Mercedes-Benz V 200 d, Operating Instructions Manual

Page: 242 / 404

tion by increasing speed. Decrease your
speed and do not countersteer. Brake if nec-
essary.
G
WARNING
The braking system can overheat if you leave
your foot on the brake pedal while driving.
This increases the braking distance and could
even cause the braking system to fail. There is
a risk of an accident.
Never use the brake pedal as a footrest. Do
not simultaneously depress both the brake
pedal and the accelerator pedal while driving.
! Depressing the brake pedal constantly
results in excessive and premature wear to
the brake pads.
You can attach carrier systems such as bicycle
racks or load-bearing implements to the ball
coupling. The maximum load-bearing capacity
of 75 kg applies when using carrier systems on
the ball coupling.
Follow the information from the trailer tow hitch
manufacturer when using a detachable trailer
tow hitch (see the manufacturer's operating
instructions).
Couple and decouple the trailer carefully. When
reversing the vehicle towards the trailer, make
sure there is nobody between the trailer and the
vehicle.
A trailer which is incorrectly coupled to the tow-
ing vehicle could break away. A correctly cou-
pled trailer must be positioned horizontally
behind the towing vehicle.
Ensure that the following weights are not excee-
ded:
R
the permissible noseweight
R
the permissible trailer load
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the permissible rear axle load of the towing
vehicle
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the maximum permissible gross vehicle
weight of both the towing vehicle and the
trailer
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the maximum permissible gross weight of
vehicle/trailer combination
The applicable permissible values that may not
be exceeded can be found:
R
in your vehicle documents
R
on the type plates for the trailer tow hitch
R
on the type plates for the trailer
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on the vehicle identification plate
(
Y
page 386)
Where the values differ, the lowest is valid.
You will find the values approved by the manu-
facturer on the vehicle identification plates and
those for the towing vehicle in the "Technical
data" section (
Y
page 396).
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 more susceptible to strong crosswinds
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requires more sensitive steering
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has a larger turning circle
This may impair the handling characteristics.
When towing a trailer, always adjust your speed
to suit the road and weather conditions. Drive
carefully. Maintain a safe distance.
General notes
! Use a drawbar noseweight that is as close as
possible to the maximum permissible nose-
weight. Do not fall below a noseweight of
50 kg, otherwise the trailer may come loose.
R
Do not exceed the legally permitted maximum
speed for vehicle/trailer combinations in the
relevant country. Before beginning the jour-
ney, check the trailer's documents for the
maximum permitted speed of your trailer. In
Germany, the maximum permitted speed is
80 km/h (100 km/h in exceptional cases).
R
When towing a trailer, set the tyre pressure
for the rear axle of the towing vehicle to the
setting for a fully laden vehicle (
Y
page 369).
R
The trailer tow hitch is one of the most impor-
tant components on the vehicle with regard to
road safety. Observe the notes on operation,
care and maintenance of the trailer tow hitch
(see the manufacturer's operating instruc-
tions).
R
Vehicles with a detachable trailer coupling:
minimise the risk of damage to the ball cou-
pling. If you do not require the ball coupling,
remove it from the ball coupling recess.
240
Towing a trailer
Driving and parking