Decoupling A Trailer - Mercedes-Benz R 350 BlueTEC 2012 Operator's Manual

Please observe the following when towing a
trailer:
To acquaint yourself with driving with a
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trailer and with the resulting changes to
handling, you should practice cornering,
stopping and reversing in a traffic-free
location.
Before driving, check:
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the trailer tow hitch
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the safety switch for braked trailers
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the safety chains
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the electrical connections
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the lights
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the wheels
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Adjust the exterior mirrors to provide an
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unobstructed view of the rear section of the
trailer.
If the trailer features electronically
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controlled brakes, pull away the vehicle/
trailer combination carefully, manually
brake using the brake controller, and check
the brakes for correct function.
Secure any objects on the trailer to prevent
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the cargo from slipping when the vehicle is
in motion.
If you couple up a trailer, regularly check
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the cargo for secure fastening and make
sure that the trailer lamps and (if
applicable) the trailer brakes are
functioning correctly.
Bear in mind that the handling will be less
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stable when towing a trailer than when
driving without one. Avoid sudden steering
movements.
The vehicle/trailer combination is heavier,
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accelerates more slowly, has a decreased
gradient climbing capability and a longer
braking distance.
It is more susceptible to side winds and
requires more careful steering.
If possible, avoid abrupt braking. Depress
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the brake pedal moderately at first, so that
the trailer can activate its own brakes. Then
increase the pressure on the brake pedal.
If the automatic transmission continues to
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shift back and forth between two gears
when driving up or downhill, restrict the
shift range. Select shift range 4, 3, 2, or 1.
A lower gear and lower speed reduce the
risk of engine failure.
When driving downhill, shift to a lower gear
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to utilize the engine's braking effect.
Avoid continuous brake application as this
may overheat the vehicle brakes and, if
installed, the trailer brakes.
If the coolant temperature increases
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dramatically while the air-conditioning
system is switched on, switch off the air-
conditioning system.
Coolant heat can additionally be dissipated
by opening the windows and by setting the
blower fan and the interior temperature to
maximum.
When overtaking, pay particular attention
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to the extended length of your vehicle/
trailer combination.
Due to the length of your vehicle/trailer
combination, you will have to travel an
additional distance beyond the vehicle you
are overtaking before returning to the
previous lane.

Decoupling a trailer

G
WARNING
Vehicles with AIRMATIC: While you are
coupling or decoupling a trailer, make sure
nobody locks or unlocks the vehicle and/or
opens or closes doors or the tailgate.
The vehicle's level could change and you
could endanger yourself and/or others as a
result.
Make sure that you do not operate the ADS
switch or the vehicle level control system
when coupling/decoupling the trailer.
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Make sure that the automatic transmission
is set to position P.
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Apply the vehicle's parking brake.
I n f o r ma t i o n P r o v i d e d b y :
Trailer towing
Z
193