Towing - Mercedes-Benz 2010 M-Class Operator's Manual

Driving instructions
256
X
Close all doors and the tailgate.
X
Attach the trailer.
X
Plug in all electrical connectors.
i
Vehicles with vehicle level control:
When you are towing a trailer, the vehicle
level always remains in the highway setting.
The following applies additionally when
towing a trailer:
The vehicle is lowered to the highway
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level when it reaches a speed of 5 mph
(8 km/h) if not set to highway level.
The highspeed level is not available.
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The restrictions that apply to towing also
apply when using accessories that are
connected to the trailer power socket, such
as a bicycle rack.
Towing a trailer
There are many different laws, including
speed limit restrictions, having to do with
trailer towing. Make sure your rig will be legal,
not only for where you reside, but also for
where you will be driving. A good source for
this information can be the police or local
authorities.
Note the following, when driving with a trailer:
In order to gain skill and an understanding
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of the vehicle's behavior, you should
practice turning, stopping and backing up
in an area which is free of traffic.
Before you start driving check the
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trailer hitch
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break-away switch
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safety chains
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electrical connections
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lighting
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tires
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Adjust the mirrors (
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unobstructed view beyond rear of trailer.
If the trailer has electric brakes, start your
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vehicle and trailer moving slowly, and then
Y page 89) to permit
apply only the trailer brake controller by
hand to make sure the brakes are working
properly.
Always secure items in the trailer to
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prevent load shifts while driving.
When towing a trailer, check occasionally
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to make sure the load is secure, and that
trailer lighting and brakes (if so equipped)
are functioning properly.
Take into consideration that when towing a
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trailer, the handling characteristics are
different and less stable from those when
operating the vehicle without a trailer.
It is important to avoid sudden maneuvers.
The vehicle and trailer combination is
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heavier, and therefore limited in
acceleration and climbing ability, and has a
larger braking distance.
It is more prone to reacting to cross wind
gusts, and requires more sensitive steering
input.
If possible, do not brake abruptly, but
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rather engage the brake slightly at first to
permit the trailer to activate its brake. Then
increase the braking force.
! If the trailer should begin to sway, reduce
the vehicle's speed immediately.
Do not attempt to straighten out the tow
vehicle and trailer by increasing the speed.
If the transmission shifts between gears on
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inclines repeatedly, shift to a lower gear
range manually ( Y
2 or 1.
A lower gear and reduction of speed
reduces the chance of engine overloading
and/or overheating.
On very steep inclines, not manageable
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with automatic transmission in gear range
1, switch on off-road driving program
( Y page 155).
When going down an incline, shift into a
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lower gear and use the engine's braking
effect.
page 113). Select 4, 3,