Operation Manual

Loading a trailer
R
When
loading a trailer, you should observe
that neither the permissible GTW, nor the
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) are
exceeded. The GVWR is indicated on the
certification label located on the driver’s
door B-pillar (Y page 236).
Maximum permissible values are listed on
the safety compliance certification labels
for the vehicle and for the trailer to be
towed.
The lowest value listed must be selected
when determining how the vehicle and
trailer are loaded.
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The tongue weight at the hitch ball must be
added to the rear axle weight to prevent
exceeding the rear Gross Axle Weight
Rating (GAWR). The GAWR is indicated on
the certification label located on the
driver’s door B-pillar (Y page 236).
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Mercedes-Benz recommends loading the
trailer in such a manner that it has a tongue
weight between 8 % and 10 % of the GTW.
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The weight of other accessories,
passengers and cargo will reduce the
maximum trailer weight and tongue weight
your vehicle can tow.
Checking weights of vehicle and trailer
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To assure that the towing vehicle and trailer
are in compliance with the maximum
permissible weight limits, have the loaded
rig (towing vehicle including driver,
passengers and cargo, trailer fully loaded)
weighed on a commercial scale.
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Check the vehicle’s front and rear gross
axle weight, the Gross Trailer Weight (GTW)
and tongue weight.
The values as measured must not exceed
the weight limits listed under “Vehicle and
trailer weights and ratings” (Y page 256).
Coupling a trailer
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Warning!
Vehicles with AIRMATIC: While you are
coupling or decoupling a trailer, make sure
nobody locks or unlocks the vehicle and/or
opens or closes doors or the tailgate.
The vehicle’s level could change and you
could endanger yourself and/or others as a
result.
Make sure that you do not operate the ADS
switch or the vehicle level control system
when coupling/decoupling the trailer.
Observe maximum permitted trailer
dimensions (width and length).
Most states and all Canadian provinces
require
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safety chains between the towing vehicle
and the trailer
The chains should be criss-crossed under
the trailer tongue. They must be attached
to the hitch receiver, and not to the
vehicle’s bumper or axle.
Make sure to leave enough slack in the
chains to permit turning corners.
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a separate brake system at various trailer
weights
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a break-away switch on trailers with a
separate brake system.
Check
with your local state laws for specific
requirements.
The switch activates the trailer brakes in
the possible event that the trailer might
separate from the tow vehicle.
!
Do not connect a trailer brake system (if
trailer is so equipped) directly to the
vehicle’s hydraulic brake system, as your
vehicle is equipped with antilock brakes. If
you do, neither the vehicle’s brakes nor the
trailer’s brakes will function properly.
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The provided vehicle electrical wiring
harness for trailer towing has a brake signal
wire for hook-up to a brake controller.
Driving instructions
257
Operation
251_AKB; 4; 52, en-US
d2ureepe, Version: 2.11.8.1
2009-03-23T09:22:52+01:00 - Seite 257
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