Airstream NTERSTATE - Manual (Page 20)

B
DRIVING
B - 5
Since this vehicle is designed and intended primarily as a load-carrying vehicle, towing
a trailer will affect handling, durability and economy. Maximum safety and satisfaction
depends upon proper use of correct equipment and avoiding overloads and other
abusive operation.
WARNING : The total weight of the motorhome and trailer must not ex-
ceed the GCWR listed in the specification section of this manual. The maximum
towing capacity varies according to the size of the motorhome and its GCWR.
Vehicles should be properly equipped for towing trailers. Information on trailer
hauling capabilities and special equipment required may be obtained from your
Airstream dealer.
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. For their location, see the Sprinter
Operators Manual. The lowest value listed must be selected when determining how
the vehicle and trailer are loaded.
To assist in attaining good handling of the vehicle/trailer combination it is important
that the tongue weight be maintained at approximately 10%-15% of the loaded trailer
weight, but not to exceed the hitch rating. Tongue loads can be adjusted by proper
distribution of the load in the trailer, and can be checked by weighing separately the
loaded trailer and then the tongue.
The tongue weight (TW) at the hitch ball must be added to the GVW to prevent exceed-
ing your Sprinter towed vehicles or rear GAWR.
When towing trailers, motorhome tires should be inflated to the highest pressures
shown on the information plate on the side of the driver’s seal mounting plate. The
Cargo Carrying Capacity (CCC) of this vehicle is reduced by the amount that equals
the trailer tongue load on the trailer hitch.
Checking Weights of Vehicle and Trailer
To assure that the tow vehicle and trailer comply 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) weight on
commercial scale.
Check the vehicles front and rear Gross Axle Weight (GAW), the GTW and TW. The val-
ues as measured must not be exceeded, according to the weight listed under “Vehicle
and trailer weight and ratings” in this section.