2010 Mercedes GL-Class Owner's Manual - Page 273

Driving instructions practice turning, stopping and backing up in an area which is free of traffic. RBefore - 271 Do not attempt to straighten out the tow vehicle and trailer by increasing the speed. RIf the transmission shifts between gears on you start driving check the trailer hitch break-away switch safety chains electrical connections lighting tires inclines repeatedly, shift to a lower gear range manually (Y page 118). Select 4, 3, 2 or 1. A lower gear and reduction of speed reduces the chance of engine overloading and/or overheating. RAdjust RIf the mirrors (Y page 94) to permit unobstructed view beyond rear of trailer. the trailer has electric brakes, start your vehicle and trailer moving slowly, and then apply only the trailer brake controller by hand to make sure the brakes are working properly. secure items in the trailer to prevent load shifts while driving. towing a trailer, check occasionally to make sure the load is secure, and that trailer lighting and brakes (if so equipped) are functioning properly. trailer, the handling characteristics are different and less stable from those when operating the vehicle without a trailer. It is important to avoid sudden maneuvers. RWhen RAlways RWhen going down an incline, shift into a lower gear and use the engine's braking effect. Avoid riding the brakes, thus overheating the vehicle and trailer brakes (if so equipped). the engine coolant rises to an extremely high temperature when the air conditioning is on, turn off the air conditioning system. Engine coolant heat can be additionally vented by opening the windows, switching the climate control fan speed to high and setting the temperature control to the maximum. a passing maneuver extreme care must be exercised since your vehicle with a trailer will require additional passing distance ahead than when driving without a trailer. Because your vehicle and trailer is longer than your vehicle alone, you will also need to go much farther ahead of the passed vehicle before you can return to your lane. RIf RTake into consideration that when towing a RDuring RThe vehicle and trailer combination is heavier, and therefore limited in acceleration and climbing ability, and has a larger braking distance. It is more prone to reacting to cross wind gusts, and requires more sensitive steering input. possible, do not brake abruptly, but rather engage the brake slightly at first to permit the trailer to activate its brake. Then increase the braking force. RIf Decoupling a trailer G Warning! While you are coupling or decoupling a trailer, make sure nobody locks or unlocks the ! If the trailer should begin to sway, reduce the vehicle's speed immediately. Z Operation ROn very steep inclines, not manageable with automatic transmission in gear range 1, switch on off-road driving program (Y page 158) or LOW RANGE mode (Y page 120).