2010 Mercedes ML-Class Owner's Manual - Page 256

254 Driving instructions RCheck for brush or branches caught in the underbody. Electrical connections The vehicle is prewired to accept the sevenwire harness included in the Mercedes-Benz approved trailer hitch receiver kit. Operation ! Brush or branches could increase the possibility of a fire, as well as cut fuel and/ or brake lines, puncture rubber bellows of the axles or drive shafts. RAfter continued operation in mud, sand, water or other dirty conditions clean the brake discs, wheels, brake pads and check and clean axle joints. RConduct a brake test. Trailer towing G Warning! Failure to use proper equipment and driving technique can result in a loss of vehicle control when towing a trailer. Improper towing or failure to follow the instructions in this manual can result in vehicle damage and/or serious personal injury. Follow the guidelines below carefully to assure safe trailer operation. Contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center should you require an explanation of information contained in this manual. i A four-pole conversion plug is available from your authorized Mercedes-Benz Center as a spare part. For further information, contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center. Vehicle and trailer weights and ratings The Gross Trailer Weight (GTW) is the weight of the trailer plus the weight of all cargo, equipment, luggage, etc. loaded on the trailer. The maximum permissible GTW to be towed: RVehicles RVehicles with 4MATIC: 7 200 lb (3 265 kg) without 4MATIC: 4 630 lb (2 100 kg) Trailer Tongue Weight Rating (TWR) is the maximum permissible weight on the trailer tongue: RVehicles with 4MATIC: 576 lb (261 kg) limit for Mercedes-Benz approved hitch receiver RVehicles Trailer hitch ROnly install a trailer hitch receiver approved without 4MATIC: 370 lb (168 kg) limit for Mercedes-Benz approved hitch receiver for your vehicle. For information on availability and installation, contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center. RThe bumpers on your vehicle are not designed for use with clamp-type hitches. Do not attach rental hitches or other bumper-type hitches to them. reduce the possibility of damage, remove the hitch ball adapter from the receiver when not in use. RTo Loading a trailer RWhen loading a trailer, you should observe that neither the permissible GTW, nor the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) are exceeded. The GVWR is indicated on the certification label located on the driver's door B-pillar (Y page 227). Maximum permissible values are listed on the safety compliance certification labels for the vehicle and for the trailer to be towed.