2004 Mercedes ML-Class Owner's Manual - Page 210

Operation Driving instructions 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. 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 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. On very steep inclines, not manageable with gear selector lever in position 1, switch transfer case to LOW RANGE mode ( page 125). When going down a long hill, shift into a lower gear and use the engine's braking effect. Avoid riding the brakes, thus overheating the vehicle and trailer brakes. If the engine coolant rises to an extremely high temperature (coolant temperature needle approaching the red zone) 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 hot position. 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. ! 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. 210