Towing A Trailer - Mercedes-Benz GLK 350 4MATIC Operator's Manual

Towing a trailer

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you steer actively, e.g. swerve to avoid
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an obstacle or change lanes quickly.
you cut the corner on a sharp bend.
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Towing a trailer
When you attach a trailer, make sure you have
correctly established the electrical
connection. This can be accomplished by
checking the trailer lighting.
Towing a trailer
Notes on towing a trailer
Important safety notes
G
WARNING
If you rest your foot on the brake pedal while
driving, the braking system can overheat. This
increases the stopping distance and can even
cause the braking system to fail. There is a
risk of an accident.
Never use the brake pedal as a footrest. Never
depress the brake pedal and the accelerator
pedal at the same time.
G WARNING
When the vehicle/trailer combination begins
to lurch, you could lose control of it. The
vehicle/trailer combination could even
rollover. There is a risk of an accident.
On no account should you attempt to
straighten up the vehicle/trailer combination
by increasing the speed. Reduce vehicle
speed and do not countersteer. Apply the
brake as necessary.
! Depressing the brake pedal constantly
results in excessive and premature wear to
the brake pads.
Please observe the manufacturer's operating
instructions for the trailer coupling if a
detachable trailer coupling is used.
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
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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
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on the identification plates of the trailer tow
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hitch, the trailer and the vehicle
If the values differ, the lowest value applies.
You will find the values approved by the
manufacturer on the vehicle identification
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.
I n f o r m a t i o n P r o v i d e d b y :
page 376).
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