Mercedes-Benz Metris Operator's Manual page 165

Therefore note the following:
Only install a ball coupling that is approved
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for your vehicle.
Before the journey, make sure that the ball
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coupling is correctly installed and secured.
To do this, observe the operating instruc-
tions of the ball coupling manufacturer.
Do not make any modifications to the ball
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coupling or the trailer tow hitch.
You must observe the operating instructions
of the trailer tow hitch or ball coupling manu-
facturer.
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WARNING
If the ball coupling is not correctly installed
and secured, it could come loose while driving
and endanger other road users. There is a risk
of an accident and injury.
Install and secure the ball coupling as descri-
bed in the ball coupling manufacturer's instal-
lation instructions. Make sure that the ball
coupling is correctly installed and secured
before every journey.
G
WARNING
When the vehicle/trailer combination begins
to lurch, you could lose control of it. The vehi-
cle/trailer combination could even rollover.
There is a risk of an accident.
On no account should you attempt to
straighten up the vehicle/trailer combination
by increasing the speed. Reduce vehicle
speed and do not countersteer. Apply the
brake as necessary.
You can attach carrier systems such as bicycle
racks or load-bearing implements on the ball
coupling. The maximum noseweight of 165 lb
(75 kg) applies when using carrier systems on
the ball coupling.
Always observe the operating instructions pro-
vided by the manufacturers of the trailer cou-
pling and the ball coupling.
Couple and decouple the trailer carefully. When
backing up the towing vehicle, make sure
nobody is standing between the vehicle and the
trailer.
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:
the permissible noseweight
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the permissible trailer load
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the permissible rear axle load of the towing
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vehicle
the maximum permissible gross vehicle
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weight of both the towing vehicle and the
trailer
the maximum permissible gross weight of
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vehicle/trailer combination
The applicable permissible values that may not
be exceeded can be found:
in your vehicle documents
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on the type plates for the trailer tow hitch
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on the type plates for the trailer
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on the vehicle identification plate
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( page 294).
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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 ( page 305).
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Your vehicle behaves differently with a trailer
than without one.
The vehicle/trailer combination:
is heavier
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is restricted in its acceleration and gradient-
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climbing capability
has an increased braking distance
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is more susceptible to strong crosswinds
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requires more sensitive steering
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has a larger turning circle
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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.
If you require any further explanation regarding
the information contained in the Operating
Instructions, please contact a Mercedes-Benz
Commercial Van Center.
Towing a trailer
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163