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make sure there is nobody between the trailer
and the vehicle.
A trailer which is incorrectly coupled to the tow-
ing vehicle could break away. A correctly cou-
pled trailer must be positioned horizontally
behind the towing vehicle.
The following values may not be exceeded:
permissible noseweight
R
permissible trailer load
R
permissible rear axle load of the towing vehi-
R
cle
maximum gross vehicle weight of the towing
R
vehicle
maximum gross vehicle weight of the trailer
R
maximum gross vehicle weight of car/trailer
R
combination
maximum permissible speed of the trailer
R
The applicable permissible values that may not
be exceeded can be found:
in your vehicle documents
R
on the identification plate for the trailer tow
R
hitch
on the identification plate for the trailer
R
on the vehicle identification plate
R
(
page 221)
Y
Where the values differ, the lowest is valid.
You will find the values approved by the manu-
facturer on the vehicle identification plates and
those for the towing vehicle in the "Technical
data" section (
page 229).
Y
Make sure of the following before pulling away:
the tyre pressure on the rear axle of the tow-
R
ing vehicle is set to maximum load.
the headlamps are set correctly.
R
When towing a trailer, your vehicle's handling
characteristics will be different in comparison to
when driving without a trailer.
Bear the following in mind:
the car/trailer combination is heavier.
R
the car/trailer combination is restricted in its
R
acceleration and climbing ability.
the car/trailer combination has an increased
R
braking distance.
the car/trailer combination is more suscep-
R
tible to crosswind gusts.
the car/trailer combination requires more
R
sensitive steering.
the car/trailer combination has a larger turn-
R
ing circle.
Trailer tow hitch
This may impair the handling characteristics.
When towing a trailer, always adjust your speed
to suit the road and weather conditions. Drive
carefully. Maintain a safe distance.
!
Use a drawbar noseweight that is as close as
possible to the maximum permissible nose-
weight. Do not fall below a noseweight of
50 kg, otherwise the trailer may come loose.
Observe the following notes:
do not exceed the legally maximum permis-
R
sible speed for car/trailer combinations in
the relevant country. Before beginning the
journey, check the trailer's documents for the
maximum permissible speed of your trailer. In
Germany, the maximum permissible speed is
80 km/h (100 km/h in exceptional cases).
the trailer tow hitch is one of the most impor-
R
tant components on the vehicle with regard to
road safety. Observe the notes on operation,
care and maintenance of the trailer tow hitch
(see the manufacturer's operating instruc-
tions).
vehicles with a detachable trailer coupling:
R
reduce the risk of damage to the ball coupling.
If you do not require the ball coupling, remove
it from the ball coupling recess.
You can obtain information on the installation of
trailer electrics at any qualified specialist work-
shop.
The height of the ball neck changes with the load
of the vehicle. If this is case, use a trailer with a
height-adjustable trailer drawbar.
Installing and removing the ball cou-
pling
G
WARNING
If the ball coupling is not properly engaged, it
could come loose and endanger other road
users. There is a risk of an accident and injury.
Engage the ball coupling as described, making
sure that it is securely attached.
G
WARNING
If the ball coupling is not engaged, the trailer
could become detached. There is a risk of an
accident.
121
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