How to Tow With a Mercedes ML320
The Mercedes Benz ML320 is a capable towing machine. The 1998 model year is rated to tow up to up to 5,000 pounds when equipped with a class III hitch. This is enough to tow a medium-sized utility or camping trailer. Working within the manufacture's towing capacity is important, because the vehicle's braking and handling characteristics could be reduced to unsafe levels if ignored. Connecting the trailer to the vehicle correctly will assure a safe trip.
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Instructions
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Determine the towing capacity of your model and year of ML320. This information can be found in the owner's manual. Calculate the total mass of the trailer by adding the weight of the trailer to the cargo. The trailer's weight will be printed on the trailer data plate under gross trailer weight.
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Determine if your Mercedes can tow the trailer by comparing the towing capacity to the total trailer mass. The trailer's weight must be less than the towing capacity for a safe trip.
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Connect the trailer's coupler to the vehicle's hitch by lowering it on. Lock the coupler in place by lowering the latch and securing it with a hitch pin.
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Fasten the right trailer chain to the left side of the vehicle hitch and the left trailer chain to the right side. The crossed chains will catch the trailer's tongue in the rare circumstance the two become disconnected.
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Connect the trailer's electrical connector to the vehicle's electrical receiver by pushing the two together. If the connections do not match, an adapter can be purchased from a trailer store.
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Drive slower than normal to compensate for the reduced braking and handling. Take corner's slower and wider than normal while still maintaining your lane. Remember, when changing lanes, you will need additional space to compensate for the length of the trailer.
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