Owner`s manual

240 Driving and operation
Caravans/trailers with LED turn signals
must have a provision that makes it
possible to monitor standard light bulbs.
Turn signal control indicator - see
page 116.
Parking distance sensor 3 is deactivated
when towing.
Handling is greatly influenced by the
loading of the trailer/caravan. Loads
should therefore be secured so that they
cannot slip and be placed in the centre of
the trailer/caravan if possible, i.e. above
the axle.
In the case of trailers with low driving
stability or caravans with a permitted
gross vehicle weight of over 1300 kg
(Hatch)/1200 kg (Estate), do not exceed a
speed of 50 mph (80 km/h); the use of a
friction-type stabiliser is highly
recommended.
Do not drive faster than 50 mph (80 km/h)
if possible, even in countries where higher
speeds are permitted.
Make sure that you have enough room
when cornering and avoid sudden
manoeuvres.
If the trailer/caravan starts to sway, drive
more slowly, do not attempt to correct the
steering and brake sharply if necessary.
If it is necessary to apply the brakes fully,
depress the brake pedal as hard as
possible.
Remember that the braking distance for
vehicles towing caravans/trailers with and
without brake is always greater than that
for vehicles not towing a caravan/trailer.
When driving downhill, the brakes are
under considerably more load when towing
a caravan/trailer. For this reason, drive in
the same gear as if driving uphill and drive
at a similar speed.
Automatic transmission 3 or Easytronic 3
in automatic mode will automatically
select the driving programme with the
optimum engine braking effect.
The gears can be selected manually if
required.
The cooling fan is electrically operated. Its
cooling power is therefore independent of
the engine speed.
Since a considerable amount of heat is
generated at high engine speeds and less
at slower speeds, do not shift down when
climbing hills whilst the vehicle is still coping
with the gradient in the higher gear.
Starting on inclines
For vehicles with manual transmission,
the most favourable engine speed when
starting off on an incline is between 2500
and 3000 rpm for petrol engines and
between 2000 and 2200 rpm for diesel
engines. Hold engine speed constant,
engage clutch gradually (let slip), release
handbrake and open throttle. If possible,
the engine speed should not drop during
this procedure.
In vehicles with automatic transmission 3
and Easytronic 3 it is sufficient to apply full
throttle in D or 3 in automatic mode.
Before starting off under extreme
conditions (high combination weight,
mountainous terrain with steep inclines),
switch off all unnecessary electrical loads
(e.g. heated rear window, air conditioning
system 3, heated front seats 3).