Trailer Towing
TRAILER TOWING
In this article 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. Failure to follow these instructions may result in serious or fatal injury.
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 friction associated with the telescoping motion to dampen any unwanted trailer swaying motions while traveling.
Trailer hitches
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.
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
NOTE: The trailer tongue weight must be considered as part of the combined weight of occupants and cargo, and should never exceed the weight referenced on the Tire and Loading Information placard. The addition of passengers and cargo may require reducing tongue load and Gross Trailer Weight (GTW). Redistributing cargo (to the trailer) may be necessary to avoid exceeding Rear Gross Axle Weight Rating. Refer to the Tire-Safety Information.
Trailer and Tongue Weight
Always load a trailer with 60% to 65% of the weight in the front of the trailer. This places 10% to 15% of the Gross Trailer Weight (GTW) on the tow hitch of your vehicle. Loads balanced over the wheels or heavier in the rear can cause the trailer to sway severely side to side which will cause loss of control of the vehicle and trailer. Failure to load trailers heavier in front is the cause of many trailer accidents.
Never exceed the maximum tongue weight stamped on your bumper or trailer hitch.
Consider the following items when computing the weight on the rear axle of the vehicle:
- The tongue weight of the trailer.
- The weight of any other type of cargo or equipment put in or on your vehicle.
- The weight of the driver and all passengers.
NOTE: Remember that everything put into or on the trailer adds to the load on your vehicle. Also, additional factory-installed options, or 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:
- Avoid towing a trailer for the first 805 km (500 miles) of vehicle operation. Doing so may damage your vehicle.
- During the first 805 km (500 miles) of trailer towing, limit your speed to 80 km/h (50 mph).
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 the 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. Failure to follow these instructions may result in serious or fatal injury.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- GCWR must not be exceeded.
- Total weight must be distributed between the tow vehicle and the trailer such that the following four ratings are not exceeded:
- GVWR
- GTW
- GAWR
- 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
- Do not attempt to tow a trailer while using a compact spare tire.
- Proper tire inflation pressures are essential to the safe and satisfactory operation of your vehicle.
- Also, check the trailer tires for proper tire inflation pressures before trailer usage.
- 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.
- When replacing tires refer to section on Replacement Tires 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
- Do not interconnect the hydraulic brake system or vacuum system of your vehicle with that of the trailer. This could cause inadequate braking and possible personal injury.
- An electronically actuated trailer brake controller is required when towing a trailer with electronically actuated brakes. When towing a trailer equipped with a hydraulic surge actuated brake system, an electronic brake controller is not required.
- Trailer brakes are recommended for trailers over 1,000 lbs (454 kg) and required for trailers in excess of 2,000 lbs (907 kg).
CAUTION: If the trailer weighs more than 454 kg (1,000 lbs) loaded, it should have its own brakes and they should be of adequate capacity. Failure to do this could lead to accelerated brake lining wear, higher brake pedal effort, longer stopping distances and may result in serious or fatal injury.
WARNING: Do not connect trailer brakes to the vehicle's hydraulic brake lines. It can overload the brake system and cause it to fail. You might not have brakes when you need them and could have an accident.
Towing any trailer will increase the stopping distance. When towing you should allow for additional space between the vehicle and the vehicle in front of you. Failure to follow these instructions may result in serious or fatal injury.
Towing Requirements - Trailer Lights AND Wiring
Whenever you pull a trailer, regardless of the trailer size, stop lights and turn signals on the trailer are required for motoring safety.
The Trailer Tow Package may include a 4 and 7 pin wiring harness. Use a factory approved trailer harness and connector.
NOTE: Do not cut or splice wiring into the vehicles wiring harness.
The electrical connections are all complete to the vehicle but you must mate the harness to a trailer connector. Refer to the following illustrations.
Towing Tips
Before setting out on a trip, practice turning, stopping and backing the trailer in an area away from heavy traffic.
Towing Tips - Automatic Transmission
The "D" range can be selected when towing. However, if frequent shifting occurs while in this range, the "3" range should be selected.
Using the "3" range while operating the vehicle under heavy operating conditions will improve performance and extend transmission life by reducing excessive shifting and heat build up. This action will also provide better engine braking.
NOTE: Check the automatic transmission fluid level before towing.
Towing Tips - Electronic Speed Control (If Equipped)
- Don't use in hilly terrain or with heavy loads.
- When using the speed control, if you experience speed drops greater than 10 mph (16 km/h), disengage until you can get back to cruising speed.
- Use speed control in flat terrain and with light loads to maximize fuel efficiency.
Towing Tips - Cooling System
To reduce potential for engine and transmission overheating, take the following actions:
- City Driving - When stopped for short periods of time, put transmission in neutral and increase engine idle speed.
- Highway Driving - Reduce speed.
- Air Conditioning - Turn off temporarily.
- Refer to Cooling System Operating information in the Maintenance section for more information.