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

Page: 262 / 466

of the towing vehicle, as the latter is equip-
ped with an anti-lock brake system. Doing
so will result in a loss of function of the
brake systems of both the vehicle and the
trailer.
X
Make sure that the automatic transmission
is set to position P.
X
Apply the vehicle's electric parking brake.
X
Start the engine.
X
Vehicles with the AIRMATIC package:
select highway level.
X
Vehicles with ADS: set ADS to AUTO or
COMF.
X
Switch off the engine.
X
Close all doors and the tailgate.
X
Couple up the trailer.
X
Establish all electrical connections.
X
Check that the trailer lighting system is
working.
i
Vehicles with the AIRMATIC package:
with a trailer attached, the vehicle will
always remain at highway level. When cou-
pling up a trailer, please observe the fol-
lowing:
R
Unless highway level has been set man-
ually, the vehicle is automatically low-
ered to highway level. This is the case if a
speed of 5 mph (8 km/h) is reached.
R
High-speed level is not available.
These restrictions apply to all accessories
powered through a connection to the trailer
power socket of your vehicle, e.g. a bicycle
carrier.
Observe the maximum permissible trailer
dimensions (width and length).
Most U.S. states and all Canadian provinces
require by law:
R
Safety chains between the towing vehicle
and the trailer. The chains should be cross-
wound under the trailer drawbar. They must
be fastened to the vehicle's trailer cou-
pling, not to the bumper or the axle.
Leave enough play in the chains to make
tight cornering possible.
R
A separate brake system for certain types
of trailer.
R
A safety switch for braked trailers. Check
the specific legal requirements applicable
to your state.
If the trailer detaches from the towing vehi-
cle, the safety switch applies the trailer's
brakes.
Towing a trailer
There are numerous legal requirements con-
cerning the towing of a trailer, e.g. speed
restrictions. Make sure that your car/trailer
combination complies with the local regula-
tions:
R
in your place of residence
R
in the location to which you are driving
The police and local authorities can provide
reliable information.
Observe the following when towing a trailer:
R
To gain driving experience and to become
accustomed to the new handling charac-
teristics, you should practice the following
in a traffic-free location:
-
cornering
-
stopping
-
backing up
R
Before driving, check:
-
trailer tow hitch
-
safety switch for braked trailers
-
safety chains
-
electrical connections
-
lights
-
wheels
R
Adjust the exterior mirrors to provide an
unobstructed view of the rear section of the
trailer.
R
If the trailer has electronically controlled
brakes, pull away carefully. Brake manually
260
Towing a trailer
Driving
and
parking