2003 Mercedes ML-Class Owner's Manual - Page 193

Operation Driving instructions Vehicle and trailer weights and ratings Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) is the maximum permissible vehicle weight: 6614 lbs. (3000 kg). Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW): Comprises weight of vehicle including fuel, tools, spare wheel, installed accessories, passengers, cargo and trailer tongue. It must never exceed the GVWR. Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) is the maximum permissible axle weight: front rear 2976 lbs. 3858 lbs (1350 kg) (1750 kg) Loading a trailer When loading a trailer, you should observe that neither the permissible GTW, nor the GVWR are exceeded. Maximum permissible values are listed on the safety compliance certification labels for the vehicle and for the trailer to be towed. The lowest value listed must be selected when determining how the vehicle and trailer are loaded. The tongue weight at the hitch ball must be added to the GVW to prevent exceeding your Mercedes-Benz tow vehicle's rear GAWR. Checking weights of vehicle and trailer To assure that the tow vehicle and trailer are in compliance with the maximum permissible weight limits 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". Gross Trailer Weight (GTW) is the maximum permissible trailer weight to be towed: 5000 lbs. (2260 kg) Trailer Tongue Weight Rating (TWR) is the maximum permissible weight on the trailer tongue: 500 lbs. (225 kg) limit for Mercedes-Benz approved hitch receiver i We recommend loading the trailer in such a manner that it has a tongue weight (TW) between 10% and 15% of the GTW. 193