Dr ivi ng an d parki ng, Towing a trailer – Mercedes-Benz GLK-Class 2013 Owners Manual User Manual
Page 211

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
To reduce the risk of damage to the ball
coupling, remove it from the ball coupling
recess when not in use.
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 349).
You will find installation dimensions and loads
in the "Technical data" section
(
Y
page 374).
Missing values for the maximum noseweight
of the trailer drawbar on the ball coupling
were unavailable at the time of going to print.
However, the actual noseweight must not
exceed the value given on the identification
plates of the trailer tow hitch and trailer. The
lowest weight applies.
Please note that when towing a trailer,
PARKTRONIC (
Y
page 180) is 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 notes on ESP
®
trailer
stabilization (
Y
page 69).
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. Refer to the
"Technical data" section to find out whether
this applies to your vehicle.
If you utilize any of the added maximum rear
axle load when towing a trailer, the vehicle/
trailer combination may not exceed a
maximum speed of 60 mph (100 km/h) for
reasons concerning the operating permit.
This also applies in countries in which the
permissible maximum speed for vehicle/
trailer combinations is above 60 mph
(100 km/h).
When towing a trailer, your vehicle's handling
characteristics will be different in comparison
with when driving without a trailer.
On long and steep downhill gradients, you
must select shift range 1, 2 or 3 in good time.
Towing a trailer
209
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