Mercedes-Benz 2009 M-Class Operator's Manual page 287

practice turning, stopping and backing up
in an area which is free from traffic.
Before you start driving check the
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trailer hitch
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break-away switch
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safety chains
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electrical connections
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lighting
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tires
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Adjust the mirrors ( Y page 106) to permit
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unobstructed view beyond rear of trailer.
If the trailer has electric brakes, start your
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vehicle and trailer moving slowly, and then
apply only the trailer brake controller by
hand to make sure the brakes are working
properly.
Always secure items in the trailer to
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prevent load shifts while driving.
When towing a trailer, check occasionally
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to make sure the load is secure, and that
lighting and trailer brakes (if so equipped)
are functioning properly.
Take into consideration that when towing a
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trailer, the handling characteristics are
different and less stable from those when
operating the vehicle without a trailer.
It is important to avoid sudden maneuvers.
The vehicle and trailer combination is
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heavier, and therefore is limited in
acceleration and climbing ability, and
requires longer stopping distances.
It is more prone to reacting to cross wind
gusts, and requires more sensitive steering
input.
If possible, do not brake abruptly, but
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rather engage the brake slightly at first to
permit the trailer to activate its brake. Then
increase the braking force.
! If the trailer should begin to sway, reduce
the vehicle's speed immediately.
Do not attempt to straighten out the tow
vehicle and trailer by increasing the speed.
If the transmission shifts between gears on
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inclines repeatedly, shift to a lower gear
range manually ( Y page 133). Select 4, 3,
2 or 1.
A lower gear and reduction of speed
reduces the chance of engine overloading
and/or overheating.
On very steep inclines, not manageable
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with automatic transmission in gear range
Driving instructions
1, switch on off-road driving program
( Y page 169).
When going down an incline, shift into a
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lower gear and use the engine's braking
effect.
Avoid riding the brakes, thus overheating
the vehicle and trailer brakes (if so
equipped).
If the engine coolant rises to an extremely
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high temperature when the air conditioning
is on, turn off the air conditioning system.
Engine coolant heat can be additionally
vented by opening the windows, switching
the climate control fan speed to high and
setting the temperature control to the
maximum.
Extreme care must be exercised since your
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vehicle with a trailer will require additional
passing distance ahead than when driving
without a trailer.
Because your vehicle and trailer is longer
than your vehicle alone, you will also need
to go much farther ahead of the passed
vehicle before you can return to your lane.
Operation
Z
285