Mercedes-Benz G 550 2015 Operator's Manual page 140

Towing a trailer
138
Make sure that the following values are not
exceeded:
the permissible trailer drawbar noseweight
R
the permissible trailer load
R
the permissible rear axle load of the towing
R
vehicle
the maximum permissible gross vehicle
R
weight of both the towing vehicle and the
trailer
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
R
is restricted in its acceleration and gradi-
R
ent-climbing capability
has an increased braking distance
R
is affected more by strong crosswinds
R
demands more sensitive steering
R
has a larger turning radius
R
This could impair the handling characteris-
tics. Adapt your driving style accordingly.
Maintain a safe distance. Drive carefully.
When towing a trailer, always adjust your
speed to the current road and weather con-
ditions. Do not exceed the maximum permis-
sible speed for your vehicle/trailer combina-
tion.
You will find the values approved by the man-
ufacturer on the vehicle identification plates
and those for the towing vehicle in the "Tech-
nical data" section (
Driving tips
On long and steep downhill gradients,
X
select shift range 1, 2 or 3 (
good time.
This also applies if you have activated
i
cruise control or SPEEDTRONIC.
If necessary, shift the transfer case to LOW
X
RANGE (
page 132).
Y
This will use the braking effect of the
engine, so that less braking will be required
page 268).
Y
page 107) in
Y
to maintain the speed. This relieves the
load on the brake system and prevents the
brakes from overheating and wearing too
quickly. If you need additional braking,
depress the brake pedal repeatedly rather
than continuously.
The maximum permissible speed for vehicle/
trailer combinations depends on the type of
trailer. Before beginning the journey, check
the trailer's documents to see what the max-
imum permissible speed is. Observe the
legally prescribed maximum speed in the rel-
evant country.
For certain Mercedes-Benz vehicles, the max-
imum permissible rear axle load is increased
when towing a trailer. Refer to the "Technical
data" section to find out whether this applies
to your vehicle. If you utilize any of the added
maximum rear axle load when towing a trailer,
the vehicle/trailer combination may not
exceed a maximum speed of 60 mph
(100 km/h) for reasons concerning the oper-
ating permit. This also applies in countries in
which the permissible maximum speed for
vehicle/trailer combinations is above 60 mph
(100 km/h).
When towing a trailer, your vehicle's handling
characteristics will be different in comparison
to when driving without a trailer and it will
consume more fuel.
On long and steep downhill gradients, you
must select shift range 1, 2 or 3 in good time.
This also applies if you have activated
i
cruise control or DISTRONIC PLUS.
This will use the braking effect of the engine,
so that less braking will be required to main-
tain the speed. This relieves the load on the
brake system and prevents the brakes from
overheating and wearing too quickly. If you
need additional braking, depress the brake
pedal repeatedly rather than continuously.