Mercedes-Benz 2016 Metris Operator's Manual page 167

General notes
Observe the legally prescribed maximum
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speed for vehicle/trailer combinations in the
relevant country, state or Canadian province.
Before setting off, check the vehicle docu-
ments of the your trailer to find out the per-
missible maximum speed.
This reduces the risk of accidents.
Install only an approved trailer coupling on
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your vehicle. Only use a ball coupling that is
approved for your vehicle and Sprinter trailer
tow hitch. More information on the availabil-
ity, mounting and installation of the trailer
electrics is available at any qualified specialist
workshop.
The trailer coupling is one of the most impor-
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tant vehicle parts with regard to road safety.
Observe the notes on operation, care and
maintenance of the trailer tow hitch (see the
manufacturer's operating instructions).
The bumpers of your vehicle are not suitable
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for installing detachable trailer couplings.
Do not attach rented trailer tow hitches or
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other detachable trailer tow hitches to the
bumper.
Minimize the risk of damage to the ball cou-
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pling. If you do not require the ball coupling,
remove it from the ball coupling recess.
You will find weight information under "Techni-
cal Data" ( page 306).
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The height of the ball neck changes according to
the load on the vehicle. If this is case, use a
trailer with a height-adjustable trailer drawbar.
Driving tips
The maximum permissible speed for vehicle/
trailer combination depends on the type of
trailer. Before setting off, check the vehicle
documents of the your trailer to find out the
permissible maximum speed. Observe the
legally prescribed maximum speed for vehicle/
trailer combinations in the relevant country,
state or Canadian province.
When towing a trailer, your vehicle's handling
characteristics will be different in comparison to
when driving without a trailer and it will con-
sume more fuel.
On long and steep downhill gradients, select a
lower gear.
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This also applies if cruise control is activa-
ted.
Towing a trailer
This enables you to utilize the engine's braking
effect and you do not need to brake so heavily to
keep the correct speed. which protects the
brake system and prevents the brakes from
overheating and wearing too quickly. If you need
to brake additionally, to not depress the brake
pedal constantly, but periodically.
Observe the notes on ESP
( page 66).
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Driving tips
If the trailer begins to swing from side to side:
Do not accelerate.
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Do not counter-steer.
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Brake if necessary.
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You can reduce the risk of the trailer swing-
ing and rocking by retrofitting anti-roll bars or
trailer stability programs. More information is
available from your authorized Sprinter
Dealer.
Maintain a greater distance than you would
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when driving without towing a trailer.
Avoid sudden braking. Apply the brakes gen-
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tly at first to allow the trailer brake to overrun.
Then, increase the brake force quickly.
The figures for the gradient climbing capabil-
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ities from a standstill refer to sea level. When
driving in mountainous areas, note that the
power output of the engine, and with it its
gradient climbing capability, decrease with
increasing altitude.
165
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trailer stabilization
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