Mercedes-Benz 2001 M-Class, Operator'S Manual

Page: 259 / 466

When towing a trailer, your vehicle's handling
characteristics will be different in comparison
with when driving without a trailer.
The vehicle/trailer combination:
R
is heavier
R
is restricted in its acceleration and gradi-
ent-climbing capability
R
has an increased braking distance
R
is affected more by strong crosswinds
R
demands more sensitive steering
R
has a larger turning radius
This could impair the handling characteris-
tics.
When towing a trailer, always adjust your
speed to the current road and weather con-
ditions. Do not exceed the maximum permis-
sible speed for your vehicle/trailer combina-
tion.
Notes on towing a trailer
General notes
R
Do not exceed the legally prescribed max-
imum speed for vehicle/trailer combina-
tions in the relevant country.
This lowers the risk of an accident.
R
Only install an approved trailer coupling on
your vehicle.
Further information on availability and on
installation is available from any authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center.
R
The bumpers of your vehicle are not suita-
ble for installing detachable trailer cou-
plings.
R
Do not install hired trailer couplings or
other detachable trailer couplings on the
bumpers of your vehicle.
R
If you no longer need the ball coupling,
remove it from the ball coupling recess.
This will reduce the risk of damage to the
ball coupling.
i
When towing a trailer, set the tire pres-
sure on the rear axle of the towing vehicle
for a maximum load; see the tire pressure
table in the fuel filler flap (
Y
page 421).
Please note that when towing a trailer, PARK-
TRONIC (
Y
page 217) and Blind Spot Assist
(
Y
page 237) are only available with limita-
tions, or not at all.
i On vehicles without level control, the
height of the ball coupling will alter accord-
ing to the load placed on the vehicle. If nec-
essary, use a trailer with a height-adjusta-
ble drawbar.
You will find installing dimensions and loads
under "Technical data" (
Y
page 459).
Driving tips
i
Observe the information on ESP
®
trailer
stabilization (
Y
page 74) and on pulling
away with a trailer (
Y
page 161).
The maximum permissible speed for vehicle/
trailer combinations depends on the type of
trailer. Before beginning the journey, check
the trailer's documents to see what the max-
imum permissible speed is. Observe the
legally prescribed maximum speed in the rel-
evant country.
For certain Mercedes-Benz vehicles, the max-
imum permissible rear axle load is increased
when towing a trailer. See "Technical data" to
find out whether this applies to your vehicle
(
Y
page 460). If you utilize any of the added
maximum rear axle load when towing a trailer,
the vehicle/trailer combination may not
exceed a maximum speed of 60 mph
(100 km/h) for reasons concerning the oper-
ating permit. This also applies in countries in
which the permissible maximum speed for
vehicle/trailer combinations is above 60 mph
(100 km/h).
When towing a trailer, your vehicle's handling
characteristics will be different in comparison
with when driving without a trailer.
Use the left-hand paddle shifter to shift into a
lower gear in good time on long and steep
downhill gradients.
Towing a trailer
257
Driving
and
parking
Z