Decoupling A Trailer - Mercedes-Benz R 350 Operator's Manual

Towing a trailer
196
Bear in mind that the handling will be less
R
stable when towing a trailer than when
driving without one. Avoid sudden steering
movements.
The vehicle/trailer combination is heavier,
R
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, avoid abrupt braking. Depress
R
the brake pedal moderately at first, so that
the trailer can activate its own brakes. Then
increase the pressure on the brake pedal.
If the automatic transmission continues to
R
shift back and forth between two gears
when driving up or downhill, restrict the
shift range. Select shift range 4, 3, 2, or 1.
A lower gear and lower speed reduce the
risk of engine failure.
When driving downhill, shift to a lower gear
R
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
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dramatically while the air-conditioning
system is switched on, switch off the air-
conditioning system.
Coolant heat can additionally be dissipated
by opening the windows and by setting the
blower fan and the interior temperature to
maximum.
When overtaking, pay particular attention
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to the extended length of your vehicle/
trailer combination.
Due to the length of your vehicle/trailer
combination, you will have to travel an
additional distance beyond the vehicle you
are overtaking before returning to the
previous lane.

Decoupling a trailer

G WARNING
Vehicles with level control:
The vehicle is lowered as soon as you
disconnect the trailer cable. This could result
in your limbs or those of other people that are
between the vehicle body and tires or
underneath 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.
Make sure that the automatic transmission
X
is set to position P.
Apply the vehicle's parking brake.
X
Start the engine.
X
Close all doors and the tailgate.
X
Apply the trailer's parking brake.
X
Remove the trailer cable and decouple the
X
trailer.
Switch off the engine.
X
Permissible trailer loads and drawbar
loads
Weight specifications
Permissible gross vehicle weight rating
The gross trailer weight is calculated by
adding the weight of the trailer to the weight
of the load and equipment on the trailer.
Maximum permissible gross vehicle weight:
3,500 lbs (1,588 kg).
Permissible noseweight
The maximum permissible trailer drawbar
noseweight is the maximum weight with
which the trailer drawbar can be loaded:
350 lbs (158 kg).
Limit for Mercedes-Benz-approved trailer
couplings.