Mercedes-Benz 2012 A Class - Manual (Page 204)

trailer combination could also become unsta-
ble.
To avoid hazardous situations:
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make sure to check the noseweight before
each journey.
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use a drawbar noseweight as close as pos-
sible to the maximum noseweight.
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do not exceed the maximum permissible
noseweight.
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do not use a noseweight lower than the
minimum permissible trailer drawbar nose-
weight.
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 permissible trailer drawbar noseweight
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the permissible trailer load
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the permissible 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
The applicable permissible values, which
must not be exceeded, can be found:
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in your vehicle documents
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on the identification plates of the trailer tow
hitch and the trailer
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on the vehicle identification plate
If the values differ, the lowest value applies.
You will find the values approved by the man-
ufacturer on the vehicle identification plates
and those for the towing vehicle under "Tech-
nical data" (
Y page 349).
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 gradi-
ent-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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has a larger turning circle
This can impair the vehicle's handling char-
acteristics. Adapt your style of driving accord-
ingly. Maintain a safe distance. Drive care-
fully.
When towing a trailer, always adjust your
speed to the current road and weather con-
ditions. Do not exceed the maximum permis-
sible speed for your vehicle/trailer combina-
tion.
General notes
X When towing a trailer, set the tyre pressure
on the rear axle of the towing vehicle for a
maximum load; see the tyre pressure table
in the fuel filler flap (
Y page 321).
Please note that when towing a trailer, PARK-
TRONIC (
Y page 182) and Blind Spot Assist
( Y page 197) availability is limited or not avail-
able at all.
i The height of the ball coupling changes
with the load of the vehicle. If necessary,
use a trailer with a height-adjustable draw-
bar.
You will find fitting dimensions and loads
under "Technical data" (
Y page 348).
Driving tips
i Observe the notes on ESP ® trailer stabi-
lisation ( Y page 68).
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 max-
imum permitted speed is. Observe the legally
202
Towing a trailer
Driving and parking