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Trailer Hitch
Towing a trailer
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Always see the permissible towing capacity,
vertical coupling load and rear-axle load.
Please see the chapter “WEIGHTS” on
page 312.
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When connected, the trailer must always be
horizontal behind the towing vehicle. If
necessary, use a trailer with an adjustable
drawbar.
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When the vehicle is driven in the mountains, the
engine output decreases as altitude increases.
The maximum weights stated are the values at
sea level. The total permissable weight of the
car-trailer combination must therefore be re-
duced by 10% for each increment of 3280 ft.
(1000 meters) altitude. A fractional increment
counts as the full 3280 ft. (1000 meters).
Please take this into consideration when
planning your route.
Distributing the load
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Distribute the load in the trailer so that heavy
objects are as close to the axle as possible.
Always safeguard all objects against slipping
and tie them down securely.
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You should make the best possible use of the
trailer coupling's rated vertical coupling load
when loading the trailer, but never exceed it.
Tire pressure
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Select the vehicle tire pressure for full load
when towing a trailer.
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Please see the chapter “TIRE PRESSURE FOR
COLD TIRES 68 °F (20 °C)” on page 310.
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Check the tire pressure of the trailer's wheels
according to the manufacturer's instructions.
Door mirrors
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If the width of the trailer obstructs your view of
the traffic behind the trailer, you must have
additional door mirrors fitted.
Headlights, lights
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Always check the headlight adjustment before
driving with a trailer.
If necessary, correct with the headlight beam
adjustment function.
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Check whether the plug of the trailer is
plugged into the towing vehicle and whether all
lights function.
Driving with a trailer
When towing a trailer you must under all
circumstances adapt your speed to prevailing
road and driving conditions. Towing at excessive
speed can result in loss of control. Observe
country-specific laws for driving with trailers.
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Carefully and gradually familiarize yourself with
the handling and braking behavior of the car-
trailer combination.
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Do not drive with the towing vehicle empty and
the trailer loaded.
If this unfavorable combination is unavoidable,
please drive especially slowly.
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Bear in mind the different vehicle handling and
size in situations such as braking, parking,
cornering and overtaking, etc.
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The driving stability of the car-trailer
combination worsens as the speed increases.
Therefore, drive especially slowly on downhill
stretches and in the case of unfavorable road
and weather conditions (such as wind).
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Drive in an appropriately low gear on downhill
stretches in order to make use of the engine
braking effect.
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Slow down immediately if the trailer starts to
sway. Do not countersteer; brake if necessary.
Never attempt to straighten out the car-trailer
combination by accelerating.
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Activate the off-road driving program when
driving off on steep slopes.
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Under no circumstances may people, animals
or objects be in the space between the trailer
and the towing vehicle when the vehicle is
moving.
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When reversing, bear in mind that ParkAssist is
not active.
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Always see the permissible towing capacity,
vertical coupling load and rear-axle load.
Please see the chapter “WEIGHTS” on
page 312.
Information
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Please take into consideration that driving with
a trailer places markedly greater stress on all
vehicle components. Expert inspection and
maintenance after every use are indispensable
prerequisites for proper functioning and safety.
Safe Driving with a
Trailer
WARNING
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