Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class Owner's Manual page 265

Operation
Trailer towing
Have the entire trailer tow hitch checked at
a qualified specialist workshop which has
the necessary specialist knowledge and
tools to carry out the work required.
Mercedes-Benz recommends that you use a
Mercedes-Benz Service Centre for this pur-
pose. In particular, work relevant to safety
or on safety-related systems must be car-
ried out at a qualified specialist workshop.
Driving tips
G
Risk of accident
Maximum care and attention is called for
when coupling and decoupling a trailer.
Make sure that no-one is present between
the trailer and the vehicle when the vehicle
is being reversed up to the trailer.
Do not uncouple a trailer with an overrun
brake when the brake is engaged.
262
If you have coupled the trailer to the vehicle
incorrectly, there is a risk that the trailer
may break away.
Make sure that the following values have
been observed:
Maximum permissible gross vehicle
weight
Maximum permissible trailer drawbar
noseweight
Maximum permissible trailer load
Maximum permissible rear load on the
towing vehicle
i
The maximum permissible weights are given
in the vehicle documents and on the type plates
of the trailer and the trailer tow hitch. The lowest
value given is decisive.
The maximum trailer drawbar noseweight for the
trailer towbar on the ball neck is 75 kg. The draw-
bar noseweight must not, however, exceed that
specified on the type plates for the trailer tow
hitch and the trailer.
If you couple a trailer, the driving charac-
teristics of your vehicle change.
The vehicle/trailer combination:
is heavier
is restricted in its acceleration and
gradient-climbing capability
has a longer stopping distance
is more susceptible to gusting cross-
winds
demands more sensitive steering
Fuel consumption is higher when towing a
trailer.
Tips for driving when towing a trailer:
We recommend utilising the maximum
permissible drawbar noseweight, and
always at least 50 kg.
The vehicle's payload must be reduced
to compensate for the drawbar nose-
weight so that the maximum permissi-
ble rear axle load is not exceeded.