Trailer towing. Important safety information. Notes on trailer towing

The Mercedes E-Class (4th generation, W212, 2009–2016) provides comprehensive safety information for trailer towing to avoid hazards such as snaking or overloading. The chapter describes the most important points on tongue load, towing capacity and safe driving behavior with a trailer. This ensures stable and safe operation.

Important Safety Notes

WARNING

If the combination sways, you may lose control of it. The trailer may even overturn. There is a risk of accident!

Never try to stretch the combination by increasing speed. Reduce speed and do not steer against the skid. Brake if necessary.

WARNING

If you exceed the permissible tongue load when using a carrier, the carrier system can come loose from the vehicle and endanger other road users. There is a risk of accident and injury!

Always observe the permissible tongue load when using a carrier.

If you exceed the maximum permissible tongue load of the drawbar on the ball head, the following may be damaged:

• Your vehicle
• Trailer
• Ball neck
• Tow hitch

The combination may become unstable.

Even if you fall below the minimum permissible tongue load, the combination may become unstable.

To avoid risks,

• always check the tongue load before every trip
• make use of the maximum tongue load if possible
• do not exceed the maximum permissible tongue load
• do not fall below the minimum tongue load.

When reversing the towing vehicle, make sure that no one is standing between the vehicle and the trailer.

Couple and uncouple the trailer carefully. If you do not couple the trailer correctly to the towing vehicle, the trailer may break away.

Make sure that the following values are not exceeded:

• the permissible tongue load
• the permissible towing capacity
• the permissible rear axle load of the towing vehicle
• the permissible gross combination weight of both the towing vehicle and the trailer

The applicable permissible values that must not be exceeded can be found in your vehicle documents.

Values released by the manufacturer can be found on the type plates and, for the towing vehicle, under "Technical Data" .

Your vehicle behaves differently when towing a trailer than without one.

The combination

• is heavier
• has reduced acceleration and gradient-climbing ability
• has a longer braking distance
• reacts more strongly to gusty crosswinds
• requires more sensitive steering
• has a larger turning circle

As a result, driving behavior may deteriorate. Adapt your driving style accordingly. Keep a sufficient safety distance. Drive attentively.

Always adapt your speed to current road and weather conditions when driving with a trailer. Observe the maximum permissible top speed for your combination.

Notes on trailer towing

General Notes

Trailer towing is not possible with the following models:

• E 220 BlueTEC BlueEFFICIENCY Edition
• E 180
• E 63 AMG
• E 63 AMG S-MODELL
• E 63 AMG 4MATIC
• E 63 AMG S-MODELL 4MATIC

Info

When towing a trailer, set the tire pressure of the towing vehicle's rear axle to the value for maximum load; see tire pressure table on the fuel filler flap .

Note that when towing a trailer, PARKTRONIC, Active Parking Assist and Blind Spot Assist are only available to a limited extent or not at all.

Info

On vehicles without level control, the tow ball height changes with the vehicle's load. In this case, use a trailer with a height-adjustable drawbar.

For mounting dimensions and loads, see "Technical Data" .

Driving Information

Info

Also observe the notes on ESP trailer stabilization .

The maximum permissible speed for vehicle and trailer combinations depends on the trailer type. Before driving, check the trailer's vehicle documents for the maximum speed the trailer is approved for. Also observe the legally prescribed maximum speed of the country you are driving in.

For certain Mercedes-Benz vehicles, an increased rear axle load is permissible when towing a trailer. You can find out whether this applies to your vehicle under "Technical Data" . If you use even a partially increased rear axle load when towing a trailer, you must not drive faster than 100 km/h with the combination for reasons of vehicle registration law. This also applies in countries where a maximum speed above 100 km/h is generally permitted for combinations.

Towing a trailer changes how your vehicle handles compared with driving without one, and fuel consumption increases.

On long and steep downhill gradients, shift to a low gear early.

Info

This also applies when CRUISE CONTROL, SPEEDTRONIC or DISTRONIC PLUS is switched on.

Use the braking effect of the engine to hold your speed, so you need to brake less. This relieves the brake system and prevents the brakes from overheating and wearing too quickly. If you must brake additionally, apply the brake pedal in intervals rather than holding it down continuously.

Driving tips

If the trailer sways:

Never accelerate.

Do not counter-steer.

Brake if necessary.

• Keep a greater distance than when driving without a trailer.
• Avoid abrupt braking. If possible, brake lightly at first so that the trailer runs up. Then increase the braking force steadily.
• The gradeability values apply at sea level. When driving in mountainous terrain, note that engine output and therefore gradeability decrease as altitude increases.

The Mercedes E-Class W212 (model years 2009–2016) provides comprehensive safety information for towing. Particular attention must be paid to observing the permissible nose weight and trailer loads to ensure the stability of the vehicle and trailer combination.

Driving with a trailer requires increased attention, greater following distances and an adapted speed. These instructions illustrate how important it is to tow responsibly.