Mercedes-Benz B-Class 2011 Owner's Manual page 185

Towing a trailer
182
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.
G WARNING
Never depress the brake pedal continuously
while the vehicle is in motion, e.g. never cause
the brakes to rub by applying constant slight
pedal pressure. This causes the brake system
to overheat, increases the braking distance
and can lead to the brakes failing completely.
G
WARNING
On no account should you attempt to draw the
vehicle/trailer combination out by increasing
speed.
G
WARNING
If you exceed the maximum noseweight when
using a carrier system on the ball coupling:
the carrier system may be thrown around.
R
the ball coupling and the carrier system
R
may become detached from the vehicle.
As a result, you may injure others or cause an
accident.
Do not exceed the maximum noseweight.
When driving with a loaded carrier system,
always adjust your driving style to the prevail-
ing road, traffic and weather conditions and
drive particularly carefully.
You can use carrier systems, e.g. bicycle
racks or load-bearing implements, on the ball
coupling. The maximum noseweight of 75kg
applies when using carrier systems on the ball
coupling.
General notes
! Use a drawbar noseweight as close as
possible to the maximum permissible nose-
weight. Do not use a noseweight of less
than 50kg, otherwise the trailer may come
loose.
Note that the payload and the rear axle load
are reduced by the actual payload.
When towing a trailer, set the tyre pressure
X
on the rear axle of the towing vehicle for a
maximum load; see the tyre pressure table
in the fuel filler flap (
You will find installation dimensions and loads
in the "Technical data" section
( page 318).
Y
The maximum noseweight of the trailer draw-
bar on the ball coupling is 75 kg. The actual
noseweight may however not be higher than
the value which is given on the trailer tow
hitch or trailer identification plates. The low-
est weight applies.
Please note that when towing a trailer, PARK-
TRONIC ( page 163) and Blind Spot Assist
Y
( page 177) are only available with limita-
Y
tions, or not at all.
i
The height of the ball coupling changes
with the load of the vehicle. If necessary,
use a trailer with a height-adjustable draw-
bar.
Driving tips
i
Observe the notes on ESP
lisation ( page 67).
Y
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 permitted speed is. Observe the legally
prescribed maximum speed in the relevant
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 utilise any of the added
maximum rear axle load when towing a trailer,
the vehicle/trailer combination may not
exceed a maximum speed of 100 km/h for
reasons concerning the operating permit.
This also applies in countries in which the
page 295).
Y
®
trailer stabi-