How to Tow With a Mercedes CLK 320

A CLK 320 can tow as long as you stay within its limitations.

Towing a trailer is a responsibility because of the increased risk you bring to the road. The additional weight of the trailer will reduce your braking abilities and its added length will affect your ability to maneuver corners. You can minimize this risk with some experience and knowledge of your vehicle's towing limitations. The CLK 320 is capable of towing a small- to medium-sized trailer. The maximum towing capacity of your model can be found in the owner's manual for your Mercedes.

Instructions

1. Write down the trailer's gross trailer weight (GTW) from the data plate located on its frame. If you are going to load cargo into the trailer, then you must estimate its weight. Total up the GTW and the cargo weight and compare to your vehicle's maximum towing capacity. If the total weight of the trailer plus cargo is less than the vehicle's maximum towing capacity specified by the manufacturer, you can safely tow the trailer.

2. Connect the trailer's receiver to the hitch on your CLK 320 and latch it in place. Lock the latch in place by inserting a hitch pin through the hole under the handle. The hitch ball must match the size of the trailer's coupler.

3. Attach the female electrical receiver on the vehicle to the male electrical connector on the trailer. Test that all of the safety lights work before heading out on the road.

4. Slide the trailer's left chain under the trailer's receiver and connect it to the right side of the hitch. Connect the right chain to the left side of the hitch in the same manner.

5. Double check all connections and the safety lights. Fully inspect the trailer and your CLK 320 before starting out on your trip.

References

• Sherline: Trailer Loading and Towing Guide
• Mercedes: C Series