Driving Tips - Mercedes-Benz M-Class Operator's Manual

Towing a trailer
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plates and those for the towing vehicle under
"Technical data" (
When towing a trailer, your vehicle's handling
characteristics will be different in comparison
with when driving without a trailer.
The vehicle/trailer combination:
is heavier
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is restricted in its acceleration and
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gradient-climbing capability
has an increased braking distance
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is affected more by strong crosswinds
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demands more sensitive steering
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has a larger turning radius
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This could impair the handling
characteristics.
When towing a trailer, always adjust your
speed to the current road and weather
conditions. Do not exceed the maximum
permissible speed for your vehicle/trailer
combination.
General notes
Do not exceed the legally prescribed
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maximum speed for vehicle/trailer
combinations in the relevant country.
This lowers the risk of an accident.
Only install an approved trailer coupling on
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your vehicle.
Further information on availability and on
installation is available from any authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center.
The bumpers of your vehicle are not
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suitable for installing detachable trailer
couplings.
Do not install hired trailer couplings or
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other detachable trailer couplings on the
bumpers of your vehicle.
If you no longer need the ball coupling,
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remove it from the ball coupling recess.
This will reduce the risk of damage to the
ball coupling.
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When towing a trailer, set the tire
pressure on the rear axle of the towing
page 456).
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vehicle for a maximum load; see the tire
pressure table in the fuel filler flap
( page 419).
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Please note that when towing a trailer,
PARKTRONIC ( page 213) and Blind Spot
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Assist ( page 233) are only available with
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limitations, or not at all.
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On vehicles without level control, the
height of the ball coupling will alter
according to the load placed on the vehicle.
If necessary, use a trailer with a height-
adjustable drawbar.
You will find installing dimensions and loads
under "Technical data" (

Driving tips

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Observe the information on ESP
stabilization ( page 73) and on pulling
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away with a trailer (
The maximum permissible speed for vehicle/
trailer combinations depends on the type of
trailer. Before beginning the journey, check
the trailer's documents to see what the
maximum permissible speed is. Observe the
legally prescribed maximum speed in the
relevant country.
For certain Mercedes-Benz vehicles, the
maximum permissible rear axle load is
increased when towing a trailer. See
"Technical data" to find out whether this
applies to your vehicle (
utilize any of the added maximum rear axle
load when towing a trailer, the vehicle/trailer
combination may not exceed a maximum
speed of 60 mph (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 60 mph (100 km/h).
When towing a trailer, your vehicle's handling
characteristics will be different in comparison
with when driving without a trailer.
Use the left-hand paddle shifter to shift into
a lower gear in good time on long and steep
downhill gradients.
page 455).
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®
trailer
page 160).
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page 456). If you
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