WARNING
Incorrect trailer towing can cause loss of vehicle control and serious or fatal injuries.
● Please note that the vehicle handling changes when towing a trailer and when transporting heavy or bulky objects.
● Always adapt your speed and driving style to the current visibility, weather and road or traffic conditions.
● Always pay attention to the road ahead and drive carefully.
● Take particular care when overtaking.
● Reduce your speed if the trailer shows even the slightest sign of snaking.
● Accelerate particularly carefully and gently.
● Brake earlier than usual because the braking distance may be longer than normal.
● Avoid abrupt and sudden driving and braking manoeuvres.
● Reduce speed particularly when driving downhill.
● Never try to stop a vehicle and trailer from snaking by increasing your speed.
● Keep to speed limits, which may be lower for vehicles with trailers than for vehicles without trailers.
WARNING
If there is insufficient visibility to the rear when towing a trailer, this can lead to accidents and serious or fatal injuries.
● Make sure that you have an adequate view to the rear.
● Fit suitable additional rear view mirrors so that there is sufficient visibility to the rear.
The trailer stabilisation function can detect if an attached trailer is starting to snake from side to side and can provide countersteer.
Trailer stabilisation is an extension of the Electronic Stability Control (ESC).
If trailer snaking is detected, the trailer stabilisation function automatically helps to reduce the trailer’s motion by means of counter
steering assistance.
Prerequisites for trailer stabilisation
—The vehicle has a factory-fitted towing bracket or a compatible towing bracket has been retrofitted.
—Electronic Stability Control (ESC) and the traction control system (TCS) are active. The indicator lamp or in the instrument cluster
is not lit up.
—The trailer is electrically connected to the towing vehicle via the trailer socket.
—The vehicle speed is higher than approximately 60 km/h (37 mph).
—The maximum drawbar load is being used.
—The trailer must have a rigid drawbar.
—Trailers with brakes must have a mechanical overrun system.
System limits
The trailer stabilisation system cannot react or will react in a restricted way in the following driving situations.
—Trailer stabilisation is switched off when ESC is deactivated.
—Light trailers that are snaking will not be recognised by the trailer stabilisation function and stabilised accordingly in all cases.
—A trailer can still jack-knife on slippery roads with little grip, even if the towing vehicle is equipped with the trailer stabilisation
system.
—Trailers with a high centre of gravity might tip over before snaking starts.
—Sudden braking procedures could occur automatically in extreme driving situations if the trailer socket is being used without a trailer
(e.g. for a bicycle carrier with lighting).
WARNING
The trailer stabilisation system is not a substitute for the full attention of the driver and operates only within the limits of the system.
The trailer stabilisation system therefore cannot recognise all driving situations and may not react or may react with a delay or in an
undesired way. If you do not pay due attention, there is a risk of accidents and serious or even fatal injuries.