poses only. The correct values for your spe-
cific model, which ma
y be lower than these
figures, are given in the vehicle registration
documents. All data in the ocial vehicle
documents take precedence over these da-
ta.
The maximum permissible drawbar load
should always be utilised. The response of
the trailer on the road will be poor if the
drawbar load is too small.
The drawbar load increases the weight on
the rear axle and reduces the maximum
load level as a result.
Gross combination weight rating
The combination weight is made up of the
actual weight of the loaded towing vehicle
and of the loaded trailer → page 432.
In some countries, trailers are divided into
dierent classes. We recommend that you
contact a qualified workshop to find out
about suitable trailers.
Tyre pressure
Follow the trailer manufacturer's recom-
mendations concerning the tyre pressure
for the trailer tyres.
1. When towing a trailer, inflate the tyres
on the towing vehicle with the maxi-
mum permitted tyre pressure
→ page 350.
WARNING
Loads that may slide can severely impair
stability and driving sa
fety, which can
cause accidents and severe injuries.
·
Always load trailers properly.
·
Always secure loads using suitable and
undamaged lashing and securing
straps.
WARNING
Accidents and serious injuries can occur if
you exc
eed the vehicle's maximum per-
mitted gross axle weight rating, drawbar
load, gross vehicle weight rating or gross
combination weight rating.
·
Never exceed the specified values
→ page 432.
Driving with a trailer
Please refer to and at the start
of the chapt
er on page 283.
Headlamp adjustment
Towing a trailer can raise the front end of
the vehicle enough for the low beam to
blind other road users. Use the headlamp
range control to lower the light cone as re-
quired. If you do not have headlamp range
control, the headlamps should be adjusted
by a qualified workshop.
Things to note when driving with a trail-
er
— If the trailer has an overrun brake, apply
the brakes gently at first and then firmly.
This will prevent the jerking that can be
caused by the trailer wheels locking.
— The combination weight causes the
braking distance to increase.
— Select a low gear before driving down
a slope. This enables you to use the en-
gine braking eect to slow down the ve-
hicle. The brake system could otherwise
overheat and fail.
— The vehicle’s centre of gravity and in turn
the vehicle’s handling will change be-
cause of the trailer load and the in-
creased gross weight of the vehicle and
trailer.
— The weight distribution of a loaded trailer
with an unladen towing vehicle is very
unfavourable. When driving in this situa-
tion, drive particularly carefully and slow-
ly.
Pulling o on slopes when towing
a trailer
Depending on the steepness of the slope
and the total weight of the trailer and vehi-
cle, a vehicle towing a trailer could roll back
a short distance when moving o on a hill.
When towing a trailer, pull o on slopes as
follows:
1. Depress and hold the brake pedal.
2. Press the
button once to switch o
the elec
tric parking brake → page 195.
3. In vehicles with a manual gearbox: fully
depress the clutch pedal.
Trailer towing
287
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