Mercedes-Benz ML 350, Operator'S Manual

Page: 210 / 344

210
Operation
Driving instructions
앫
The vehicle and trailer combination is
heavier, and therefore is limited in ac-
celeration and climbing ability, and re-
quires longer stopping distances.
It is more prone to reacting to side wind
gusts, and requires more sensitive
steering input.
앫
If possible, do not brake abruptly, but
rather engage the brake slightly at first
to permit the trailer to activate its
brake. Then increase the braking force.
앫
If the transmission hunts between
gears on inclines, manually shift to a
lower gear (select
4 , 3 , 2 or 1 ).
A lower gear and reduction of speed re-
duces the chance of engine overload-
ing and/or overheating.
앫
On very steep inclines, not manageable
with gear selector lever in position
1 ,
switch transfer case to LOW RANGE
mode (
컄
page 125).
앫 When going down a long hill, shift into
a lower gear and use the engine’s brak-
ing effect.
Avoid riding the brakes, thus overheat-
ing the vehicle and trailer brakes.
앫
If the engine coolant rises to an ex-
tremely high temperature (coolant tem-
perature needle approaching the red
zone) when the air conditioning is on,
turn off the air conditioning system.
Engine coolant heat can be additionally
vented by opening the windows,
switching the climate control fan speed
to high and setting the temperature
control to the maximum hot position.
앫
Extreme care must be exercised since
your vehicle with a trailer will require
additional passing distance ahead than
when driving without a trailer.
Because your vehicle and trailer is
longer than your vehicle alone, you will
also need to go much farther ahead of
the passed vehicle before you can re-
turn to your lane.
!
If the trailer should begin to sway, re-
duce the vehicle’s speed and use the
brake controller by hand to straighten
out the vehicle and trailer.
In no case should you attempt to
straighten out the tow vehicle and trail-
er by increasing the speed or overstee-
ring and stepping on the brakes.