Starting & Operating
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The load must not obstruct the operation of
the pedals, parking brake and gear selector,
or hinder the freedom of movement of the
driver. Do not place any unsecured objects in
the interior.
Rear axle load
Towing Device
When the trailer is coupled and the towing
vehicle fully loaded, the permissible rear
axle load (see identification plate or vehicle
documents) may be exceeded by 60 kg,
the gross vehicle weight rating must not be
exceeded. If the permissible rear axle load
is exceeded, a maximum speed of 100 km/h
applies.
5
The permissible trailer loads are vehicle and
engine-dependent maximum values that must
not be exceeded. The actual trailer load is the
difference between the actual gross weight of
the trailer and the actual coupling socket load
with the trailer coupled.
The permissible trailer loads are specified in the
vehicle documents. In general, they are valid for
gradients up to 12%.
The permissible trailer load applies up to
the specified incline and at sea level. Since
engine power decreases as altitude increases
due to the air becoming thinner, therefore
reducing climbing ability, the permissible gross
train weight also decreases by 10% for every
1000 metres of altitude. The gross train weight
does not have to be reduced when driving on
roads with slight inclines (less than 8%, e.g.
motorways).
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Do not drive with an open load compartment.
The payload is the difference between
the permitted gross vehicle weight (see
identification plate) and the kerb weight.
To calculate the payload, enter the data for
your vehicle in the weights table at the front
of this manual.
The kerb weight includes weights for the
driver (68 kg), luggage (7 kg) and all fluids
(fuel tank 90% full).
Towing equipment
Depending on version the vehicle can be fitted
with a detachable or a fixed coupling ball bar.
Type A
Optional equipment and accessories
increase the kerb weight.
Caution
When operating without a trailer, remove
the coupling ball bar.
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Driving with a roof load increases the
sensitivity of the vehicle to cross-winds and
has a detrimental effect on vehicle handling
due to the vehicle's higher centre of gravity.
Distribute the load evenly and secure it
properly with retaining straps. Adjust the tyre
pressure and vehicle speed according to
the load conditions. Check and retighten the
straps frequently.
Fitting the coupling ball bar
The permissible gross train weight must not
be exceeded. This weight is specified on the
identification plate.
When distributing the loads in the trailer, heavy
objects should be placed as close as possible to
the axle.
Do not drive faster than 120 km/h.
Vertical coupling load
The vertical coupling load is the load exerted by
the trailer on the coupling ball. It can be varied
by changing the weight distribution when loading
the trailer.
Trailer towing
Only use towing equipment that has been
approved for the vehicle.
The maximum permissible vertical coupling
load is specified on the towing equipment
identification plate and in the vehicle documents.
Always aim for the maximum vertical coupling
load, especially in the case of heavy trailers. The
vertical coupling load should never fall below 25
kg.
Entrust retrofitting of towing equipment to a
workshop. It may be necessary to make changes
that affect the cooling system, heat shields or
other equipment.
Swivel the connecting socket down-
wards. Take off the cap.
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