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

Page: 264 / 466

X
Detach the trailer cable and decouple the
trailer.
X
Switch off the engine.
Permissible trailer loads and drawbar
loads
Weight specifications
Maximum permissible gross vehicle
weight rating
The gross trailer weight is calculated by add-
ing the weight of the trailer to the weight of
the load and equipment on the trailer.
You will find installing dimensions and loads
under "Technical data" (
Y
page 459).
Permissible noseweight
You will find installing dimensions and loads
under "Technical data" (
Y
page 459).
Loading a trailer
R
When loading the trailer, make sure that
neither the permissible gross weight of the
trailer nor the gross vehicle weight is
exceeded. The permissible gross vehicle
weight is indicated on the identification
plate on the B-pillar on the driver's side of
the vehicle.
You can find the maximum permissible val-
ues on the type plates of your vehicle and
the trailer. When calculating how much
weight the vehicle and trailer may carry,
pay attention to the respective lowest val-
ues.
R
The trailer drawbar load on the ball coupling
must be added to the rear axle load to avoid
exceeding the permissible gross axle
weight. The permissible gross vehicle
weight is indicated on the identification
plate on the B-pillar on the driver's side of
the vehicle.
i
Mercedes-Benz recommends a trailer
load where the trailer drawbar noseweight
accounts for 8% to 15% of the trailer's per-
missible gross weight.
i The weight of additional accessories, pas-
sengers, and cargo reduces the permissi-
ble trailer load and drawbar load for your
vehicle.
Checking the vehicle and trailer weight
R
To check that the weights of the towing
vehicle and the trailer comply with the max-
imum permissible values, have the vehicle/
trailer combination (including the driver,
passengers, and cargo with a fully laden
trailer) weighed on a calibrated weigh-
bridge.
R
Check the gross axle weight rating of the
front and rear axles, the gross weight of the
trailer and trailer drawbar load.
Removing the ball coupling
X
Remove the spring cotter.
X
Remove the bolt from the ball coupling
recess.
X
Remove the ball coupling from the ball cou-
pling recess.
X
Clean the ball coupling if it is dirty.
X
Stow the ball coupling so that it cannot be
thrown around.
Observe the loading guidelines (
Y
page 334)
and the safety notes regarding stowage
spaces (
Y
page 335).
Information on cleaning and care of the trailer
tow hitch can be found at (
Y
page 376).
Storing the ball coupling
G
WARNING
Do not carry the ball coupling in the vehicle
interior if it is not secured.
Otherwise, you and others could be injured by
the ball coupling being thrown around if you:
262
Towing a trailer
Dr
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parki
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