Mercedes-Benz Metris Operator's Manual page 131

You can nd speci cations regarding the ball neck
on the trailer's identi cation plate. You can nd
speci cations regarding the trailer on the towing
vehicle's identi cation plate and in the Technical
Data ( page 244).
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& W W ARNING
ARNING Risk of accident and injury due
to incorrectly installed ball neck
If the ball neck is not correctly installed and
secured, it may become loose during a journey
and endanger other road users. There is a risk
of fatal injuries.
Install and secure the ball neck as descri-
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bed in the ball neck manufacturer's
installation instructions.
If a ball neck is installed, ensure sure
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that it is properly secured before every
journey.
& W W ARNING
ARNING Risk of accident due to a ball
neck that is not correctly installed or
secured
If the ball neck is not correctly installed and
secured, the trailer may come loose.
Install and secure the ball neck as descri-
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bed in the ball neck manufacturer's
installation instructions.
If a ball neck is installed, ensure sure
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that it is properly secured before every
journey.
* N N O O TE TE Increased risk of damage to prop-
erty due to attached ball neck
When the trailer is not coupled or the
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bicycle rack is attached, fold in the ball
neck.
* N N O O TE TE The operating permit may be invali-
dated due to the illegal installation of
trailer hitches
The installation – including retro tting – of a
non-folding or non-removable trailer hitch that
even partially conceals the license plate or the
lighting system is prohibited.
Observe the applicable legal regulations
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for the installation of trailer hitches.
You can attach carrier systems such as a bicycle
rack or load-bearing implement to the ball neck.
When carrier systems are used on the ball neck,
the maximum load capacity is 165 lbs (75 kg).
Driving and parking 129
If the trailer coupling is detachable, it is essential
to comply with the operating instructions of the
trailer coupling manufacturer.
Be sure to comply with the operating instructions
of the manufacturer of the trailer coupling and the
ball neck.
Place your vehicle/trailer combination on surfaces
that are as even as possible and secure it against
rolling away ( page 106). Couple and uncouple
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the trailer carefully.
Note the following regarding the tongue weight:
Make full use of the maximum tongue weight,
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where possible.
Never fall below a legally prescribed minimum
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tongue weight; the tongue weight must always
be positive.
Do not exceed or fall below the permissible
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tongue weights – observe this when loading
and unloading the trailer.
Do not exceed the following values:
Permissible braked or unbraked towing capa-
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city
The maximum permissible towing capacity for
unbraked trailers is 1,653 lbs (750 kg).
Permissible rear axle load for the towing vehi-
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cle
Permissible gross weight of the towing vehicle
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Permissible gross weight of the trailer
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Permissible gross weight of the combination
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Maximum permissible speed of the trailer
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The relevant permitted values, which must not be
exceeded, are given in the following locations:
In your vehicle documents
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On the identi cation plate for the trailer hitch
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On the trailer's identi cation plate
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On the vehicle identi cation plate
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If there are discrepancies between the values, the
lowest one shall apply.
Before driving o , ensure the following:
The tire pressure on the rear axle of the towing
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vehicle has been set for the maximum load.
The headlamps have been adjusted correctly.
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Values approved by the manufacturer are given on
the identi cation plates and in the section for the
towing vehicle ( page 205).
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129