The engine output falls as altitude increases, as does the ability to climb.
Therefore, for every additional 1000 m in height (or part), the maximum per-
missible towed weight must be reduced by 10 %.
CAUTION
Apply grease to the upper part of the mounting recess. Make sure you do not
remove any grease.
The towed weight comprises the actual weights of the (loaded) towing vehicle
and the (loaded) trailer.
Trailer
The trailer and drawbar load information on the type plate of the towing
equipment are merely test data for the towing equipment. The vehicle-specific
values are detailed in the vehicle documents.
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Loading a trailer
124
WARNING
Towing a trailer
Anti-theft alarm system
124
125
■
Do not exceed the maximum permissible axle and drawbar load and the
maximum permissible total or towed weight of the vehicle and the trailer –
there is the risk of an accident and serious injury.
WARNING
■
Slipping loads can significantly affect the stability and safety of the vehi-
Always drive particularly carefully with the trailer.
cle/trailer combination – there is the risk of an accident and serious injury.
Loading a trailer
Towing a trailer
Read and observe on page 124 first.
Read and observe on page 124 first.
The vehicle/trailer combination must be balanced, whereby the maximum per-
missible drawbar load must be utilised. If the drawbar load is too low, it jeop-
ardises the performance of the vehicle/trailer combination.
Exterior mirrors
You have to have additional exterior mirrors fitted if you are not able to see
the traffic behind the trailer with the standard rear-view mirrors. National legal
requirements must be observed.
Distribution of the load
Distribute the load in the trailer in such a way that heavy items are located as
close to the axle as possible. Secure the items from slipping.
Headlights
The front of the vehicle can be lifted when a trailer is being towed and the
headlights can dazzle other road users.
The distribution of the weight is very poor if your vehicle is unladen and the
trailer is laden. Maintain a particularly low speed if you cannot avoid driving
with this combination.
Adjust the headlight setting on the headlight range control » page 56, Head-
light beam adjustment.
Tyre pressure
Driving speed
Correct the tyre inflation pressure on your vehicle for a “full load” » page 151,
Tyre service life.
For safety reasons, do not drive faster than 80 km/h when towing a trailer.
Immediately reduce your speed as soon as even the slightest swaying of the
trailer is detected. Never attempt to stop the trailer from “swaying” by acceler-
ating.
Trailer load
The permissible trailer load must not be exceeded under any circumstan-
ces » page 176, Technical data.
Brakes
The trailer loads specified apply only to altitudes up to 1 000 metres above
Apply the brakes in good time! If the trailer is fitted with a trailer brake, apply
the brakes gently at first, then brake firmly. This will avoid brake jolts resulting
from the trailer wheels locking.
mean sea level.
124
Driving
English 
