Mercedes-Benz 2016 Metris Operator's Manual page 169

When driving with a trailer, check at regular
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intervals that the load is secured and that the
brakes and lights are working.
Bear in mind that the handling will be less
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stable when towing a trailer than when driving
without one. Avoid sudden steering move-
ments.
The vehicle/trailer combination is heavier,
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accelerates more slowly and has a decreased
gradient climbing capability and a longer
braking distance.
It is more susceptible to crosswinds and
requires cautious steering.
If possible, do not brake suddenly, but rather
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moderately at first so that the trailer can acti-
vate its brakes. Then increase the force on the
brake pedal.
If the automatic transmission repeatedly
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shifts between gears when driving on inclines,
restrict the shift range. Select shift range 4, 3,
2 or 1.
Driving in a low gear and at a low speed
reduces the risk of damaging the engine.
When driving on a downhill gradient, shift to a
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low gear and take advantage of the engine's
braking effect.
Avoid continuous brake application as this
may overheat the vehicle brakes and, if instal-
led, the trailer brakes.
If the coolant temperature increases dramat-
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ically while the air-conditioning system is
switched on, switch off the air-conditioning
system.
Coolant heat can also be dissipated by
switching the airflow and the temperature of
the air conditioning to the maximum level.
Open the windows if necessary.
When overtaking, pay particular attention to
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the extended length of your vehicle/trailer
combination.
Due to the length of your vehicle/trailer com-
bination you need an additional distance
before you can return to your original lane.
Uncoupling a trailer
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WARNING
If you uncouple a trailer with the overrun
brake engaged, you could trap your hand
Towing a trailer
between the vehicle and the trailer drawbar.
There is a risk of injury.
Do not uncouple a trailer if the overrun brake
is engaged.
!
Do not disconnect a trailer with an engaged
overrun brake. Otherwise, your vehicle could
be damaged by the rebounding of the overrun
brake.
Make sure that the selector lever of the auto-
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matic transmission is in position P.
Engage the vehicle's parking brake.
X
Close all doors.
X
Apply the parking brake of the trailer.
X
In addition, secure the trailer against rolling
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away with a wheel chock or similar object.
Remove the trailer cable and safety chains
X
and decouple the trailer.
Permissible trailer loads and trailer
drawbar noseweights
Weight information
!
For vehicles with a permissible gross vehicle
weight of 6724 lbs (3050 kg), the permissible
gross combination weight is less than the sum
of the permissible gross vehicle weight plus
the permissible trailer load. Exceeding the
permitted gross combination weight could
damage the powertrain, transmission or
trailer tow hitch.
If either the vehicle or the trailer is fully laden,
the permitted gross vehicle weight or the per-
mitted trailer load values are reduced accord-
ingly. In this case, you may only partially load
the trailer or the vehicle.
The gross trailer weight (GTW) is calculated by
adding the weight of the trailer to the weight of
the load and equipment. The permissible gross
trailer weight is 5000 lbs (2268 kg).
The maximum noseweight of the trailer drawbar
on the ball coupling is 500 lbs (227 kg). The
actual noseweight may not exceed the value
given on the identification plates of the trailer
tow hitch or the trailer. If the values vary, the
lowest value always applies.
The gross combination weight rating (GCWR) is
calculated by adding the gross weight of the
trailer to the gross vehicle weight including a
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