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practice turning, stopping and backing up
in an area which is free of traffic.
R
Before you start driving check the
-
trailer hitch
-
break-away switch
-
safety chains
-
electrical connections
-
lighting
-
tires
R
Adjust the mirrors (Y page 94) to permit
unobstructed view beyond rear of trailer.
R
If the trailer has electric brakes, start your
vehicle and trailer moving slowly, and then
apply only the trailer brake controller by
hand to make sure the brakes are working
properly.
R
Always secure items in the trailer to
prevent load shifts while driving.
R
When towing a trailer, check occasionally
to make sure the load is secure, and that
trailer lighting and brakes (if so equipped)
are functioning properly.
R
Take into consideration that when towing a
trailer, the handling characteristics are
different and less stable from those when
operating the vehicle without a trailer.
It is important to avoid sudden maneuvers.
R
The vehicle and trailer combination is
heavier, and therefore limited in
acceleration and climbing ability, and has a
larger braking distance.
It is more prone to reacting to cross wind
gusts, and requires more sensitive steering
input.
R
If possible, do not brake abruptly, but
rather engage the brake slightly at first to
permit the trailer to activate its brake. Then
increase the braking force.
!
If the trailer should begin to sway, reduce
the vehicle’s speed immediately.
Do not attempt to straighten out the tow
vehicle and trailer by increasing the speed.
R
If the transmission shifts between gears on
inclines repeatedly, shift to a lower gear
range manually (Y page 118). Select 4, 3,
2 or 1.
A lower gear and reduction of speed
reduces the chance of engine overloading
and/or overheating.
R
On very steep inclines, not manageable
with automatic transmission in gear range
1, switch on off-road driving program
(Y page 158) or LOW RANGE mode
(Y page 120).
R
When going down an incline, shift into a
lower gear and use the engine’s braking
effect.
Avoid riding the brakes, thus overheating
the vehicle and trailer brakes (if so
equipped).
R
If the engine coolant rises to an extremely
high temperature when the air conditioning
is on, turn off the air conditioning system.
Engine coolant heat can be additionally
vented by opening the windows, switching
the climate control fan speed to high and
setting the temperature control to the
maximum.
R
During a passing maneuver extreme care
must be exercised since your vehicle with
a trailer will require additional passing
distance ahead than when driving without
a trailer.
Because your vehicle and trailer is longer
than your vehicle alone, you will also need
to go much farther ahead of the passed
vehicle before you can return to your lane.
Decoupling a trailer
G
Warning!
While you are coupling or decoupling a trailer,
make sure nobody locks or unlocks the
Driving instructions
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Operation
X164_AKB; 5; 31, en-US
d2ureepe, Version: 2.11.8.1
2009-09-11T12:30:16+02:00 - Seite 271
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