Mercedes-Benz ML 320 CDI, Operator'S Manual

Page: 345 / 585

344
Operation
Driving instructions
Checking weights of vehicle and trailer
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To assure that the tow vehicle and trail-
er are in compliance with the maximum
permissible weight limits have the load-
ed rig (tow vehicle including driver, pas-
sengers and cargo, trailer fully loaded)
weighed on a commercial scale.
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Check the vehicle’s front and rear
Gross Axle Weight (GAW), the Gross
Trailer Weight (GTW) and Tongue
Weight (TW).
The values as measures must not
exceed the weight limits listed under
“Vehicle and trailer weight and ratings”
(
컄
page 343).
Attaching a trailer Observe maximum permitted trailer
dimensions (width and length).
Most states and all Canadian provinces
require
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safety chains between your tow vehicle
and the trailer.
The chains should be criss-crossed
under the trailer tongue. They must be
attached to the hitch receiver, and not
to the vehicle’s bumper or axle.
Make sure to leave enough slack in the
chains to permit turning corners.
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a separate brake system at various
trailer weights.
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a break-away switch on trailers with a
separate brake system. Check with
your local state laws for specific
requirements.
The switch activates the trailer brakes
in the possible event that the trailer
might separate from the tow vehicle.
Warning!
G
While you are coupling or decoupling a trail-
er, make sure that you do not
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lock or unlock
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open or close
a vehicle door or the tailgate.
The vehicle’s level could change and you
could endanger yourself and/or others as a
result.
Make sure that you do not operate the ADS
button* (
컄
page 269) or the vehicle level
control system* (
컄
page 270) when cou-
pling/decoupling the trailer.