Mercedes-Benz G 550 2015 Operator's Manual page 144

Towing a trailer
142
stopping and backing up in a traffic-free
location.
Before driving, check:
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Trailer tow hitch
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Safety switch for braked trailers
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Safety chains
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Electrical connections
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Lights
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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 control-
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led 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 applica-
ble) the trailer brakes are functioning cor-
rectly.
Bear in mind that the handling will be less
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stable when towing a trailer than when driv-
ing 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 dra-
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matically while the air-conditioning system
is switched on, switch off the air-condition-
ing 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 addi-
tional distance beyond the vehicle you are
overtaking before returning to the previous
lane.
Decoupling a trailer
! Do not disconnect a trailer with an
engaged overrun brake. Otherwise, your
vehicle could be damaged by the rebound-
ing of the overrun brake.
Make sure that the automatic transmission
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is set to position P.
Apply the parking brake.
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Start the engine.
X
Close all doors, including the rear door.
X
Apply the trailer's parking brake.
X
Detach the trailer cable and decouple the
X
trailer.
Switch off the engine.
X
Permissible trailer and drawbar loads
Weight specifications
The gross trailer weight is calculated by add-
ing the weight of the trailer to the weight of