Mercedes-Benz G 550 2015, Operator'S Manual

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stopping and backing up in a traffic-free
location.
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Before driving, check:
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Trailer tow hitch
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Safety switch for braked trailers
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Safety chains
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Electrical connections
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Lights
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Wheels
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Adjust the exterior mirrors to provide an
unobstructed view of the rear section of the
trailer.
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If the trailer features electronically control-
led brakes, pull away the vehicle/trailer
combination carefully, manually brake
using the brake controller, and check the
brakes for correct function.
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Secure any objects on the trailer to prevent
the cargo from slipping when the vehicle is
in motion.
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If you couple up a trailer, regularly check
the cargo for secure fastening and make
sure that the trailer lamps and (if applica-
ble) the trailer brakes are functioning cor-
rectly.
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Bear in mind that the handling will be less
stable when towing a trailer than when driv-
ing without one. Avoid sudden steering
movements.
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The vehicle/trailer combination is heavier,
accelerates more slowly, has a decreased
gradient climbing capability and a longer
braking distance.
It is more susceptible to side winds and
requires more careful steering.
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If possible, avoid abrupt braking. Depress
the brake pedal moderately at first, so that
the trailer can activate its own brakes. Then
increase the pressure on the brake pedal.
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If the automatic transmission continues to
shift back and forth between two gears
when driving up or downhill, restrict the
shift range. Select shift range 4, 3, 2, or 1 .
A lower gear and lower speed reduce the
risk of engine failure.
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When driving downhill, shift to a lower gear
to utilize the engine's braking effect.
Avoid continuous brake application as this
may overheat the vehicle brakes and, if
installed, the trailer brakes.
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If the coolant temperature increases dra-
matically while the air-conditioning system
is switched on, switch off the air-condition-
ing system.
Coolant heat can additionally be dissipated
by opening the windows and by setting the
blower fan and the interior temperature to
maximum.
R
When overtaking, pay particular attention
to the extended length of your vehicle/
trailer combination.
Due to the length of your vehicle/trailer
combination, you will have to travel an addi-
tional distance beyond the vehicle you are
overtaking before returning to the previous
lane.
Decoupling a trailer
!
Do not disconnect a trailer with an
engaged overrun brake. Otherwise, your
vehicle could be damaged by the rebound-
ing of the overrun brake.
X
Make sure that the automatic transmission
is set to position P .
X
Apply the parking brake.
X
Start the engine.
X
Close all doors, including the rear door.
X
Apply the trailer's parking brake.
X
Detach the trailer cable and decouple the
trailer.
X
Switch off the engine.
Permissible trailer and drawbar loads
Weight specifications
The gross trailer weight is calculated by add-
ing the weight of the trailer to the weight of
142
Towing a trailer
Driving
and
par
king