Coupling Up A Trailer - Mercedes-Benz 2015 GLK Operator's Manual

WARNING
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If the ball coupling is not correctly installed
and secured, it could come loose while driving
and endanger other road users. There is a risk
of an accident and injury.
Install and secure the ball coupling as descri-
bed in the ball coupling manufacturer's instal-
lation instructions. Make sure that the ball
coupling is correctly installed and secured
before every journey.

Coupling up a trailer

Observe the maximum permissible trailer
dimensions (width and length).
Most U.S. states and all Canadian provinces
require by law:
safety chains between the towing vehicle
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and the trailer. The chains should be cross-
wound under the trailer drawbar. They must
be fastened to the vehicle's trailer cou-
pling, not to the bumper or the axle.
Leave enough play in the chains to make
tight cornering possible.
a separate brake system for certain types
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of trailer.
a safety switch for braked trailers. Check
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the specific legal requirements applicable
to your state.
If the trailer detaches from the towing vehi-
cle, the safety switch applies the trailer's
brakes.
! Do not connect the trailer's brake system
(if featured) to the hydraulic brake system
of the towing vehicle, as the latter is equip-
ped with an anti-lock brake system. Doing
so will result in a loss of function of the
brake systems of both the vehicle and the
trailer.
i
The vehicle's wiring harness features a
connection to the brake indicator lamp.
Make sure that the automatic transmission
X
is set to position P.
Apply the vehicle's parking brake.
X
Close all doors and the tailgate.
X
Couple up the trailer.
X
Establish all electrical connections.
X
Towing a trailer
There are numerous legal requirements con-
cerning the towing of a trailer, e.g. speed
restrictions. Make sure that your car/trailer
combination complies with the local regula-
tions:
in your place of residence
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in the location to which you are driving
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The police and local authorities can provide
reliable information.
Observe the following when towing a trailer:
To gain driving experience and to become
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accustomed to the new handling charac-
teristics, you should practice the following
in a traffic-free location:
cornering
-
stopping
-
backing up
-
Before driving, check:
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the trailer tow hitch
-
the safety switch for braked trailers
-
the safety chains
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electrical connections
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the lights
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the wheels
-
Adjust the exterior mirrors to provide an
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unobstructed view of the rear section of the
trailer.
If the trailer has electronically controlled
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brakes, pull away carefully. Brake manually
using the brake controller and check
whether the brakes function correctly.
Secure any objects on the trailer to prevent
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the cargo from slipping when the vehicle is
in motion.
Towing a trailer
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