Mercedes-Benz GLC Owner's Manual page 307

Towing a trailer
304
of the added maximum rear axle load when
towing a trailer, the vehicle/trailer combina-
tion may not exceed a maximum speed of
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
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.
Change into a lower gear in good time on long
and steep downhill gradients.
This also applies if cruise control, DISTRONIC
PLUS or SPEEDTRONIC are activated.
This will use the braking effect of the engine,
so less braking will be required to maintain
vehicle 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.
Driving tips
If the trailer swings from side to side:
Do not accelerate.
X
Do not countersteer.
X
Brake if necessary.
X
Maintain a greater distance to the vehicle in
R
front than when driving without a trailer.
Avoid braking abruptly. If possible, brake
R
gently at first to allow the trailer to run on.
Then, increase the braking force rapidly.
The values given for gradient-climbing
R
capabilities from a standstill refer to sea
level. When driving in mountainous areas,
note that the power output of the engine,
and consequently the vehicle's gradient-
climbing capability, decrease with increas-
ing altitude.
Swinging out the ball coupling
G WARNING
If the ball coupling is not engaged, the trailer
may come loose. There is a risk of an accident.
Make sure that the ball coupling is securely
engaged and locked in position.
! Do not attempt to speed the up the swing-
out procedure by applying additional pres-
sure with your foot. The system could oth-
erwise be mechanically damaged.
In order to tow a trailer with your vehicle, you
must swing out the ball coupling using the
switch in the driver's door or in the tailgate.
The trailer power socket is integrated in the
ball coupling and swivels out with it.
Only release the ball coupling when its range
of movement is unobstructed.
Folding out using the switch in the driv-
er's door (all vehicles except plug-in
hybrid vehicles):
Make sure that the vehicle is stationary.
X
Shift the transmission to position P.
X
Switch the ignition on.
X
Pull switch : briefly.
X
After a short time the ball coupling swings
out from under the rear bumper. It can take
up to seven seconds before the ball cou-
pling visibly swings out.
Remove the protective covering from the
X
ball coupling and store it in a safe place.