2009 Mercedes R-Class Owner's Manual - Page 287
2009 Mercedes R-Class Manual
Page 287 highlights
Operation Driving instructions Set the vehicle level to highway (Y page 167). X Towing a trailer There are many different laws, including speed limit restrictions, having to do with trailer towing. Make sure 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. Note the following, when driving with a trailer: RIn hand to make sure the brakes are working properly. RAlways RWhen Vehicles with AIRMATIC: Set the ADS to AUTO or COMF (Y page 166). Turn off the engine (Y page 134). Close all doors and the tailgate. Attach the trailer. Plug in all electrical connectors. secure items in the trailer to prevent load shifts while driving. towing a trailer, check occasionally to make sure the load is secure, and that lighting and trailer brakes (if so equipped) are functioning properly. 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. X X X X i Vehicles with AIRMATIC: When you are towing a trailer, the vehicle level always remains in the highway setting. The following applies additionally when towing a trailer: RThe vehicle is lowered to the highway level when it reaches a speed of 5 mph (8 km/h) if not set to highway level. RThe highspeed level is not available. The restrictions that apply to towing also apply when using accessories that are connected to the trailer power socket, such as a bicycle rack. 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. you start driving check the - RTake into consideration that when towing a RBefore RThe trailer hitch break-away switch safety chains electrical connections lighting tires 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 cross wind gusts, and requires more sensitive steering input. 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. Z RIf RAdjust RIf the mirrors (Y page 111) to permit unobstructed view beyond rear of trailer. the trailer has electric brakes, start your vehicle and trailer moving slowly, and then apply only the trailer brake controller by ! If the trailer should begin to sway, reduce the vehicle's speed immediately. 285
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