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Operation
Driving with a trailer
Driving with a trailer
The following changes in handling
characteristics can be observed when
driving with a trailer attached:
acceleration and gradient-climbing
capability are reduced
braking distance is increased
sensitivity to crosswinds is increased
directional stability is adversely af-
fected
fuel consumption is increased
Avoid driving a vehicle/trailer combina-
tion faster than 80 km/h, even in coun-
tries where higher speeds are permitted.
Maintain a greater distance from the
vehicle in front than you would when
driving without a trailer.
Avoid sudden braking where possible.
Brake gently at first to allow the trail-
er to run on and quickly increase your
braking force.
30
TRAVEGO / TRAVEGO M / TRAVEGO L (Euro VI)/07.2014 GB
If the trailer begins to swing from side to
side:
release the accelerator pedal
do not countersteer
brake if necessary
do not attempt to draw the vehicle/
trailer combination out by accelerat-
ing
The gradient-climbing capabilities from a
standstill refer to sea level. When driv-
ing in mountainous areas, you should
bear in mind that the power output of
the engine and thus its gradient-climb-
ing capability decrease with increasing
altitude.
On long and steep downhill gradients,
select a lower gear/shift range in good
time. This makes use of the braking ef-
fect of the engine, reducing the amount
of braking effort required to maintain a
safe speed. The load on the brake sys-
tem is therefore reduced, which helps to
prevent the brakes from overheating and
wearing too rapidly. If additional brak-
ing effort is required, do not depress the
brake pedal with one continuous press,
but operate it at intervals.
Danger.
While the vehicle is in motion, never keep
the brake pedal continuously depressed,
e.g. avoid allowing the brakes to slip as a
consequence of you resting your foot on
the pedal. This causes the brake system
to overheat, increases the braking dis-
tance and may result in a complete loss
of braking effect.
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