2011 Mercedes GLK-Class Owner's Manual - Page 160

2011 Mercedes GLK-Class Manual

Page 160 highlights

158 Towing a trailer brake using the brake controller, and check the brakes for correct function. RSecure any objects on the trailer to prevent the cargo from slipping when the vehicle is in motion. RIf you couple up a trailer, regularly check the cargo for secure fastening and make sure that the trailer lamps and (if applicable) the trailer brakes are functioning correctly. RBear in mind that the handling will be less stable when towing a trailer than when driving without one. Avoid sudden steering movements. RThe vehicle/trailer combination is heavier, accelerates more slowly, has a decreased gradient climbing capability and a longer braking distance. It is more susceptible to side winds and requires more careful steering. RIf possible, avoid abrupt braking. Depress the brake pedal moderately at first, so that the trailer can activate its own brakes. Then increase the pressure on the brake pedal. RIf the automatic transmission continues to shift back and forth between two gears when driving up or downhill, restrict the shift range. Select shift range 4, 3, 2, or 1. A lower gear and lower speed reduce the risk of engine failure. RWhen driving downhill, shift to a lower gear to utilize the engine's braking effect. Avoid continuous brake application as this may overheat the vehicle brakes and, if installed, the trailer brakes. RIf the coolant temperature increases dramatically while the air-conditioning system is switched on, switch off the airconditioning system. Coolant heat can additionally be dissipated by opening the windows and by setting the blower fan and the interior temperature to maximum. RWhen overtaking, pay particular attention to the extended length of your vehicle/ trailer combination. Due to the length of your vehicle/trailer combination, you will have to travel an additional distance beyond the vehicle you are overtaking before returning to the previous lane. Driving and parking Decoupling a trailer X Make sure that the automatic transmission is set to position P. X Apply the vehicle's parking brake. X Close all doors and the tailgate. X Apply the trailer's parking brake. X Detach the trailer cable and decouple the trailer. X Detach the trailer cable and decouple the trailer. Permissible trailer load and drawbar noseweight Weight specifications The Gross Trailer Weight (GTW) is the combined weight of the trailer together with the cargo and equipment loaded on the trailer. Permissible gross weight: 3500 lb (1588 kg). The permissible Trailer drawbar Weight Rating (TWR) is the maximum weight permitted on the trailer drawbar: 280 lb (127 kg) limit for Mercedes-Benz-approved trailer couplings. Loading a trailer RWhen loading a trailer, please note that neither the permissible gross trailer weight nor the permissible Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) may be exceeded. The permissible Gross Vehicle Weight Rating

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brake using the brake controller, and check
the brakes for correct function.
R
Secure any objects on the trailer to prevent
the cargo from slipping when the vehicle is
in motion.
R
If you couple up a trailer, regularly check
the cargo for secure fastening and make
sure that the trailer lamps and (if
applicable) the trailer brakes are
functioning correctly.
R
Bear in mind that the handling will be less
stable when towing a trailer than when
driving without one. Avoid sudden steering
movements.
R
The vehicle/trailer combination is heavier,
accelerates more slowly, has a decreased
gradient climbing capability and a longer
braking distance.
It is more susceptible to side winds and
requires more careful steering.
R
If possible, avoid abrupt braking. Depress
the brake pedal moderately at first, so that
the trailer can activate its own brakes. Then
increase the pressure on the brake pedal.
R
If the automatic transmission continues to
shift back and forth between two gears
when driving up or downhill, restrict the
shift range. Select shift range
4, 3, 2,
or
1
.
A lower gear and lower speed reduce the
risk of engine failure.
R
When driving downhill, shift to a lower gear
to utilize the engine's braking effect.
Avoid continuous brake application as this
may overheat the vehicle brakes and, if
installed, the trailer brakes.
R
If the coolant temperature increases
dramatically while the air-conditioning
system is switched on, switch off the air-
conditioning system.
Coolant heat can additionally be dissipated
by opening the windows and by setting the
blower fan and the interior temperature to
maximum.
R
When overtaking, pay particular attention
to the extended length of your vehicle/
trailer combination.
Due to the length of your vehicle/trailer
combination, you will have to travel an
additional distance beyond the vehicle you
are overtaking before returning to the
previous lane.
Decoupling a trailer
X
Make sure that the automatic transmission
is set to position
P
.
X
Apply the vehicle's parking brake.
X
Close all doors and the tailgate.
X
Apply the trailer's parking brake.
X
Detach the trailer cable and decouple the
trailer.
X
Detach the trailer cable and decouple the
trailer.
Permissible trailer load and drawbar
noseweight
Weight specifications
The Gross Trailer Weight (GTW) is the
combined weight of the trailer together with
the cargo and equipment loaded on the
trailer. Permissible gross weight: 3500 lb
(1588 kg).
The permissible Trailer drawbar Weight
Rating (TWR) is the maximum weight
permitted on the trailer drawbar: 280 lb
(127 kg) limit for Mercedes-Benz-approved
trailer couplings.
Loading a trailer
R
When loading a trailer, please note that
neither the permissible gross trailer weight
nor the permissible Gross Vehicle Weight
Rating (GVWR) may be exceeded. The
permissible Gross Vehicle Weight Rating
158
Towing a trailer
Driving and parking