Decoupling A Trailer - Mercedes-Benz M-Class Operator's Manual

Towing a trailer
258
Secure any objects on the trailer to prevent
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the cargo from slipping when the vehicle is
in motion.
If you couple up a trailer, regularly check
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that the cargo is securely fastened and
make sure that the trailer lamps and (if
applicable) the trailer brakes are
functioning correctly.
Bear in mind that the handling will be less
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stable when towing a trailer than when
driving without one. Avoid sudden steering
movements.
The vehicle/trailer combination is heavier,
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accelerates more slowly, has a decreased
gradient climbing capability and a longer
braking distance.
It is more susceptible to side winds and
requires more careful steering.
If possible, avoid abrupt braking. Depress
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the brake pedal moderately at first, so that
the trailer can activate its own brakes. Then
increase the pressure on the brake pedal.
If the automatic transmission repeatedly
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shifts between gears on uphill or downhill
gradients, shift to a lower gear using the
left-hand steering wheel paddle shifter.
A lower gear and lower speed reduce the
risk of engine failure.
When driving downhill, shift to a lower gear
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to utilize the engine's braking effect.
Avoid continuous brake application as this
may overheat the vehicle brakes and, if
installed, the trailer brakes.
If the coolant temperature increases
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dramatically while the air-conditioning
system is switched on, switch off the air-
conditioning system.
Coolant heat can additionally be dissipated
by opening the windows and by setting the
blower fan and the interior temperature to
maximum.
When overtaking, pay particular attention
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to the extended length of your vehicle/
trailer combination.
Due to the length of your vehicle/trailer
combination, you will have to travel an
additional distance beyond the vehicle you
are overtaking before returning to the
previous lane.

Decoupling a trailer

G WARNING
If you uncouple a trailer with the overrun
brake engaged, you could trap your hand
between the vehicle and the trailer drawbar.
There is a risk of injury.
Do not uncouple a trailer if the overrun brake
is engaged.
G
WARNING
Vehicles with level control:
The vehicle is lowered as soon as you
disconnect the trailer cable. This could result
in your limbs or those of other people that are
between the vehicle body and tires or
underneath the vehicle being trapped. There
is a risk of injury.
Make sure that nobody is in the immediate
vicinity of the wheel housings or under the
vehicle when you disconnect the trailer cable.
! Do not disconnect a trailer with an
engaged overrun brake. Otherwise, your
vehicle could be damaged by the
rebounding of the overrun brake.
Make sure that the automatic transmission
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is set to position P.
Apply the vehicle's electric parking brake.
X
Start the engine.
X
Close all doors and the tailgate.
X
Apply the trailer's parking brake.
X
Detach the trailer cable and decouple the
X
trailer.
Switch off the engine.
X