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Trailer towing 265
Safety First Operating instructions Practical tips Technical Data
x As of the combined vehicle and trailer mass, braking distances will be
greater.
x Select a low gear before driving down a steep hill to use the engine
braking effect to slow down the vehicle. Otherwise, the braking system could
overheat and fail.
x The vehicle centre of gravity and handling change because of the trailer
load and because of the increased combined mass of the vehicle and trailer.
x If the towing vehicle is empty and the trailer loaded then the load distri-
bution is incorrect. If you must travel in these conditions, drive carefully and
reduce your speed accordingly.
Hill starts with a trailer
Depending on the hill and the gross combined weight, it is possible that the
combined vehicle and trailer move backwards slightly when starting.
For a hill start with a trailer, proceed as follows:
x Press and hold the brake pedal.
x Press the button once to turn off the electric parking brake
page 210.
x Press and hold the button to hold the vehicle and trailer combination
using the parking brake.
x With a manual gearbox: press the clutch pedal to the floor.
x Engage first gear or the gear range D page 201, “Changing gear”.
x Release the brake pedal.
x Move off slowly. To do this, gently release the clutch pedal (for manual
gearbox).
x Release the button only when the engine provides sufficient power to
move the vehicle and trailer combination.
WARNING
Jerking the trailer in an unsuitable manner could cause loss of vehicle
control with the subsequent serious consequences.
x Driving with a trailer and transporting heavy or a large objects will
change the vehicle handling and braking distances.
x Anticipate traffic and be extremely cautious. Brake early.
x Adjust your speed and driving style to visibility, road, traffic and
weather conditions. Reduce your speed, especially on steep hills.
x Accelerate gently and carefully. Avoid brusque manoeuvres and sudden
braking.
x Always take the following precautions seriously. Reduce your speed
immediately if you observe the trailer rocking from side to side.
x Never try to stop the “snaking” by increasing speed.
x Always take the speed limits for vehicles with and without trailers in
each country into account.
Stabilising the vehicle and trailer combination
Stabilisation of the vehicle and trailer combination is an extension of the
electronic stability programme (ESP) and helps, with the assistance of the
trajectory control, to reduce trailer “snaking”.
Stabilisation of the vehicle and trailer combination is active when the ESP «
indicator on the dashboard remains lit for about two seconds more than the
ABS indicator.
Requirements for stabilising the vehicle/trailer combination
x An original tow hitch is fitted by the manufacturer or a compatible model
is retrofitted.
x The ESP is on. The warning indicator in the control panel « is not lit.
x The trailer is connected to the vehicle using the socket.
x The vehicle is driven faster than 60 km/h.
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WARNING (continued)
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