Trailer towing*
Notes on towing a trailer
 | Risk of accident |
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When reversing 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:
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The permitted
trailer drawbar noseweight
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The permitted
trailer load
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The permitted rear
axle load of the towing vehicle
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The maximum
permissible gross vehicle 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.
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You will find installation dimensions and loads in the "Technical
data" section
more.
The maximum
permissible trailer drawbar noseweight on the ball coupling is 75 kg.
However, the actual noseweight must not exceed the value given on the trailer
coupling and trailer identification plates. The lowest weight applies.
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Use a noseweight as close as possible to the maximum permissible noseweight. Do not use a noseweight of less than 50 kg, otherwise the trailer may come loose.
Bear in mind that the payload and the rear axle load are reduced by the actual noseweight.
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The height of the
ball coupling changes with the load of the vehicle. If necessary, use a trailer
with a height-adjustable drawbar.
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Coupling up a trailer
| Risk of injury |
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Do not connect a trailer with an engaged overrun brake. Otherwise, your hand could become trapped between the bumper and drawbar.
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Do not uncouple a trailer with overrun brake between the bumper and drawbar, otherwise your vehicle could be damaged by the spring action of the overrun brake.
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Position the
trailer level behind the vehicle.
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Couple up the
trailer.
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Establish the
electrical connection between the vehicle and the
trailer.
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Driving
tips
In Germany, the
maximum permitted speed for vehicle/trailer combinations is
80 km/h.
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A maximum speed of
80 km/h should not be exceeded, even in countries where higher speeds are permitted for vehicle/trailer combinations.
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When towing a
trailer, your vehicle's handling characteristics will be different in
comparison to when driving without a trailer.
The vehicle/trailer
combination:
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is heavier
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is restricted in
its acceleration and gradient-climbing capability
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has an increased
braking distance
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is affected more by
strong crosswinds
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demands more
sensitive steering
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consumes more
fuel
On long and steep downhill
gradients you must select a lower gear in good time, or in vehicles with
automatic transmission*,
select shift range 1, 2 or 3.
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This also applies
if you have activated cruise control, Distronic* or Speedtronic.
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This uses the
braking effect of the engine and you will not have to brake to such an extent
to maintain the same speed. This relieves the load on the brake system and
prevents the brakes from overheating and wearing too quickly. If you need
additional braking, depress the brake pedal repeatedly rather than
continuously.
| Risk of accident |
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Never depress the brake pedal continuously while the vehicle is in motion, e.g. never cause the brakes to rub by applying constant slight pedal pressure. This causes the brake system to overheat, increases the braking distance and can lead to the brakes failing completely.
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Driving
tips
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Maintain a greater
distance from the vehicle in front than when driving without a
trailer.
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Avoid braking
abruptly. If possible, brake gently at first to allow the trailer to run on.
Then increase the braking force rapidly.
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The values given
for gradient-climbing capabilities from a standstill refer to sea level. When
driving in mountainous areas, note that the power output of the engine, and
consequently the vehicle's gradient-climbing capability, decrease with
increasing altitude.
If the trailer
swings from side to side:
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Do not
accelerate.
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Do not
counter-steer.
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Brake if
necessary.
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| Risk of accident |
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On no account should you attempt to draw the vehicle/trailer combination out by increasing speed.
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Removing the ball coupling
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Fold up the socket.
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Pull the protective cap off the lock in the handwheel.
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Use the key to unlock the lock in the handwheel.
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Hold the ball coupling. Pull the handwheel away from the ball coupling and turn it clockwise until it engages.
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The red area on the handwheel is aligned with the white dot on the ball coupling.
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Pull out the ball coupling downwards.
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Clean the ball coupling if it is dirty.
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Press the protective cap into the ball coupling recess until it engages.
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Make sure that the protective cap is firmly seated.
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Storing the ball coupling
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Place the ball coupling with its key inserted in the ball coupling stowage well in the stowage well under the boot floor.
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| Risk of accident |
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Do not carry the ball coupling in the vehicle interior if it is not secured.
Otherwise, you and others could be injured by the ball coupling being thrown around if you:
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Information on cleaning and care of the trailer coupling can be found at more.
Trailer power supply
The trailer socket of your vehicle is equipped at the factory with a permanent power supply.
The permanent power supply is supplied via trailer socket pin 9.
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You can connect accessories with a maximum power consumption of 240 W to the permanent power supply.
You must not charge a trailer battery using the power supply.
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You can obtain further information about installing the trailer electrics from a qualified specialist workshop, e.g. a Mercedes-Benz Service Centre.
