2002 Mercedes ML-Class Owner's Manual - Page 215

Instruments and controls Operation Driving Instrument cluster display Practical hints Car care Technical data Index Driving instructions Towing a trailer There are many different laws, including speed limit restrictions, having to do with trailer towing. Make sure that your rig will be legal, not only for where you reside, but also for where you will be driving. A good source for this information can be the police or local authorities. Before you start driving with the trailer, check the trailer hitch, break-away switch, safety chains, electrical connections, lighting and tires. Also adjust the mirrors to permit unobstructed view beyond rear of trailer. If the trailer has electric brakes, start your vehicle and trailer moving slowly, and then apply only the trailer brake controller by hand to be sure the brakes are working properly. When towing a trailer, check occasionally to be sure that the load is secure, and that lighting and trailer brakes (if so equipped) are functioning properly. Always secure items in the trailer to prevent load shifts while driving. 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. 212 The vehicle and trailer combination is heavier, and therefore is limited in acceleration and climbing ability, and requires longer stopping distances. It is more prone to reacting to side wind gusts, and requires more sensitive steering input. In order to gain skill and an understanding of the vehicle's behavior, you should practice turning, stopping and backing up in an area which is free from traffic. 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. Caution! If the trailer should begin to sway, reduce the vehicle's speed and use the brake controller by hand to straighten out the vehicle and trailer. In no case should you attempt to straighten out the tow vehicle and trailer by increasing the speed or oversteering and stepping on the brakes. If the transmission hunts between gears on inclines, manually shift to a lower gear (select "4", "3", "2" or "1"). A lower gear and reduction of speed reduces the chance of engine overloading and/or overheating.