Mercedes-Benz GLE COUPE Operator's Manual page 205

Establish the electrical connection between
X
the vehicle and the trailer.
Check that the trailer lighting system is work-
X
ing.
Push the combination switch upwards/down-
X
wards and check whether the corresponding
turn signal on the trailer flashes.
A trailer that is connected is recognized only
when the electrical connection is established
correctly and when the lighting system is work-
ing properly. The function of other systems also
depends on this, for example:
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ESP
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Parking Assist PARKTRONIC
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Parking Pilot
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Active Blind Spot Assist
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Active Lane Keeping Assist
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i
Vehicles with the AIRMATIC package: if you
couple up a trailer, the vehicle always remains
at normal level. When coupling up a trailer,
please observe the following:
If the normal level has not been set man-
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ually, the vehicle is automatically lowered
to normal level. This is the case if a speed of
5 mph (8 km/h) is reached.
The Sport drive program is not available.
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These restrictions apply to all accessories
powered through a connection to the trailer
power socket of your vehicle, e.g. a bicycle
carrier.
Observe the maximum permissible trailer
dimensions (width and length).
Most U.S. states and all Canadian provinces
require by law:
Safety chains between the towing vehicle and
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the trailer. The chains should be cross-wound
under the trailer drawbar. They must be fas-
tened to the vehicle's trailer coupling, not to
the bumper or the axle.
Leave enough play in the chains to make tight
cornering possible.
A separate brake system for certain types of
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trailer.
Safety switch for braked trailers. Check the
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specific legal requirements applicable to your
state.
If the trailer becomes detached from the tow-
ing vehicle, the safety switch applies the
trailer brakes.
Towing a trailer
There are numerous legal requirements con-
cerning the towing of a trailer, e.g. speed restric-
tions. Make sure that your car/trailer combina-
tion complies with the local regulations:
in your place of residence
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in the location to which you are driving
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The police and local authorities can provide reli-
able information.
Observe the following when towing a trailer:
To gain driving experience and to become
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accustomed to the new handling characteris-
tics, you should practice the following in a
traffic-free location:
cornering
-
stopping
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backing up
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Before driving, check:
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trailer tow hitch
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safety switch for braked trailers
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safety chains
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electrical connections
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lights
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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 has electronically controlled
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brakes, pull away carefully. Brake manually
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 regular
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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 driving
without one. Avoid sudden steering move-
ments.
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.
Towing a trailer
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203