Mercedes-Benz 2016 GL, Operator'S Manual

Page: 269 / 462

so will result in a loss of function of the
brake systems of both the vehicle and the
trailer.
X
Shift the transmission 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 the doors and tailgate.
X
Couple up the trailer.
X
Establish the electrical connection
between the vehicle and the trailer.
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
Safety switch for braked trailers. Check the
specific legal requirements applicable to
your state.
If the trailer becomes detached from the
towing vehicle, the safety switch applies
the trailer 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
Towing a trailer
267
Driving
and
parking
Z