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If you do not connect the trailer to the towing
vehicle correctly, the trailer may become
detached. Once it has been connected and is
roadworthy, the trailer must be in a horizontal
position behind the towing vehicle.
Note the following regarding the tongue weight:
Make full use of the maximum tongue weight,
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where possible
Do not exceed or fall below the permitted
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tongue weight
Do not exceed the following values:
Permitted braked or unbraked towing capa‐
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city
The maximum permissible towing capacity for
trailers without a separate braking system is
1,653 lbs (750 kg).
Permissible rear axle load of the towing vehi‐
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cle
Permissible gross mass of the towing vehicle
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Permissible gross mass of the trailer
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Permissible gross towing mass
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Maximum permissible speed of the trailer
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The relevant permitted values, which must not be
exceeded, can be found in the following places:
In your vehicle documents
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On the identification plate of the trailer hitch
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On the trailer's identification plate
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On the vehicle identification plate
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If there are discrepancies between the values, the
lowest one shall apply.
Before driving off, ensure the following:
The tire pressure on the rear axle of the tow‐
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ing vehicle has been set for the maximum
load.
The headlamps have been set correctly.
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Values approved by the manufacturer can be
found on the identification plates and in the sec‐
tion for the towing vehicle (
Your vehicle will act differently with a trailer rela‐
tive to without a trailer:
The vehicle/trailer combination will be heav‐
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ier.
The vehicle/trailer combination will be
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restricted in its acceleration and climbing
ability.
page 297).
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The vehicle/trailer combination will have an
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increased braking distance.
The vehicle/trailer combination will be more
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susceptible to crosswind gusts.
The vehicle/trailer combination will require
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more sensitive steering.
The vehicle/trailer combination will have a
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larger turning radius.
This may impair the vehicle's driving characteris‐
tics.
When driving with a vehicle/trailer combination,
always adapt your speed to the current road and
weather conditions. Drive carefully. Keep a suffi‐
cient safe distance.
Comply with the maximum speed of 49 mph
(80 km/h) or 62 mph (100 km/h), even in coun‐
tries in which higher speeds are permitted for
vehicle/trailer combinations.
Comply with the legally prescribed maximum
speed for vehicle/trailer combinations in force in
the country, state or Canadian province in ques‐
tion. Before driving, consult the trailer's vehicle
documents to see the maximum permissible
speed for your trailer.
Attach only an approved trailer hitch to your vehi‐
cle. Use only a ball neck that has been approved
for your vehicle. Further information about availa‐
bility and installation of the trailer electrical sys‐
tem is available from any qualified specialist
workshop.
The trailer hitch is one of the most important
vehicle parts for road safety. Comply with the
instructions on operating, maintaining and servic‐
ing in the manufacturer's operating instructions.
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Your vehicle's bumpers are not suitable for
installing detachable trailer tow hitches.
Do not attach any rented trailer tow hitches or
any other detachable trailer tow hitches to the
bumpers.
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When using a trailer, remember that
PARKTRONIC is available only to a limited
extent, if at all.
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The ball head height will change depending
on the vehicle's load. In this case, use a
trailer with a height-adjustable drawbar.
Driving notes
The maximum permissible speed for vehicle/
trailer combinations depends on the type of
trailer. Before driving, consult the trailer's vehicle
Driving and parking 161
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