Coupling A Trailer; Weights And Ratings - Mercedes-Benz 2010 GLK-Class Operator's Manual

Vehicle and trailer weights and ratings
The Gross Trailer Weight (GTW) is the weight
of the trailer plus the weight of all cargo,
equipment, luggage, etc. loaded on the
trailer. The maximum permissible GTW to be
towed: 3 500 lb (1 588 kg).
Trailer Tongue Weight Rating (TWR) is the
maximum permissible weight on the trailer
tongue: 280 lb (127 kg) limit for Mercedes-
Benz approved hitch receiver.
Loading a trailer
When loading a trailer, you should observe
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that neither the permissible GTW, nor the
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) are
exceeded. The GVWR is indicated on the
certification label located on the driver's
door B-pillar ( Y page 227).
Maximum permissible values are listed on
the safety compliance certification labels
for the vehicle and for the trailer to be
towed.
The lowest value listed must be selected
when determining how the vehicle and
trailer are loaded.
The tongue weight at the hitch ball must be
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added to the rear axle weight to prevent
exceeding the rear Gross Axle Weight
Rating (GAWR). The GAWR is indicated on
the certification label located on the
driver's door B-pillar (
i Mercedes-Benz recommends loading the
trailer in such a manner that it has a tongue
weight between 8 % and 10 % of the GTW.
i The weight of other accessories,
passengers and cargo will reduce the
maximum trailer weight and tongue weight
your vehicle can tow.
Checking weights of vehicle and trailer
To assure that the towing vehicle and trailer
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are in compliance with the maximum
permissible weight limits, have the loaded
rig (towing vehicle including driver,
Y page 227).
Driving instructions
passengers and cargo, trailer fully loaded)
weighed on a commercial scale.
Check the vehicle's front and rear gross
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axle weight, the Gross Trailer Weight (GTW)
and tongue weight.
The values as measured must not exceed
the weight limits listed under "Vehicle and
trailer weights and ratings" (

Coupling a trailer

Observe maximum permitted trailer
dimensions (width and length).
Most states and all Canadian provinces
require
safety chains between the towing vehicle
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and the trailer
The chains should be criss-crossed under
the trailer tongue. They must be attached
to the hitch receiver, and not to the
vehicle's bumper or axle.
Make sure to leave enough slack in the
chains to permit turning corners.
a separate brake system at various trailer
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weights
a break-away switch on trailers with a
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separate brake system.
Check with your local state laws for specific
requirements.
The switch activates the trailer brakes in
the possible event that the trailer might
separate from the tow vehicle.
! Do not connect a trailer brake system (if
trailer is so equipped) directly to the
vehicle's hydraulic brake system, as your
vehicle is equipped with antilock brakes. If
you do, neither the vehicle's brakes nor the
trailer's brakes will function properly.
i The provided vehicle electrical wiring
harness for trailer towing has a brake signal
wire for hook-up to a brake controller.
247
Y
page 247).
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