Mercedes-Benz 2013 GLS Class - Manual (Page 236)

On no account should you attempt to
straighten out the vehicle/trailer combina-
tion by increasing speed. Decrease your
speed and do not countersteer. Brake if nec-
essary.
G WARNING
If you exceed the permissible noseweight
while carrying a load, the carrier system could
detach from the vehicle and fall on the road.
There is a risk of an accident and injury.
Always maintain the permissible noseweight
when carrying loads.
! Depressing the brake pedal constantly
results in excessive and premature wear to
the brake pads.
If you exceed the maximum permissible nose-
weight of the trailer drawbar on the ball cou-
pling, the following may become damaged:
R
your vehicle
R
the trailer
R
the ball coupling
R
trailer tow hitch
The vehicle/trailer combination could
become unstable.
If the noseweight used is lower than the min-
imum permissible noseweight, the vehicle/
trailer combination may also become unsta-
ble.
To avoid hazardous situations:
R
make sure to check the noseweight before
each journey
R
use a drawbar noseweight as close as pos-
sible to the maximum noseweight
R
do not exceed the maximum permissible
noseweight
R
do not use a noseweight lower than the
minimum permissible trailer drawbar nose-
weight
You can use carrier systems, e.g. bicycle
racks or load-bearing implements, on the ball
coupling. The maximum noseweight of
75 kg applies when using carrier systems on
the ball coupling.
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:
R
the permissible trailer drawbar noseweight
R
the permissible trailer load
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
You will find the applicable permissible val-
ues, which must not be exceeded, in the vehi-
cle documents.
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 417).
When towing a trailer, your vehicle's handling
characteristics will be different in comparison
to 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 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-
234
Towing a trailer
Driving and parking