The carrier system may detach from the vehicle, thereby endangering other road users.
You could lose control of the vehicle/trailer combination.
The vehicle/trailer combination may even overturn.
If you leave your foot on the brake pedal when driving, the brake system may overheat.
This increases the braking distance and the brake system may even fail.
You can find specifications regarding the ball neck on the trailer's identification plate. You can find specifications regarding the trailer on the towing vehicle's identification plate and in the Technical Data More.
You can attach carrier systems such as a bicycle rack or load-bearing implement to the ball neck. When using carrier systems on the ball neck, the maximum load capacity is 75 kg.
If the trailer coupling is detachable, it is essential to comply with the operating instructions of the trailer coupling manufacturer.
Place your vehicle/trailer combination on surfaces that are as even as possible and secure it against rolling away More. Couple and uncouple the trailer carefully.
When reversing the towing vehicle, ensure that there is no-one between the vehicle and the trailer.
If you do not couple the trailer to the towing vehicle correctly, the trailer may become detached. Once it has been coupled and is roadworthy, the trailer must be in a horizontal position behind the towing vehicle.
Make full use of the maximum tongue weight, where possible.
Never fall below a legally prescribed minimum tongue weight; the tongue weight must always be positive.
Do not exceed or fall below the permissible tongue weights – this must be observed during loading and unloading of the trailer.
Permitted braked or unbraked towing capacity
The maximum permissible towing capacity for unbraked trailers is 750 kg.
Permissible rear axle load of the towing vehicle
Permissible gross weight of the towing vehicle
Permissible gross weight of the trailer
Permissible gross combination weight
Maximum permissible speed of the trailer
In your vehicle documents
On the identification plate of the trailer hitch
On the trailer's identification plate
On the vehicle identification plate
If there are discrepancies between the values, the lowest one shall apply.
The tyre pressure on the rear axle of the towing vehicle has been set for the maximum load.
The headlamps have been set correctly.
The vehicle/trailer combination will be heavier.
The vehicle/trailer combination will be restricted in its acceleration and gradeability.
The vehicle/trailer combination will have an increased braking distance.
The vehicle/trailer combination will be more susceptible to crosswind gusts.
The vehicle/trailer combination will require more sensitive steering.
The vehicle/trailer combination will have a larger turning circle.
This may impair the vehicle's driving characteristics.
When driving with a vehicle/trailer combination, always adapt your speed to the current road and weather conditions. Drive carefully. Keep a sufficient safe distance.
Comply with the maximum speed of 80 km/h or 100 km/h, even in countries in which higher speeds are permitted for vehicle/trailer combinations.
Comply with the legally prescribed maximum speed for vehicle/trailer combinations in force in the country in question. Before setting off, consult the trailer's vehicle documents to see the maximum permissible speed for your trailer.
The trailer hitch is one of the most important vehicle parts for road safety. Comply with the instructions on operation, maintenance and servicing in the manufacturer's operating instructions.
Vehicles with a detachable trailer coupling: reduce the risk of damage to the ball neck. If you do not need the ball neck, remove it from the ball neck mount.
During trailer operation, the permissible gross weight is increased by 100 kg for vehicles registered as passenger vehicles. The maximum permissible rear axle load must be observed.
During trailer operation, remember that PARKTRONIC is available only to a limited extent, if at all.
The height of the ball head will change depending on the vehicle's load. In this case, use a trailer with a height-adjustable drawbar.
The maximum permissible speed for vehicle/trailer combinations depends on the type of trailer. Before setting off, consult the trailer's vehicle documents to see the maximum permissible speed for your trailer.
Your vehicle will behave differently with a trailer relative to without a trailer, and will consume more fuel.
On long and steep downhill gradients, you must select a lower gear in good time.
This also applies if the cruise control, limiter or Active Distance Assist DISTRONIC has been switched on.
You will thereby make use of the engine's braking effect and will not have to brake as often to control the speed. This will take some of the strain off the brake system and prevent the brakes from overheating and wearing too quickly. If you need additional braking, depress the brake pedal intermittently rather than continuously.
Observe the notes on ESP® trailer stabilisation More.
Do not accelerate under any circumstances.
Do not countersteer.
If necessary, apply the brakes.
You can reduce the risk of the trailer swaying and rocking by retrofitting stabiliser bars or trailer stability programs. You can obtain further information from a Mercedes-Benz service centre.
Maintain a greater distance than when driving without a trailer.
Avoid braking abruptly. If possible, brake gently first of all so that the trailer closes up behind your vehicle. Then, increase the braking force rapidly.
The values given for start-off gradeability refer to sea level. When driving in mountainous areas, note that engine output, and therefore start-off gradeability, will decrease with increasing altitude.