When towing a trailer, your vehicle's handling
characteristics will be different in comparison to
when driving without a trailer and it will con-
sume more fuel.
Use the left-hand gearshift paddle to shift to a
lower gear on long and steep downhill gradients.
This also applies if you have activated cruise
control, SPEEDTRONIC or DISTRONIC PLUS.
This will use the braking effect of the engine, so
less braking will be required to maintain vehicle
speed. This relieves the load on the brake sys-
tem and prevents the brakes from overheating
and wearing too quickly. If you need additional
braking, depress the brake pedal repeatedly
rather than continuously.
Driving tips
If the trailer swings from side to side:
X
Do not accelerate.
X
Do not countersteer.
X
Brake if necessary.
R
Maintain a greater distance to the vehicle in
front than when driving without a trailer.
R
Avoid braking abruptly. If possible, brake gen-
tly at first to allow the trailer to run on. Then,
increase the braking force rapidly.
R
The values given for gradient-climbing capa-
bilities from a standstill refer to sea level.
When driving in mountainous areas, note that
the power output of the engine, and conse-
quently the vehicle's gradient-climbing capa-
bility, decrease with increasing altitude.
Swinging out the ball coupling
G
WARNING
If the ball coupling is not engaged, the trailer
may come loose. There is a risk of an accident.
Make sure that the ball coupling is securely
engaged and locked in position.
!
Do not attempt to speed the up the swing-
out procedure by applying additional pressure
with your foot. The system could otherwise be
mechanically damaged.
To fold out the ball coupling, you have two
options:
R
use the switch in the driver's door (all vehicles
except PLUG-IN HYBRID vehicles)
R
use the switch in the tailgate
The trailer power socket is integrated into the
ball coupling and swivels out with it.
Only release the ball coupling when its range of
movement is unobstructed.
Folding out using the switch in the driver's
door (all vehicles except plug-in hybrid vehi-
cles):
X
Make sure that the vehicle is stationary.
X
Shift the transmission to position P.
X
Switch the ignition on.
X
Pull switch
:
briefly.
After a short time the ball coupling swings out
from under the rear bumper. It can take up to
seven seconds before the ball coupling visibly
swings out.
X
Remove the protective covering from the ball
coupling and store it in a safe place.
Until the ball coupling securely engages and
locks in a vertical position:
R
indicator lamp
;
flashes
R
the multifunction display shows the display
message
Trailer coupling extend‐
Trailer coupling extend‐
ing...
ing...
.
The ball coupling swivels back into the out-of-
use position when:
R
you drive off before the
Trailer
Trailer coupling
coupling
extending...
extending...
display message has disap-
peared from the multifunction display
R
the ball coupling encounters an obstacle in
the swinging range
274
Towing a trailer
Driving
and
parking
