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
The applicable permissible values, which must
not be exceeded, can be found:
R
in your vehicle documents
R
on the identification plates of the trailer tow
hitch and 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 vehicle identification plates and
those for the towing vehicle under "Technical
data" (
Y
page 390).
When towing a trailer, your vehicle's handling
characteristics will be different in comparison to
when driving 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
!
If you have a trailer tow hitch retrofitted,
changes to the engine cooling system may be
necessary, depending on the vehicle type.
If you have a trailer tow hitch retrofitted,
observe the anchorage points on the chassis.
Check the tyre pressures when towing a trailer.
You will find the values in the tyre pressure table
in the vehicle fuel filler flap (
Y
page 364).
Please note that when towing a trailer, the fol-
lowing driving systems have limited availability
or are not available at all.
R
Parking Assist PARKTRONIC (
Y
page 201)
R
Blind Spot Assist (
Y
page 219)
R
Active Lane Keeping Assist (
Y
page 224)
R
Parking Pilot (
Y
page 204)
On vehicles without level control, the height of
the ball coupling will alter according to the load
placed on the vehicle. If necessary, use a trailer
with a height-adjustable drawbar.
You will find permissible trailer loads under
"Technical data" (
Y
page 390).
Driving tips
Observe the information on ESP
®
trailer stabili-
sation (
Y
page 74) and on pulling away with a
trailer (
Y
page 151).
Select the Comfort drive program using the
DYNAMIC SELECT controller (
Y
page 155).
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
permissible speed is for your trailer. Observe the
legally prescribed maximum speed in the rele-
vant 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 390). If you utilise any of the
added maximum rear axle load when towing a
trailer, the vehicle/trailer combination may not
exceed a maximum speed of 100 km/h for rea-
sons concerning the operating permit. This also
applies in countries in which the permissible
maximum speed for vehicle/trailer combina-
tions is above 100 km/h.
When towing a trailer, your vehicle's handling
characteristics will be different to when driving
without a trailer and the vehicle will consume
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, the speed limiter or Distance Pilot
DISTRONIC.
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
234
Towing a trailer
Dr
ivi
ng
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parki
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