recommended to use a separate functional brak‐
ing system on any towed vehicle.
Make sure that your trailer combination meets
local regulations. This not only applies to your
place of residence, but also to your destination.
Information on this can be obtained from the
police and local authorities.
Comply with the following when driving with a
trailer:
R
Practice cornering, stopping and backing up
in a traffic-free location. In this way, you will
gain driving experience and become accus‐
tomed to the new handling characteristics.
R
Before driving, check the following:
-
that the trailer tow hitch and ball coupling
are secure
-
that the safety switch for braked trailers is
functioning correctly
-
that the safety chains are secure and
undamaged
-
that the electrical connections are secure
-
that the lights are functioning correctly
-
the wheels for damage and correct tire
pressure (
/
page 241)
R
Adjust the outside mirrors so that you have a
clear view of the rear section of the trailer.
R
If the trailer is equipped with an individual
braking system, check before each journey
whether the brakes are functioning correctly.
R
If the trailer has electronically controlled
brakes, pull away carefully with the vehicle/
trailer combination. Brake manually using the
brake controller and check whether the
brakes are functioning correctly.
R
Secure the load on the trailer in line with the
requirements and rules for load-securing
methods.
R
When driving with a trailer, check at regular
intervals that the load is secure and that the
lights and brakes are functioning correctly.
R
Bear in mind that the handling characteristics
are more unstable when towing a trailer than
when driving without a trailer. Avoid sudden
steering movements.
R
The vehicle/trailer combination is heavier,
accelerates more slowly, has a reduced
climbing ability and an increased braking dis‐
tance. It is more susceptible to side winds
and requires careful steering.
R
If possible, do not brake suddenly, but rather
moderately at first so that the trailer can acti‐
vate its brakes. Then increase the pressure on
the brake pedal.
R
If the automatic transmission shifts between
gears on uphill or downhill gradients, restrict
the shift range. Select shift range 4, 3, 2 or 1.
A lower gear and reduced speed decrease the
risk of engine damage.
R
When driving on a downhill gradient, shift to a
lower gear to use the engine's braking effect.
Avoid constant braking, as this could cause
the vehicle brakes and possibly also the
trailer brakes to overheat.
R
If the coolant temperature increases signifi‐
cantly when the air-conditioning system is
switched on, switch the air-conditioning sys‐
tem off.
Coolant heat can also be dissipated by
switching the airflow and the temperature of
the heater or air conditioning to the maximum
level. Open the windows if necessary.
R
When overtaking, pay particular attention to
the increased overtaking distance of your
vehicle/trailer combination.
Due to the length of your vehicle/trailer com‐
bination you will require a longer stretch of
road before switching back to the original
lane.
Permissible trailer loads and trailer drawbar
noseweights
Weight information
&
WARNING Risk of accident due to
unbraked trailer with excessively high
gross weight
If you tow a trailer without a separate func‐
tional braking system and a gross trailer
weight (GTW) of more than 1635 lbs (750 kg),
then the vehicle brake system may overheat.
This increases the braking distance and the
brake system may even fail.
#
Always use a trailer with a separate
functional braking system when towing
a trailer with a gross trailer weight
(GTW) of more than 1635 lbs (750 kg).
168 Driving and parking
