Mercedes-Benz Light Truck ML 320 Operator's Manual page 97

Loading a Trailer
When loading a trailer, you should
observe that neither the permissible
GTW, nor the GVWR are exceeded.
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.
We recommend loading the trailer in
such a manner that it has a tongue
weight (TW) between 10% and 15% of
the GTW.
The tongue weight at the hitch ball
must be added to the GVW to prevent
exceeding your Mercedes-Benz tow
vehicle's rear GAWR.
Checking Weights of Vehicle and
Trailer
To assure that the tow vehicle and
trailer are in compliance with the
maximum permissible weight limits,
and to know the actual weights, have
the loaded rig (tow vehicle including
driver, passengers and cargo, trailer
fully loaded) weighed on a commercial
scale.
Check the vehicle's front and rear
Gross Axle Weight (GAW), the GTW
and TW. The values as measured must
not be exceeded, according to the
weight listed under "Vehicle and
Trailer Weight and Ratings".
Attaching a Trailer
Please observe maximum permitted
trailer dimensions (width and length).
Most states and all Canadian provinces
require safety chains between your tow
vehicle and the trailer. The chains
should be crisscrossed under the trailer
tongue. They must be attached to the
hitch receiver, and not to the vehicle's
bumper or axle. Be sure to leave
enough slack in the chains to permit
turning corners.
Most states and all Canadian provinces
require a separate brake system at
various trailer weights.
Caution!
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 anti-lock
brakes. If you do, neither the vehicle's
brakes nor the trailer's brakes will
function properly.
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