Dr ivi ng an d parki ng, Towing a trailer – Mercedes-Benz G-Class 2015 User Manual
Page 194

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 gradi-
ent-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 characteris-
tics.
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
R
Do not exceed the legally prescribed max-
imum speed for vehicle/trailer combina-
tions 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 suita-
ble for installing detachable trailer cou-
plings.
R
Do not install hired trailer couplings or
other detachable trailer couplings on the
bumpers of your vehicle.
R
If you do not need the ball coupling, remove
the ball coupling from the ball coupling
recess. This reduces the risk of damage to
the ball coupling.
i
When towing a trailer, set the tire pres-
sure on the rear axle of the towing vehicle
for a maximum load; see the tire pressure
table in the fuel filler flap (
Y
page 310).
You will find installation dimensions and loads
under "Technical data" (
Y
page 346).
The maximum noseweight of the trailer draw-
bar on the ball coupling for up to 3 people is
562 lbs (255 kg). The maximum noseweight
of the trailer drawbar for more than 3 people
and the maximum load for the trunk can be
found in the noseweight table (
Y
page 347).
However, the actual noseweight must not
exceed the value given on the trailer tow hitch
or trailer identification plates. The lowest
weight applies.
Please note that when towing a trailer,
PARKTRONIC (
Y
page 182) and Blind Spot
Assist (
Y
page 178) are only available with
limitations, or not at all.
i
On vehicles without level control, the
height of the ball coupling will alter accord-
ing to the load placed on the vehicle. If nec-
essary, use a trailer with a height-adjusta-
ble drawbar.
Driving tips
X
On long and steep downhill gradients,
select shift range 1, 2 or 3 (
Y
page 145) in
good time.
i
This also applies if you have activated
cruise control or SPEEDTRONIC.
X
If necessary, shift the transfer case to LOW
RANGE (
Y
page 186).
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 the brake system and prevents the
brakes from overheating and wearing too
quickly. If you need additional braking,
depress the brake pedal repeatedly rather
than continuously.
The maximum permissible speed for vehicle/
trailer combinations depends on the type of
trailer. Before beginning the journey, check
192
Towing a trailer
Dr
ivi
ng
an
d
parki
ng