Driving and parking, Towing a trailer – Mercedes-Benz G-Class 2013 Owners Manual User Manual

Page 206

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G

WARNING

When the vehicle/trailer combination begins
to lurch, you could lose control of it. The
vehicle/trailer combination could even
rollover. There is a risk of an accident.
On no account should you attempt to
straighten up the vehicle/trailer combination
by increasing the speed. Reduce vehicle
speed and do not countersteer. Apply the
brake as necessary.

G

WARNING

If you install a ball coupling other than the one
delivered with the vehicle, the trailer tow hitch
and the rear axle may be overloaded. This
applies especially if the ball coupling in
question is longer or angled differently. This
could seriously impair the driving
characteristics and the trailer can come
loose. There is a risk of an accident.
Only install the ball coupling delivered with
the vehicle or a ball coupling that is designed
to meet your trailer towing requirements. Do
not modify the ball coupling or the trailer tow
hitch.

G

WARNING

If the ball coupling is not installed correctly or
not secured with the bolt provided and the
corresponding spring cotter, the trailer may
come loose. There is a risk of an accident.
Always install and secure the ball coupling as
described. Before every journey, ensure that
the ball coupling is secured with the bolt and
the corresponding spring cotter.

Please observe the manufacturer's operating
instructions for the trailer coupling if a
detachable trailer coupling is used.
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
(

Y

page 349).

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:

R

the permissible trailer drawbar noseweight

R

the permissible trailer load

R

the permissible rear axle load of the towing
vehicle

R

the maximum permissible gross vehicle
weight of both the towing vehicle and the
trailer

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 circle

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.

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.

204

Towing a trailer

Driving and parking

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