2007 DODGE SPRINTER Owners Manual

176 OperationDriving tips
4
Vehicle and trailer weights and ratings
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) is the
maximum permissible vehicle weight:
\48550 lbs (3880 kg) for vehicle model
type 2500
\49990 lbs (4530 kg), or 11030 lbs
(5003 kg) for vehicle model type 3500
GVWR (G
ross V
ehicle W
eight R
ating)
The total allowable weight of the vehicle.
All occupants, all cargo, and the trailer
tongue load must never exceed the GVWR.
GAWR (G
ross A
xle W
eight R
ating)
The total allowable weight that can be
carried by a single axle (front (FA) or rear
(RA)).
GCWR (G
ross C
ombination W
eight
R
ating)
The total allowable weight of vehicle and
trailer when weighed in combination inclu-
ding a 150 lbs (68 kg) allowance for the
presence of a driver.GTW (G
ross T
railer W
eight)
The maximum permissible trailer weight to
be towed.
TWR (T
railer Tongue W
eight R
ating)
The maximum permissible weight of the
trailer tongue (limit for Sprinter approved
hitch receiver).
For the permissible weights and ratings,
refer to the following table.
Trailer towing
!
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.
iThe GVWR and the front/rear GAWR of
your vehicle are indicated on the
certification label.!
CAUTION
For vehicle model type 3500, the allow-
able GCWR is less than the combined
maximum weight of the GVWR and the
GTW. Exceeding the GCWR can cause
damage to the drive train, the transmis-
sion, 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 therefore only partly
load the vehicle and/or the trailer.

177 Operation
Driving tips
4
1Cargo vans with a long wheelbase of 170.3in (4325 mm) and an overall vehicle length of 289.1 in (7344 mm) only.
*optional equipmentWhen loading the vehicle and/or a trailer,
you should observe that the GCWR of your
vehicle is not exceeded.
You must distribute total weight between
the vehicle and the trailer such that neither
the permissible GTW, nor the GVWR and
front/rear GAWR , nor the TWR are
exceeded.The tongue weight at the hitch ball must be
added to the GVWR to prevent exceeding
your Sprinter tow vehicle’s rear GAWR.
Maximum permissible values are listed in
the table above and on the safety compli-
ance 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.To assure that the 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.Sprinter type
GVWR
GAWR (FA)
GAWR (RA)
GCWR
GTW
TWR
2500
8550 lbs (3878 kg)
3970 lbs (1801 kg)
5360 lbs (2431 kg)
13550 lbs (6146 kg)
5000 lbs (2268 kg)
500 lbs (227 kg)
3500
9990 lbs (4531 kg)
4080 lbs (1851 kg)
7060 lbs (3202 kg)
15250 lbs (6917 kg)
7500 lbs (3402 kg) or
5000 lbs (2268 kg)
1
750 lbs (340 kg) or
500 lbs (227 kg)
1
4410 lbs (2000 kg)*
3500
11030 lbs (5003 kg)
4080 lbs (1851 kg)
7720 lbs (3502 kg)
15250 lbs (6917 kg)
7500 lbs (3402 kg) or
5000 lbs (2268 kg)
1
750 lbs (340 kg) or
500 lbs (227 kg)
1
4410 lbs (2000 kg)*
Loading the vehicle and/or a trailer

178 OperationDriving tips
4
Attaching a trailer
Please observe the maximum permitted
trailer dimensions (width and length).
Most states and all Canadian provinces re-
quire safety chains between your tow vehi-
cle and the trailer. The chains should be
crisscrossed under the trailer tongue. They
must be attached to the hitch receiver, and
not to the vehicle’s bumper or axle. Be sure
to leave enough slack in the chains to per-
mit turning corners.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 will be driving. A good source for this
information can be the police or local au-
thorities.
Before you start driving with the trailer,
check the trailer hitch, break-away switch,
safety chains, electrical connections, light-
ing and tires. Also adjust the mirrors to
permit an unobstructed view beyond the
rear of the trailer.
If the trailer has electric brakes, start your
vehicle and trailer moving slowly, and then
apply only the trailer brake controller by
hand to be sure that the brakes are work-
ing properly.
When towing a trailer, check occasionally
to be sure that the load is secure, and that
lighting and trailer brakes (if so equipped)
are functioning properly.
iMost states and all Canadian provinces
require a separate brake system at var-
ious trailer weights.
Warning
G
Do not connect a trailer brake system (if
trailer is so equipped) directly to the vehi-
cle’s hydraulic brake system as your vehicle
is equipped with antilock brakes. If you do,
neither the vehicle’s brakes nor the trailer’s
brakes will function properly. This could
cause an accident resulting in property dam-
age, injury or death to you or others.
The provided vehicle electrical wiring har-
ness for trailer towing has a brake signal
wire for hook-up to a brake controller.
Most states and all Canadian provinces re-
quire a break-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 vehi-
cle.
You should consider using a trailer sway
control system. For further information, see
your authorized Sprinter Dealer.

179 Operation
Driving tips
4
Always secure items in the trailer to pre-
vent load shifts while driving.
Take into consideration that when towing a
trailer, the handling characteristics are dif-
ferent and less stable from those when op-
erating the vehicle without a trailer. It is
important to avoid sudden maneuvers.
The vehicle and trailer combination is
heavier, and therefore is limited in acceler-
ation and climbing ability, and requires
longer stopping distances. It is more prone
to reacting to side wind gusts, and requires
more sensitive steering input.
In order to gain skill and an understanding
of the vehicle’s behavior, you should prac-
tice turning , st opping and backing up in a n
area which is free from traffic.
If possible, do not brake abruptly, but rath-
er engage the brake slightly at first to per-
mit the trailer to activate its brake. Then
increase the braking force.
Warning
G
Take into consideration that when towing a
trailer, the handling characteristics are dif-
ferent and less stable from those when op-
erating the vehicle without a trailer.
It is important to avoid sudden maneuvers.
Sudden maneuvers may lead to loss of con-
trol over the vehicle-trailer combination.
This could cause an accident resulting in
property damage or injury to you or others.!
CAUTION
If the transmission hunts between
gears on inclines, manually shift to a
lower gear (select
"4", "3", "2" or
"1").
A lower gear and reduction of speed re-
duces the chance of the engine over-
loading and / or overheating.
When going down a long hill, shift into
a lower gear and use the engine’s brak-
ing effect. Avoid riding the brakes, thus
overheating the vehicle and trailer
brakes.
If the engine coolant rises to an ex-
tremely high temperature (coolant tem-
perature needle approaching the red
zone) when the air conditioner is on,
turn off the air conditioner. Engine
coolant heat can be additionally vented
by opening the windows, switching the
climate control fan speed to high and
setting the temperature control to the
maximum hot position.
Extreme care must be exercised since
your vehicle with a trailer will require
additional passing distance ahead than
when driving without a trailer. Because
your vehicle and trailer is longer than
your vehicle alone, you will also need to
go much farther ahead of the passed
vehicle before you can return to your
lane.

180 OperationDriving tips
4
If you plan to operate your vehicle in for-
eign countries, please be aware that:
\4service facilities or replacement parts
may not be readily available,
\4unleaded gasoline for vehicles with cat-
alytic converters may not be available;
the use of leaded fuels will damage the
catalysts,
\4gasoline may have a considerably low-
er octane rating, and improper fuel can
cause engine damage.
You will find information about gasoline /
diesel in the “Technical data” section
(\2page 358).You can permanently limit the maximum
speed of your vehicle to 75 mph
(120 km/h).
The manufacturer recommends that you
have the maximum speed programmed at
an authorized Sprinter Dealer. This has the
necessary specialist knowledge and tools
to carry out the required work.Operating the vehicle outside the
USA or Canada
iIf you are traveling in countries where
vehicles are driven on the opposite side
of the road to that in which the vehicle
is registered, you must have the head-
lamps:
\4partially masked (halogen head-
lamps)
\4switched over (bi-xenon head-
lamps)
Relevant information can be obtained
at an authorized Sprinter Dealer.
Programmed maximum speed Warning
G
Exceeding the permissible maximum speed
can cause tire damage, which could lead to
loss of control of the vehicle.
As the driver, you must find out about the
maximum speed of the vehicle and the re-
sulting permissible maximum speed of the
tires (tire and tire pressure).
Never exceed the speed limit for your tires
under any circumstances (\2page 222).

181 Operation
Driving tips
4
Check regularly, e.g. weekly or when refu-
eling:
\4the vehicle lighting
\4the condition of the tires (\2page 201)
and the tire pressures (\2page 210)
\4the engine oil level (\2page 187)
\4the brake fluid level (\2page 192)
\4the fluid level in the windshield washer
system / headlamp cleaning system
reservoir (\2page 193)
\4the contamination level of the rear air-
conditioning air cleaner (\2page 240)
Your vehicle is equipped with monolithic-
type catalytic converters, an important el-
ement in conjunction with the oxygen sen-
sors to achieve substantial control of the
pollutants in the exhaust emissions. Keep
your vehicle in proper operating condition
by following our recommended mainte-
nance instructions as outlined in your Ser-
vice Booklet.Your vehicle is equipped with an oxidation
catalyst, an important element in conjunc-
tion with the oxygen sensors to achieve
substantial control of the pollutants in the
exhaust emissions. Keep your vehicle in
proper operating condition by following
our recommended maintenance instruc-
tions as outlined in your Service Booklet.Regular checksCatalytic converter (gasoline engine)
!
CAUTION
To prevent damage to the catalytic con-
verters, only use premium unleaded
gasoline in this vehicle.
Any noticeable irregularities in engine
operation should be repaired promptly.
Otherwise, excessive unburned fuel
may reach the catalytic converter,
causing it to overheat and potentially
start a fire.
Warning
G
As with any vehicle, do not idle, park or op-
erate this vehicle in areas where combusti-
ble materials such as grass, hay, or leaves
can come into contact with the hot exhaust
system, as these materials could be ignited
and cause a vehicle fire.
Oxidation catalyst (diesel engine)Warning
G
As with any vehicle, do not idle, park or op-
erate this vehicle in areas where combusti-
ble materials such as grass, hay, or leaves
can come into contact with the hot exhaust
system, as these materials could be ignited
and cause a vehicle fire.

182 OperationDriving tips
4
Certain systems of the engine serve to
keep the toxic components of the exhaust
gases within permissible limits required by
law.
These systems, of course, will function
properly only when maintained strictly ac-
cording to factory specifications. Any ad-
justments to the engine should therefore
be carried out only by an authorized Sprint-
er Dealer.
Engine adjustments should not be altered
in any way. Moreover, the specified service
jobs must be carried out regularly accord-
ing to the manufacturer’s servicing re-
quirements. For details refer to the Service
Booklet.Emission control
Warning
G
Inhalation of exhaust gas is hazardous to
your health. All exhaust gas contains carbon
monoxide (CO), and inhaling it can cause un-
consciousness and lead to death.
Do not run the engine in confined areas
(such as a garage) which are not properly
ventilated. If you think that exhaust gas
fumes are entering the vehicle while driving,
have the cause determined and corrected
immediately. If you must drive under these
conditions, drive with at least one window
fully open at all times.

183 Operation
Electronic equipment
4
\3 Electronic equipment
The vehicle’s general operating permit may
be invalidated if you do not observe the
manufacturer’s installation specifications .
You will find information about retrofitting
electrical / electronic equipment in the
“Technical data” section (\2page 354).
Radio, telephone, two-way radio,
fax machine and navigation systemWarning
G
Please do not forget that your primary respon-
sibility is to drive the vehicle safely.
Only operate the electronic equipment when
road and traffic conditions permit. Keep in
mind that at a speed of just 30 mph (about
50 km/h), your vehicle travels 44 feet (about
14 m) per second.
A navigation system does not provide infor-
mation about bridge load-bearing capacities
or headroom clearances.
You are responsible for safety at all times.
Observe legal requirements.
Telephones, two-way radios and fax machines
without an exterior antenna may interfere
with the vehicle’s electronics, thereby jeopar-
dizing the vehicle’s operating safety. The risk
of an accident increases.
Do not use this equipment while the vehicle is
in motion.