Mercedes-Benz A Series Owner's Manual page 192

not use a noseweight of less than 50 kg,
otherwise the trailer may come loose.
Bear in mind that the payload and the rear
axle load are reduced by the actual nose-
weight.
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.
Coupling up a trailer
G Risk of injury
Do not connect a trailer with an engaged
overrun brake. Otherwise, your hand could
become trapped between the bumper and
drawbar.
!
Do not disconnect a trailer with an
engaged overrun brake. Otherwise your
vehicle could be damaged by the spring
action of the overrun brake.
Position the trailer level behind the vehicle.
X
Couple up the trailer.
X
Establish the electrical connection
X
between the vehicle and the trailer.
* optional
Driving tips
In Germany, the maximum permitted speed
for vehicle/trailer combinations is 80 km/h.
G Risk of accident
A maximum speed of 80 km/h should not
be exceeded, even in countries where
higher speeds are permitted for vehicle/
trailer combinations. This lowers the risk of
an accident.
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
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 a lower gear in good time, or in
vehicles with AUTOTRONIC*, select shift
range 1, 2 or 3.
Trailer towing*
i
This also applies if you have activated
cruise control* or Speedtronic*.
This will use the braking effect of the engine,
so less braking will be required to maintain
the speed. This relieves the load on the brake
system and prevents the brakes from over-
heating 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,
Operation
Z
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