Decoupling A Trailer - Mercedes-Benz 2016 GL Operator's Manual

Towing a trailer
268
using the brake controller and check
whether the brakes function correctly.
Secure any objects on the trailer to prevent
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the cargo from slipping when the vehicle is
in motion.
When you couple up a trailer, check at reg-
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ular intervals that the load is firmly secured.
If the trailer is equipped with trailer lights
and brakes, check the trailer to ensure that
these are working.
Bear in mind that the handling will be less
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stable when towing a trailer than when driv-
ing without one. Avoid sudden steering
movements.
The vehicle/trailer combination is heavier,
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accelerates more slowly, has a decreased
gradient climbing capability and a longer
braking distance.
It is more susceptible to side winds and
requires more careful steering.
If possible, do not brake suddenly, but
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instead depress the brake pedal moder-
ately at first so that the trailer can activate
its brakes. Then increase the pressure on
the brake pedal.
If the automatic transmission repeatedly
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shifts between gears on uphill or downhill
gradients, shift to a lower gear using the
left-hand steering wheel paddle shifter.
A lower gear and lower speed reduce the
risk of engine failure.
When driving downhill, shift to a lower gear
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to utilize the engine's braking effect.
Avoid continuous brake application as this
may overheat the vehicle brakes and, if
installed, the trailer brakes.
If the coolant temperature increases dra-
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matically while the air-conditioning system
is switched on, switch off the air-condition-
ing system.
Coolant heat can also be dissipated by
opening the windows and switching the
ventilation blower and the interior temper-
ature to the highest level.
When overtaking, pay particular attention
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to the extended length of your vehicle/
trailer combination.
Due to the length of the vehicle/trailer
combination, you require additional road
space in relation to the vehicle you are
overtaking before you can change back to
the original lane.

Decoupling a trailer

G WARNING
If you uncouple a trailer with the overrun
brake engaged, you could trap your hand
between the vehicle and the trailer drawbar.
There is a risk of injury.
Do not uncouple a trailer if the overrun brake
is engaged.
G WARNING
Vehicles with level control:
The vehicle is lowered as soon as you discon-
nect the trailer cable. This could result in your
limbs or those of other people that are
between the vehicle body and tires or under-
neath the vehicle being trapped. There is a
risk of injury.
Make sure that nobody is in the immediate
vicinity of the wheel housings or under the
vehicle when you disconnect the trailer cable.
! Do not disconnect a trailer with an
engaged overrun brake. Otherwise, your
vehicle could be damaged by the rebound-
ing of the overrun brake.
Shift the transmission to position P.
X
Apply the vehicle's electric parking brake.
X
Start the engine.
X
Close the doors and tailgate.
X
Apply the trailer's parking brake.
X