Driving instructions
285
Set the vehicle level to highway
(
Y
page 167).
X
Vehicles with AIRMATIC:
Set the ADS to
AUTO or COMF
(
Y
page 166).
X
Turn off the engine (
Y
page 134).
X
Close all doors and the tailgate.
X
Attach the trailer.
X
Plug in all electrical connectors.
i
Vehicles with AIRMATIC:
When you are towing a trailer, the vehicle
level always remains in the highway setting.
The following applies additionally when
towing a trailer:
R
The vehicle is lowered to the highway
level when it reaches a speed of 5 mph
(8 km/h) if not set to highway level.
R
The highspeed level is not available.
The restrictions that apply to towing also
apply when using accessories that are
connected to the trailer power socket, such
as a bicycle rack.
Towing a trailer
There are many different laws, including
speed limit restrictions, having to do with
trailer towing. Make sure your rig will be legal,
not only for where you reside, but also for
where you will be driving. A good source for
this information can be the police or local
authorities.
Note the following, when driving with a trailer:
R
In order to gain skill and an understanding
of the vehicle’s behavior, you should
practice turning, stopping and backing up
in an area which is free from traffic.
R
Before you start driving check the
-
trailer hitch
-
break-away switch
-
safety chains
-
electrical connections
-
lighting
-
tires
R
Adjust the mirrors (
Y
page 111) to permit
unobstructed view beyond rear of trailer.
R
If the trailer has electric brakes, start your
vehicle and trailer moving slowly, and then
apply only the trailer brake controller by
hand to make sure the brakes are working
properly.
R
Always secure items in the trailer to
prevent load shifts while driving.
R
When towing a trailer, check occasionally
to make sure the load is secure, and that
lighting and trailer brakes (if so equipped)
are functioning properly.
R
Take into consideration that when towing a
trailer, the handling characteristics are
different and less stable from those when
operating the vehicle without a trailer.
It is important to avoid sudden maneuvers.
R
The vehicle and trailer combination is
heavier, and therefore is limited in
acceleration and climbing ability, and
requires longer stopping distances.
It is more prone to reacting to cross wind
gusts, and requires more sensitive steering
input.
R
If possible, do not brake abruptly, but
rather engage the brake slightly at first to
permit the trailer to activate its brake. Then
increase the braking force.
!
If the trailer should begin to sway, reduce
the vehicle’s speed immediately.
Operation
Z
Summary of Contents for 2009 R-Class
Page 1: ...R Class Operator s Manual ...
Page 28: ...Exterior view 26 Exterior view At a glance ...
Page 30: ...Cockpit 28 Cockpit At a glance ...
Page 32: ...Instrument cluster 30 Instrument cluster At a glance ...
Page 34: ...Instrument cluster 32 At a glance ...
Page 36: ...Storage compartments 34 Storage compartments At a glance ...
Page 44: ...42 ...
Page 84: ...82 ...
Page 149: ...Control system 147 Menus and submenus Controls in detail Z ...
Page 244: ...242 ...
Page 300: ...298 ...
Page 390: ...388 ...
Page 401: ...Weights 399 Weights Model All models Roof load max 220 lb 100 kg Technical data Z ...
Page 410: ...408 ...
Page 412: ...Order no 6515 1823 13 Part no 251 584 08 82 Edition A 2009 É2515840882 ËÍ 2515840882 ...