Mercedes-Benz GL-Class 2014 Owners Manual - Manual (Page 266)

When towing a trailer, your vehicle's handling
characteristics will be different in comparison
with when driving without a trailer.
The vehicle/trailer combination:
R is heavier
R is restricted in its acceleration and
gradient-climbing capability
R has an increased braking distance
R is affected more by strong crosswinds
R demands more sensitive steering
R has a larger turning radius
This could impair the handling
characteristics.
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.
Notes on towing a trailer
General notes
R Do not exceed the legally prescribed
maximum speed for vehicle/trailer
combinations in the relevant country.
This lowers the risk of an accident.
R Only install an approved trailer coupling on
your vehicle.
Further information on availability and on
installation is available from any authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center.
R The bumpers of your vehicle are not
suitable for installing detachable trailer
couplings.
R Do not install hired trailer couplings or
other detachable trailer couplings on the
bumpers of your vehicle.
R If you no longer need the ball coupling,
remove it from the ball coupling recess.
This will reduce the risk of damage to the
ball coupling.
i When towing a trailer, set the tire
pressure on the rear axle of the towing
vehicle for a maximum load; see the tire
pressure table in the fuel filler flap
(
Y
page 425).
Please note that when towing a trailer,
PARKTRONIC (
Y
page 222) and Blind Spot
Assist (
Y
page 243) are only available with
limitations, or not at all.
You will find installing dimensions and loads
under "Technical data" (
Y
page 456).
Driving tips
i Observe the information on ESP ® trailer
stabilization (
Y
page 74) and on pulling
away with a trailer (
Y
page 170).
The maximum permissible speed for vehicle/
trailer combinations depends on the type of
trailer. Before beginning the journey, check
the trailer's documents to see what the
maximum permissible speed is. Observe the
legally prescribed maximum speed in the
relevant country.
For certain Mercedes-Benz vehicles, the
maximum permissible rear axle load is
increased when towing a trailer. See
"Technical data" to find out whether this
applies to your vehicle (
Y
page 457). If you
utilize any of the added maximum rear axle
load when towing a trailer, the vehicle/trailer
combination may not exceed a maximum
speed of 60 mph (100 km/h) for reasons
concerning the operating permit. This also
applies in countries in which the permissible
maximum speed for vehicle/trailer
combinations is above 60 mph (100 km/h).
When towing a trailer, your vehicle's handling
characteristics will be different in comparison
with when driving without a trailer.
Use the left-hand paddle shifter to shift into
a lower gear in good time on long and steep
downhill gradients.
i This also applies if you have activated
cruise control or DISTRONIC PLUS.
This will use the braking effect of the engine,
so that less braking will be required to
maintain the speed. This relieves the load on
264
Towing a trailer
Driving
and
parking