Mercedes-Benz 2013 GL Class - Manual (Page 258)

plates and those for the towing vehicle under
"Technical data" (
Y page 443).
When towing a trailer, your vehicle's handling
characteristics will be different in comparison
with when driving without a trailer.
The vehicle/trailer combination:
R
is heavier
R
is restricted in its acceleration and
gradient-climbing capability
R
has an increased braking distance
R
is affected more by strong crosswinds
R
demands more sensitive steering
R
has a larger turning radius
This could impair the handling
characteristics.
When towing a trailer, always adjust your
speed to the current road and weather
conditions. Do not exceed the maximum
permissible speed for your vehicle/trailer
combination.
General notes
R
Do not exceed the legally prescribed
maximum speed for vehicle/trailer
combinations in the relevant country.
This lowers the risk of an accident.
R
Only install an approved trailer coupling on
your vehicle.
Further information on availability and on
installation is available from any authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center.
R
The bumpers of your vehicle are not
suitable for installing detachable trailer
couplings.
R
Do not install hired trailer couplings or
other detachable trailer couplings on the
bumpers of your vehicle.
R
To reduce the risk of damage to the ball
coupling, remove it from the ball coupling
recess when not in use.
i When towing a trailer, set the tire
pressure on the rear axle of the towing
vehicle for a maximum load; see the tire
pressure table in the fuel filler flap
(
Y page 414).
You will find installation dimensions and loads
in the "Technical data" section
(
Y page 442).
The maximum noseweight of the trailer
drawbar on the ball coupling is 600 lbs
(272 kg).
However, the actual drawbar load must not
exceed the value given on the trailer tow hitch
or trailer identification plates. The lowest
weight applies.
Please note that when towing a trailer,
PARKTRONIC (
Y page 212) and Blind Spot
Assist ( Y page 234) are only available with
limitations, or not at all.
Driving tips
i Observe the information on ESP ® trailer
stabilization ( Y page 73) and on pulling
away with a trailer ( Y page 162).
The maximum permissible speed for vehicle/
trailer combinations depends on the type of
trailer. Before beginning the journey, check
the trailer's documents to see what the
maximum permitted speed is. Observe the
legally prescribed maximum speed in the
relevant country.
For certain Mercedes-Benz vehicles, the
maximum permissible rear axle load is
increased when towing a trailer. See
"Technical data" to find out whether this
applies to your vehicle (
Y page 443). If you
utilize any of the added maximum rear axle
load when towing a trailer, the vehicle/trailer
combination may not exceed a maximum
speed of 60 mph (100 km/h) for reasons
concerning the operating permit. This also
applies in countries in which the permissible
maximum speed for vehicle/trailer
combinations is above 60 mph (100 km/h).
When towing a trailer, your vehicle's handling
characteristics will be different in comparison
with when driving without a trailer.
256
Towing a trailer
Driving and parking