Owners Manual

Notes on the permissible dimensions and
weights can also be found on the
identification plate of the trailer tow hitch.
Any qualified specialist workshop will be
happy to advise you.
Coupling up a trailer
Observe the maximum permissible trailer
dimensions (width and length).
Most federal states and all Canadian
provinces require by law:
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the use of safety chains between the
towing vehicle and the trailer. The chains
should be cross-wound under the trailer
drawbar. They must be connected to the
trailer tow hitch. They may not be
connected to the bumper or the axle of the
vehicle.
Leave enough slack in the chains. This
allows you to drive round tight corners.
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a separate brake system for certain
trailers.
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a safety switch for braked trailers. Find out
the specific requirements according to the
applicable laws.
If the trailer detaches from the towing
vehicle, the safety switch applies the
trailer's brakes.
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The vehicle's wiring harness has an
electric cable to the brake light indicator
lamp.
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Make sure the selector lever of the
automatic transmission is in position P.
X
Apply the parking brake of the vehicle.
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Close all doors.
X
Couple the trailer.
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Establish all electrical connections.
Towing a trailer
There are numerous legal requirements
concerning the towing of a trailer, e.g. speed
restrictions. Make sure your vehicle/trailer
combination complies with local laws. This
not only means where you live, but also
anywhere you are driving to. Information is
available from the police and local
authorities.
Please observe the following when towing a
trailer:
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Practice driving around bends, stopping
and reversing at a place where there is no
traffic. This enables you to gain experience
and get used to the new handling
characteristics.
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Before driving, check:
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that the trailer tow hitch and ball
coupling are secure
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that the safety switch for a braked trailer
is functioning properly
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that the safety chains are secure and not
damaged
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that the electrical connections are
secure
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that the lights are working
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that the wheels are in good order and the
tire pressure is correct
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Adjust the exterior mirrors so that you have
an unobstructed view of the rear of the
trailer.
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If the trailer has electronically controlled
brakes, pull the vehicle/trailer
combination away carefully and brake
manually using the brake controller. Check
whether the brakes are working.
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Secure the load on the trailer according to
the applicable specifications and current
standards on securing loads (Y page 147).
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When driving with a trailer, check at regular
intervals that the load is secured and that
the brakes and lights are working.
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Bear in mind that the handling will be less
stable when towing a trailer than when
driving without one. Avoid sudden steering
movements.
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The vehicle/trailer combination is heavier,
accelerates more slowly and has a
Towing a trailer
153
Operation
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