Mercedes-Benz Metris Operator's Manual page 133

Observe the maximum permissible trailer dimen-
sions (width and length).
Most states and all Canadian provinces prescribe:
Safety chains between the towing vehicle and
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the trailer. The chains should be routed in a
criss-cross pattern under the drawbar. They
must be connected to the trailer hitch and not
to the bumper or to the vehicle's axle.
Leave su cient slack in the chains. This also
allows for sharp cornering.
A separate brake system for speci c trailers.
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Safety shuto for braked trailers. Determine
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the speci c requirements according to the rel-
evant laws.
If the trailer becomes detached from the tow-
ing vehicle, the safety shuto will activate the
trailer brakes.
U U ncoupling a tr ncoupling a trailer ailer
& W W ARNING
ARNING Risk of being crushed and
becoming trapped when uncoupling a
trailer
When uncoupling a trailer with an engaged
inertia-activated brake, your hand may become
trapped between the vehicle and the trailer
drawbar.
Do not uncouple trailers with an engaged
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overrun brake.
* N N O O TE TE Damage during uncoupling with an
engaged overrun brake
The vehicle may be damaged if you uncouple
with an engaged overrun brake.
Do not uncouple trailers with an engaged
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overrun brake.
Shi the transmission to position j.
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Apply the vehicle's parking brake.
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Close all the doors.
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Apply the trailer's parking brake.
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Further secure the trailer against rolling away
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with a wheel chock or similar object.
Remove the trailer cables and safety chains.
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Uncouple the trailer.
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Inf Infor ormation about to mation about towing a tr wing a trailer
Operating a trailer is subject to many statutory
regulations such as speed restrictions.
Many states also require an auxiliary separate
functional braking system when towing a weight
that exceeds a certain limit. For your safety, it is
recommended to use a separate functional braking
system on any towed vehicle.
Make sure that your trailer combination meets
local regulations. This not only applies to your
place of residence, but also to your destination.
Information on this can be obtained from the
police and local authorities.
Comply with the following when driving with a
trailer:
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ailer
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Driving and parking 131
Practice cornering, stopping and backing up in
a tra c-free location. In this way, you will gain
driving experience and become accustomed to
the new handling characteristics.
Before driving, check the following:
that the trailer tow hitch and ball coupling
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are secure
that the safety switch for braked trailers is
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functioning correctly
that the safety chains are secure and
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undamaged
that the electrical connections are secure
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that the lights are functioning correctly
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the wheels for damage and correct tire
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pressure ( page 202)
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Adjust the outside mirrors so that you have a
clear view of the rear section of the trailer.
If the trailer is equipped with an individual brak-
ing system, check before each journey whether
the brakes are functioning correctly.
If the trailer has electronically controlled
brakes, pull away carefully with the vehicle/
trailer combination. Brake manually using the
brake controller and check whether the brakes
are functioning correctly.
Secure the load on the trailer in line with the
requirements and rules for load-securing meth-
ods.
When driving with a trailer, check at regular
intervals that the load is secure and that the
lights and brakes are functioning correctly.
Bear in mind that the handling characteristics
are more unstable when towing a trailer than
when driving without a trailer. Avoid sudden
steering movements.
The vehicle/trailer combination is heavier,
accelerates more slowly, has a reduced climb-
ing ability and an increased braking distance. It
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