Coupling Up; Towing - Mercedes-Benz 2011 GLK-Class Operator's Manual

Contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center
should you require an explanation of
information contained in this manual.
General information
Only install an approved trailer coupling on
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your vehicle.
Further information on availability and on
installation is available from any authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center.
The bumpers of your vehicle are not
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suitable for installing detachable trailer
couplings.
Do not install hired trailer couplings or
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other detachable trailer couplings on the
bumpers of your vehicle.
To reduce the risk of damage to the ball
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coupling, remove it from the ball coupling
recess when not in use.
Coupling up a trailer
Observe the maximum permissible trailer
dimensions (width and length).
Most federal states and all Canadian
provinces require by law:
safety chains between the towing vehicle
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and the trailer. The chains should be cross-
wound under the trailer drawbar. They must
be fastened to the vehicle's trailer
coupling, not to the bumper or the axle.
Allow for enough play in the chains to
facilitate turning tight corners.
a separate brake system for certain types
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of trailer.
a safety switch for braked trailers. Check
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the specific legal requirements applicable
to your federal state.
If the trailer detaches from the towing
vehicle, the safety switch applies the
trailer's brakes.
! Do not connect the trailer's brake system
(if featured) to the hydraulic brake system
of the towing vehicle, as the latter is
equipped with an anti-lock brake system.
Doing so will result in a loss of function of
the brake systems of both the vehicle and
the trailer.
i The vehicle's wiring harness features a
line to the brake indicator lamp.
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Make sure that the automatic transmission
is set to position P.
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Apply the vehicle's parking brake.
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Close all doors and the tailgate.
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Couple up the trailer.
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Establish all electrical connections.
Towing a trailer
There are numerous legal requirements
concerning the towing of a trailer, e.g. speed
restrictions. Make sure that your vehicle/
trailer combination complies with the local
requirements not only in your area of
residence but also at any location to which
you are traveling. The police and local
authorities can provide reliable information.
Please observe the following when towing a
trailer:
To acquaint yourself with driving with a
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trailer and with the resulting changes to
handling, you should practice cornering,
stopping and reversing in a traffic-free
location.
Before driving, check:
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the trailer coupling
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the safety switch for braked trailers
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the safety chains
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the electrical connections
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the lights
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the wheels
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Adjust the exterior mirrors to provide an
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unobstructed view of the rear section of the
trailer.
If the trailer features electronically
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controlled brakes, pull away the vehicle/
trailer combination carefully, manually
Towing a trailer
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