Trailer Towing - Mercedes-Benz GLK Operator's Manual

Information in the COMAND display (example)
Guide lines ; and = show the approximate
distance to the rear area. Yellow guide
line ; indicates a distance of approximately
3 ft (1 m) and red guide line = indicates a
distance of approximately 10 in (0.25 m). The
distances only apply to objects that are at
ground level. Blue guide lines : depict the
width required for the vehicle. They are used
to align the vehicle with the edge of the road,
e.g. the curb.

Trailer towing

Notes on towing a trailer
Important safety notes
G
WARNING
When towing a trailer, incorrect equipment
and driving style could cause you to lose
control of the vehicle.
Towing incorrectly or not observing this
Operator's Manual could lead to damage to
the vehicle and/or serious injuries. Observe
the following guidelines to ensure safe trailer
towing.
Contact a Mercedes-Benz Center if you need
further explanation of the information
contained in this Operator's Manual.
G
WARNING
When backing up the vehicle towards the
trailer, make sure there is nobody between
the trailer and the vehicle.
Couple and uncouple the trailer carefully. If
you do not couple the trailer to the towing
vehicle correctly, the trailer could become
detached.
Make sure that the following values are not
exceeded:
the permissible trailer drawbar noseweight
R
the permissible trailer load
R
the permissible rear axle load of the towing
R
vehicle
the maximum permissible gross vehicle
R
weight of both the towing vehicle and the
trailer
You will find the applicable permissible
values, which must not be exceeded, in the
vehicle documents.
You will find the values approved by the
manufacturer on the vehicle identification
plates and those for the towing vehicle in the
"Technical data" section.
G
WARNING
When towing a trailer, your vehicle's handling
characteristics will be different in comparison
with when driving without a trailer.
The vehicle/trailer combination:
is heavier
R
is restricted in its acceleration and
R
gradient-climbing capability
has an increased braking distance
R
is affected more by strong crosswinds
R
demands more sensitive steering
R
has a larger turning circle
R
As a result, the handling characteristics may
be impaired and you may lose control of the
vehicle. This could lead to an accident with
serious or even fatal injuries.
When towing a trailer, always adjust your
speed to the current road and weather
conditions. Do not exceed the maximum
permissible speed for your vehicle/trailer
combination.
I n f o r ma t i o n P r o v i d e d b y :
Trailer towing
Z
159