Mercedes-Benz 2013 M Class - Manual (Page 256)

plates and those for the towing vehicle under
"Technical data" (
Y page 455).
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.
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 419).
You will find installation dimensions and loads
in the "Technical data" section
(
Y page 454).
The maximum noseweight of the trailer
drawbar on the ball coupling is
575 lbs(261 kg) for all models (except the
model ML 350 BlueEFFICIENCY).
The maximum noseweight of the trailer
drawbar on the ball coupling is 529 lbs
(240 kg) for the model
ML 350 BlueEFFICIENCY.
The actual noseweight may not be higher than
the value which is given. The value can be
found on the trailer tow hitch or trailer
identification plates. The lowest weight
applies.
Please note that when towing a trailer,
PARKTRONIC (
Y page 213) and Blind Spot
Assist ( Y page 233) are only available with
limitations, or not at all.
i On vehicles without level control, the
height of the ball coupling will alter
according to the load placed on the vehicle.
If necessary, use a trailer with a height-
adjustable drawbar.
Driving tips
i Observe the information on ESP ® trailer
stabilization ( Y page 72) and on pulling
away with a trailer ( Y page 160).
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 455). If you
254
Towing a trailer
Driving and parking