WARNING

When towing a trailer, incorrect equipment and driving style could cause you to lose control of the vehicle.

Towing incorrectly or not observing this Operator's Manual could lead to damage to the vehicle and/or serious injuries. Observe the following guidelines to ensure safe trailer towing.

Contact a Mercedes-Benz Center if you need further explanation of the information contained in this Operator's Manual.

WARNING

When backing up 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:

• the permissible trailer drawbar noseweight
• the permissible trailer load
• the permissible rear axle load of the towing vehicle
• the maximum permissible gross vehicle weight of both the towing vehicle and the trailer

You will find the applicable permissible values, which must not be exceeded, in the vehicle documents.

You will find the values approved by the manufacturer on the vehicle identification plates and those for the towing vehicle in the "Technical data" section.

WARNING

When towing a trailer, your vehicle's handling characteristics will be different in comparison with when driving without a trailer.

The vehicle/trailer combination:

• is heavier
• is restricted in its acceleration and gradient-climbing capability
• has an increased braking distance
• is affected more by strong crosswinds
• demands more sensitive steering
• has a larger turning circle

As a result, the handling characteristics may be impaired and you may lose control of the vehicle. This could lead to an accident with serious or even fatal injuries.

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.

WARNING

Never depress the brake pedal continuously while the vehicle is in motion, e.g. never cause the brakes to rub by applying constant slight pedal pressure. This causes the brake system to overheat, increases the braking distance and can lead to the brakes failing completely.

WARNING

Under no circumstances try to straighten the vehicle/trailer combination by increasing the speed.