailer.
Gross Trailer Weight (GTW)
The gross trailer weight (GTW) is the weight of the trailer plus the weight of all cargo, consumables and equipment (permanent or temporary) loaded in
or on the trailer in its "loaded and ready for operation" condition. The recommended way to measure GTW is to put your fully loaded trailer on a vehicle
scale. The entire weight of the trailer must be supported by the scale.
CAUTION: Cargo vans with a long wheelbase of 170.3 in (4325 mm) and an overall vehicle length of 289.1 in. (7344 mm) have a reduced GTW
and TWR.
Gross Combination Weight Rating (GCWR)
The gross combination weight rating (GCWR) is the total permissible weight of your vehicle and trailer when weighed in combination. (Note that
GCWR ratings include a 150 lbs (68 kg) allowance for the presence of a driver).
Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR)
The GAWR is the maximum capacity of the front and rear axles. Distribute the load over the front (FA) and rear (RA) axles evenly. Make sure that you
do not exceed either front or rear GAWR.
WARNING:
It is important that you do not exceed the maximum front or rear GAWR. A dangerous driving condition can result if either rating is exceeded.
You could lose control of the vehicle and have an accident.
Tongue Weight Rating (TWR)
The downward force exerted on the hitch ball by the trailer. In most cases it should not be less than 10% or more than 15% of the trailer load. You must
consider this as part of the load on your vehicle.
Frontal Area
The maximum height and maximum width of the front of a trailer.
Trailer Sway Control
The trailer sway control is a telescoping link that can be installed between the hitch receiver and the trailer tongue that typically provides adjustable
