Airstream NTERSTATE

B - 6

DRIVING

Attaching a Trailer

Please observe maximum permitted trailer dimensions (weight and length).

Most states and all Canadian provinces require safety chains between your tow vehicle

and trailer. The chains should be crisscrossed under the trailer tongue. It must be

attached to the hitch receiver, and not to the vehicles bumper or axle. Be sure to leave

enough slack in the chains to permit turning corners.

Most states and all Canadian provinces required a separate brake system for tow-

ing trailers.

WARNING: The towing vehicle’s braking system is rated for opera-

tion at GVWR (GROSS VEHICLE WEIGHT RATING), NOT at the GCWR (GROSS

COMBINED WEIGHT RATING). A separate functioning brake system is required

for any towed vehicles or trailers weighing more than 1000 lbs. (450 kg) when

fully loaded. NEVER exceed the GVWR (GROSS VEHICLE WEIGHT RATING), or

the GAWR (GROSS AXLE WEIGHT RATING) speciﬁed on a motorhome certiﬁca-

tion label. Also NEVER, exceed the weight ratings of trailer hitch installed on

a motorhome. Failure to heed any part of this warning could result in loss of

control of the motorhome and towed vehicle or trailer and may cause an accident

and serious injury. For speciﬁed towed vehicle braking requirements, consult the

Sprinter Operator’s manual that comes with this vehicle.

WARNING: Do not connect a trailer brake system (if trailer is so

equipped) directly to the vehicles hydraulic brake system if your vehicle is

equipped with antilock brakes. If you do, neither the vehicles brakes nor the

trailers brakes will function properly. Property damage, injury or death to you

or others may be the result. The provided vehicle electrical wiring harness for

a trailer towing has a brake signal wire for hookup to a brake controller. Most

states and all Canadian provinces require a brake away switch on trailers with

a separate brake system. The switch activates the trailer brakes in the possible

event that the trailer might separate from the tow vehicle. Please consider us-

ing a trailer sway control system. For further information, see your authorized

Sprinter or Airstream dealer.

Towing a Trailer

There are many different laws, including speed limit restrictions, having to do with

trailer towing. Make sure that your vehicle -- trailer combination will be legal; not

only for where you reside, but also for where you’ll be driving. A good source for this

information can be the State Attorney General, State Police, or local authorities.

Before you start driving with a trailer, check the trailer’s hitch, brake away switch,

safety chains, electrical connections, lighting and tires. Also, adjust the mirrors to

permit unobstructed view beyond rear of trailer.