Permissible trailer loads and drawbar loads, Removing the ball coupling, Driving and parking – Mercedes-Benz 2013 M Class User Manual

Page 261: Towing a trailer

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X

Detach the trailer cable and decouple the
trailer.

X

Switch off the engine.

Permissible trailer loads and drawbar

loads

Weight specifications

Maximum permissible gross vehicle

weight rating
The gross trailer weight is calculated by
adding the weight of the trailer to the weight
of the load and equipment on the trailer.
Permissible gross weight (all models except
the ML 350 BlueEFFICIENCY): 7,198 lbs
(3,265 kg).
Permissible gross weight
(ML 350 BlueEFFICIENCY): 6,613 lbs
(3,000 kg).

Permissible noseweight
The maximum permissible trailer drawbar
noseweight is the maximum weight with
which the trailer drawbar can be loaded.
All models (except the
ML 350 BlueEFFICIENCY: 575 lbs (261 kg).
ML 350 BlueEFFICIENCY: 529 lbs (240 kg).
Limit for Mercedes-Benz-approved trailer
couplings.

Loading a trailer

R

When loading the trailer, make sure that
neither the permissible gross weight of the
trailer nor the gross vehicle weight is
exceeded. The permissible gross vehicle
weight is indicated on the identification
plate on the B-pillar on the driver's side of
the vehicle.
You can find the maximum permissible
values on the type plates of your vehicle
and the trailer. When calculating how much
weight the vehicle and trailer may carry,

pay attention to the respective lowest
values.

R

The trailer drawbar load on the ball coupling
must be added to the rear axle load to avoid
exceeding the permissible gross axle
weight. The permissible gross vehicle
weight is indicated on the identification
plate on the B-pillar on the driver's side of
the vehicle.

i

Mercedes-Benz recommends a trailer

load where the trailer drawbar noseweight
accounts for 8% to 15% of the trailer's
permissible gross weight.

i

The weight of additional accessories,

passengers, and cargo reduces the
permissible trailer load and drawbar load
for your vehicle.

Checking the vehicle and trailer weight

R

To check that the weights of the towing
vehicle and the trailer comply with the
maximum permissible values, have the
vehicle/trailer combination (including the
driver, passengers, and cargo with a fully
laden trailer) weighed on a calibrated
weighbridge.

R

Check the gross axle weight rating of the
front and rear axles, the gross weight of the
trailer and trailer drawbar load.

Removing the ball coupling

X

Remove the spring cotter.

X

Remove the bolt from the ball coupling
recess.

X

Remove the ball coupling from the ball
coupling recess.

X

Clean the ball coupling if it is dirty.

Information on cleaning and care of the trailer
tow hitch can be found at (

Y

page 374).

Towing a trailer

259

Driving and parking

Z

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