Mercedes-Benz R-Class Owner's Manual page 243

Operation
Trailer towing*
Bear in mind that the payload and the rear
axle load are reduced by the actual nose-
weight.
i
On vehicles without level control, the
height of the ball coupling will alter accord-
ing to the load placed on the vehicle. In this
case, you should use a trailer with a height-
adjustable drawbar.
Driving tips
i
®
Observe the notes on ESP
lisation ( page 60).
Y
In Germany, the maximum permitted speed
for vehicle/trailer combinations is 80 km/h.
!
A maximum speed of 80 km/h should not
be exceeded, even in countries where
higher speeds are permitted for vehicle/
trailer combinations.
When towing a trailer, your vehicle's handling
characteristics will be different in comparison
to 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
240
is affected more by strong crosswinds
R
demands more sensitive steering
R
consumes more fuel
R
On long and steep downhill gradients you
must select the shift range 1, 2 or 3 in good
time.
i
This also applies if you have activated
cruise control, Distronic* or Speedtronic.
This uses the braking effect of the engine and
you will not have to brake to such an extent
trailer stabi-
to maintain the same 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.
G Risk of accident
Never depress the brake pedal continu-
ously 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.
Driving tips
Maintain a greater distance from the vehi-
R
cle in 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.
If the trailer swings from side to side:
Do not accelerate.
X
Do not counter-steer.
X
Brake if necessary.
X
G Risk of accident
On no account should you attempt to draw
the vehicle/trailer combination out by
increasing speed.
* optional