Mercedes-Benz GLK 300 4MATIC 2012 Owner's Manual page 219

Towing a trailer
216
G
WARNING
You could lose control of the vehicle/trailer
combination if it begins to swerve. The vehi-
cle/trailer combination could even overturn.
There is a risk of an accident.
On no account should you attempt to
straighten out the vehicle/trailer combina-
tion by increasing speed. Decrease your
speed and do not countersteer. Brake if nec-
essary.
G
WARNING
If you exceed the permissible noseweight
while carrying a load, the carrier system could
detach from the vehicle and fall on the road.
There is a risk of an accident and injury.
Always maintain the permissible noseweight
when carrying loads.
! Depressing the brake pedal constantly
results in excessive and premature wear to
the brake pads.
You can use carrier systems, e.g. bicycle
racks or load-bearing implements, on the ball
coupling. The maximum noseweight of
75 kg applies when using carrier systems on
the ball coupling.
When using a detachable trailer coupling,
make sure you observe the trailer coupling
manufacturer's operating instructions.
When reversing the vehicle towards the
trailer, make sure there is nobody between
the trailer and the vehicle.
Couple and uncouple the trailer carefully. If
you do not couple the trailer to the towing
vehicle correctly, the trailer could become
detached.
Make sure that the following values are not
exceeded:
the permissible trailer drawbar noseweight
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the permissible trailer load
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the permissible rear axle load of the towing
R
vehicle
the maximum permissible gross vehicle
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weight of both the towing vehicle and the
trailer
The applicable permissible values, which
must not be exceeded, can be found:
in the vehicle documents
R
on the identification plates of the trailer tow
R
hitch, the trailer and the vehicle
If the values differ, the lowest value applies.
You will find the values approved by the man-
ufacturer on the vehicle identification plates
and those for the towing vehicle under "Tech-
nical data".
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
has a larger turning circle
R
This can impair the vehicle's handling char-
acteristics. Adapt your style of driving accord-
ingly. Maintain a safe distance. Drive care-
fully.
When towing a trailer, always adjust your
speed to the current road and weather con-
ditions. Do not exceed the maximum permis-
sible speed for your vehicle/trailer combina-
tion.
General notes
i
When towing a trailer, set the tyre pres-
sure on the rear axle of the towing vehicle
for a maximum load; see the tyre pressure
table in the fuel filler flap (
You will find fitting dimensions and loads in
the "Technical data" section (
page 353).
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page 373).
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