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Driving instructions
284
Axle Weight Rating (GAWR). The GVW and
GAWR are indicated on the certification
label located on the driver’s door B-pillar
(Y page 255).
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Mercedes-Benz recommend loading the
trailer in such a manner that it has a TW
between 8 % and 10 % of the GTW.
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Maximum trailer weight ratings are
calculated assuming the vehicle, plus
driver. The weight of other accessories,
passengers and cargo will reduce the
maximum trailer weight and TW your
vehicle can tow.
Checking weights of vehicle and trailer
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To assure that the towing vehicle and trailer
are in compliance with the maximum
permissible weight limits, have the loaded
rig (towing vehicle including driver,
passengers and cargo, trailer fully loaded)
weighed on a commercial scale.
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Check the vehicle’s front and rear Gross
Axle Weight (GAW), the Gross Trailer
Weight (GTW) and Tongue Weight (TW).
The values as measured must not exceed
the weight limits listed under “Vehicle and
trailer weights and ratings” (Y page 283).
Coupling a trailer
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Warning!
Vehicles with AIRMATIC: While you are
coupling or decoupling a trailer, make sure
nobody locks or unlocks the vehicle and/
or opens or closes doors or the tailgate.
The vehicle’s level could change and you
could endanger yourself and/or others as
a result.
Make sure that you do not operate the ADS
switch or the vehicle level control system
when coupling/decoupling the trailer.
Observe maximum permitted trailer
dimensions (width and length).
Most states and all Canadian provinces
require
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safety chains between the towing vehicle
and the trailer
The chains should be criss-crossed under
the trailer tongue. They must be attached
to the hitch receiver, and not to the
vehicle’s bumper or axle.
Make sure to leave enough slack in the
chains to permit turning corners.
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a separate brake system at various trailer
weights
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a break-away switch on trailers with a
separate brake system.
Check with your local state laws for specific
requirements.
The switch activates the trailer brakes in
the possible event that the trailer might
separate from the tow vehicle.
!
Do not connect a trailer brake system (if
trailer is so equipped) directly to the
vehicle’s hydraulic brake system, as your
vehicle is equipped with antilock brakes. If
you do, neither the vehicle’s brakes nor the
trailer’s brakes will function properly.
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The provided vehicle electrical wiring
harness for trailer towing has a brake signal
wire for hook-up to a brake controller.
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Make sure the automatic transmission is in
park position P (Y page 137).
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Engage the parking brake for the vehicle
(Y page 134).
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Start the engine (Y page 129).
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Vehicles with AIRMATIC:
Operation