To avoid hazardous situations:
R
make sure to check the noseweight before
each journey
R
the noseweight should be as close as possible
to the maximum noseweight
R
do not exceed the maximum permissible
noseweight
R
the noseweight must not be lower than the
minimum permissible noseweight
Make sure that the following values are not
exceeded:
R
the permissible noseweight
R
the permissible trailer load
R
the permissible rear axle load of the towing
vehicle
R
the maximum permissible gross vehicle
weight of both the towing vehicle and the
trailer
When reversing the towing vehicle, make sure
there is nobody between the trailer and the vehi-
cle.
The applicable permissible values, which must
not be exceeded, can be found:
R
in your vehicle documents
R
on the type plates for the trailer
R
on the vehicle identification plate
If the values differ, the lowest value applies.
You will find the values approved by the manu-
facturer on the identification plates and for the
towing vehicle under "Technical data"
(
Y
page 256).
When reversing the towing vehicle, make sure
there is nobody between the trailer and the vehi-
cle.
Couple and uncouple the trailer carefully. If you
do not couple the trailer to the towing vehicle
correctly, the trailer could become detached.
When towing a trailer, your vehicle's handling
characteristics will be different from when driv-
ing without a trailer.
The vehicle/trailer combination:
R
is heavier
R
is restricted in its acceleration and gradient-
climbing capability
R
has an increased braking distance
R
is affected more by strong crosswinds
R
demands more sensitive steering
R
has a larger turning circle
This can impair the vehicle's handling charac-
teristics. Adapt your driving style accordingly.
Maintain a safe distance. Drive carefully.
When towing a trailer, always adjust your speed
to the current road and weather conditions. Do
not exceed the maximum permissible speed for
your vehicle/trailer combination.
Notes on towing a trailer
General notes
When towing a trailer, set the tyre pressure on
the rear axle of the towing vehicle for a maxi-
mum load. Further information on the tyre pres-
sure table in the fuel filler flap (
Y
page 109).
The height of the ball coupling changes with the
load of the vehicle. If necessary, use a trailer
with a height-adjustable drawbar.
You will find permissible trailer loads under
"Technical data" (
Y
page 256).
Driving tips
X
Observe the information on ESP
®
trailer sta-
bilisation (
Y
page 55).
X
On long and steep downhill gradients, select
shift range 1, 2 or 3(
Y
page 105) in good time.
X
If necessary, shift the transfer case to LOW
RANGE (
Y
page 124).
This will use the braking effect of the engine,
so less braking will be required to maintain
the vehicle speed. This relieves the load on
the brake system and prevents the brakes
from overheating and wearing too quickly. If
you need additional braking, depress the
brake pedal repeatedly rather than continu-
ously.
The maximum permissible speed for vehicle/
trailer combinations depends on the type of
trailer. Before beginning the journey, check the
trailer's documents to see what the maximum
permitted speed is. Observe the maximum per-
missible speed in the relevant country.
For certain Mercedes-Benz vehicles, the maxi-
mum permissible rear axle load is increased
when towing a trailer. See the "Technical data"
section to find out whether this applies to your
vehicle (
Y
page 256). In the event of increased
rear axle load, the car/trailer combination may
not exceed a maximum speed of 100 km/h for
reasons concerning the operating permit. This
128
Towing a trailer
Driving
and
parking
