2002 Mercedes ML-Class Owner's Manual - Page 214

Checking weights of vehicle and trailer To assure that the tow vehicle and trailer are in compliance with the maximum permissible weight limits, and to know the actual weights, have the loaded rig (tow vehicle including driver, passengers and cargo, trailer fully loaded) weighed on a commercial scale. Check the vehicle's front and rear Gross Axle Weight (GAW), the GTW and TW. The values as measured must not be exceeded, according to the weight listed under "Vehicle and trailer weight and ratings". Attaching a trailer Please observe maximum permitted trailer dimensions (width and length). Most states and all Canadian provinces require safety chains between your tow vehicle and the trailer. The chains should be crisscrossed under the trailer tongue. They must be attached to the hitch receiver, and not to the vehicle's bumper or axle. Be sure to leave enough slack in the chains to permit turning corners. Most states and all Canadian provinces require a separate brake system at various trailer weights. Caution! 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. The provided vehicle electrical wiring harness for trailer towing has a brake signal wire (color orange) for hook-up to a brake controller. Most states and all Canadian provinces require a break-away switch on trailers with a separate brake system. The switch activates the trailer brakes in the possible event that the trailer might separate from the tow vehicle. You should consider using a trailer sway control system. For further information see your authorized Mercedes-Benz Light Truck Center. Driving instructions Instruments and controls Operation Driving 211 Instrument cluster display Practical hints Car care Technical data Index