Fitting The Ball Coupling; Trailer Towing - Mercedes-Benz A-Class Series Owner's Manual

mum speeds are permissible for vehicle/
trailer combinations. Before beginning the
journey, check the trailer's documents to see
what the maximum permitted speed is.
For certain Mercedes-Benz vehicles, the max-
imum permissible rear axle load is increased
when towing a trailer. Refer to the "Technical
data" section to find out whether this applies
to your vehicle. If you utilise any of the added
maximum rear axle load when towing a trailer,
the vehicle/trailer combination may not
exceed a maximum speed of 100 km/h for
reasons concerning the operating permit.
This also applies in countries in which the
permissible maximum speed for vehicle/
trailer combinations is above 100 km/h.
When towing a trailer, your vehicle's handling
characteristics will be different in comparison
to when driving without a trailer.
The vehicle/trailer combination:
is heavier
R
is restricted in its acceleration and gradi-
R
ent-climbing capability
has an increased braking distance
R
is affected more by strong crosswinds
R
demands more sensitive steering
R
consumes more fuel
R
On long and steep downhill gradients, you
must shift to a lower gear in good time, or on
vehicles with AUTOTRONIC, select shift range
1, 2 or 3.
i
This also applies if you have activated
cruise control or SPEEDTRONIC.
This will use the braking effect of the engine,
so less braking will be required to maintain
the speed. This relieves the load on the brake
system and prevents the brakes from over-
heating and wearing too quickly. If you need
additional braking, depress the brake pedal
repeatedly rather than continuously.
Driving tips
Maintain a greater distance from the vehi-
R
cle in front than when driving without a
trailer.
Avoid braking abruptly. If possible, brake
R
gently at first to allow the trailer to run on.
Then increase the braking force rapidly.
The values given for gradient-climbing
R
capabilities from a standstill refer to sea
level. When driving in mountainous areas,
note that the power output of the engine,
and consequently the vehicle's gradient-
climbing capability, decrease with increas-
ing altitude.
If the trailer swings from side to side:
Do not accelerate.
X
Do not counter-steer.
X
Brake if necessary.
X

Fitting the ball coupling

Make a note of the ball coupling key num-
X
ber.
i
You can use this number to obtain a
replacement key from a Mercedes-Benz
Service Centre.
G Risk of injury
If the ball coupling does not engage properly
when it is attached, the vehicle/trailer com-
bination is not secured and could become
detached. As a result, you could cause an
accident. Attach the ball coupling carefully
and make sure that it engages.
Vehicles without ECO start/stop func-
tion: the detachable ball coupling is in the
stowage compartment on the right-hand side
of the luggage compartment.
Open the stowage compartment on the
X
right-hand side of the luggage compart-
ment ( page 190).
Y
Fold the cover down.
X

Trailer towing

Z
145