
Your vehicle’s load capacity is designated by weight, not by volume, so
you cannot necessarily use all available space when loading a vehicle.
Towing a trailer places an additional load on your vehicle’s engine,
transmission, axle, brakes, tires and suspension. Inspect these
components carefully after any towing operation.
4x2 w/manual transmission
Engine Rear axle ratioMaximum
GCWR - lb. (kg) Maximum
trailer weight - lb. (kg) Maximum
frontal area of
trailer - ft
2(m2)
Regular Cab
2.3L All 4,800 (2,177) 1,580 (717) Equal to frontal area of vehicle
3.0L* 3.73 6,000 (2,722) 2,660 (1,207) 50 (4.64)
3.0L* Dual Sport 4.10 6,000 (2,722) 2,520 (1,143) 50 (4.64)
Cab Plus 4
2.3L All 4,800 (2,177) 1,420 (644) Equal to frontal area of vehicle
3.0L* 3.73 6,000 (2,722) 2,480 (1,125) 50 (4.64)
3.0L* Dual Sport 4.10 6,000 (2,722) 2,360 (1,070) 50 (4.64)
4.0L All 7,000 (3,175) 3,400 (1,542) 50 (4.64)
4.0L Dual Sport All 7,000 (3,175) 3,280 (1,488) 50 (4.64)
For high altitude operation, reduce GCW by 2% per 1,000 ft. (300 meters)
elevation.
*When towing on roads with steep grades or moderate but long sustained
grades (5 miles [8 km] or more), or when ambient temperatures exceed
100°F (37°C), vehicle speed should not exceed 45 mph (72 km/h) in both
cases.
For definition of terms used in this table see Vehicle Loadingearlier in this
chapter.
To determine maximum trailer weight designed for your particular vehicle,
see Vehicle Loading earlier in this chapter.
Maximum trailer weight is shown. The combined weight of the completed
towing vehicle (including hitch, passengers and cargo) and the loaded
trailer must not exceed the Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR).
2007 B-Series (mbs)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA (fus)
Tires, Wheels and Loading
139 

4x4 w/manual transmission
Engine Rear axle ratioMaximum
GCWR - lb. (kg) Maximum
trailer
weight - lb. (kg) Maximum
frontal area of trailer - ft
2(m2)
Regular Cab
3.0L* All 6,000 (2,722) 2,340 (1,061) 50 (4.64) 4.0L All 7,000 (3,175) 3,260 (1,479) 50 (4.64) Cab Plus 4
4.0L All 7,000 (3,175) 3,100 (1,406) 50 (4.64)
For high altitude operation, reduce GCW by 2% per 1,000 ft. (300
meters) of elevation.
*When towing on roads with steep grades or moderate but long
sustained grades (5 miles [8 km] or more), or when ambient
temperatures exceed 100°F (37°C), vehicle speed should not exceed
45 mph (72 km/h) in both cases.
For definition of terms used in this table, see Vehicle loadingearlier in
this chapter.
To determine maximum trailer weight designed for your vehicle, see
Vehicle loading earlier in this chapter.
Maximum trailer weight is shown. The combined weight of the
completed towing vehicle (including hitch, passengers and cargo) and
the loaded trailer must not exceed the Gross Combined Weight Rating
(GCWR).
2007 B-Series (mbs)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA (fus)
Tires, Wheels and Loading
140 

Servicing after towing
If you tow a trailer for long distances, your vehicle will require more
frequent service intervals. Refer to yourscheduled maintenance
information for more information.
Trailer towing tips
• Practice turning, stopping and backing up before starting on a trip to
get the feel of the vehicle trailer combination. When turning, make
wider turns so the trailer wheels will clear curbs and other obstacles.
• Allow more distance for stopping with a trailer attached.
• The trailer tongue weight should be 10–15% of the loaded trailer
weight.
• If you will be towing a trailer frequently in hot weather, hilly
conditions, at GCWR, or any combination of these factors, consider
refilling your rear axle with synthetic gear lube if not already so
equipped. Refer to the Maintenance and specifications chapter for
the lubricant specification. Remember that regardless of the rear axle
lube used, do not tow a trailer for the first 500 miles (800 km) of a
new vehicle, and that the first 500 miles (800 km) of towing be done
at no faster than 70 mph (112 km/h) with no full throttle starts.
• After you have traveled 50 miles (80 km), thoroughly check your
hitch, electrical connections and trailer wheel lug nuts.
• To aid in engine/transmission cooling and A/C efficiency during hot
weather while stopped in traffic, place the gearshift lever in P (Park)
(automatic transmission) or N (Neutral) (manual transmissions).
• Vehicles with trailers should not be parked on a grade. If you must
park on a grade, place wheel chocks under the trailer’s wheels.
Launching or retrieving a boat
Disconnect the wiring to the trailer before backing the trailer
into the water. Reconnect the wiring to the trailer after the
trailer is removed from the water.
When backing down a ramp during boat launching or retrieval:
• do not allow the static water level to rise above the bottom edge of
the rear bumper.
• do not allow waves to break higher than 6 inches (15 cm) above the
bottom edge of the rear bumper.
2007 B-Series (mbs)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA (fus)
Tires, Wheels and Loading
146 

Exceeding these limits may allow water to enter vehicle components:
•causing internal damage to the components.
• affecting driveability, emissions and reliability.
Replace the rear axle lubricant any time the axle has been submerged in
water. Rear axle lubricant quantities are not to be checked or changed
unless a leak is suspected or repair required.
RECREATIONAL TOWING
Follow these guidelines if you have a need for recreational towing. An
example of recreational towing would be towing your vehicle behind a
motorhome. These guidelines are designed to ensure that your
transmission is not damaged.
Vehicles equipped with a manual transmission:
Note: 4x2 and 4x4 vehicles with a manual transmission follow these
guidelines for recreational towing:
Before you have your vehicle towed:
• Release the parking brake.
• Move the gearshift to the neutral position.
• Turn the key in the ignition to the OFF/UNLOCKED position.
• The maximum recommended speed is 55 mph (88 km/h).
• The maximum recommended distance is unlimited.
• Put 4x4 switch in 2WD mode (4x4 only)
• The vehicle must be towed in the forward position to ensure no
damage is done to the internal transmission components.
For 4x4 vehicles with a manual transmission, it is recommended that a
Neutral Tow Kit be purchased and installed by an authorized dealer if
the vehicle is towed frequently.
In addition, it is recommended that you follow the instructions
provided by the aftermarket manufacturer of the towing
apparatus if one has been installed.
2007 B-Series (mbs)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA (fus)
Tires, Wheels and Loading
147 

If starting a vehicle with a manual
transmission:1. Make sure the parking brake is set.
2. Push the clutch pedal to the floor.
3. Turn the key to 4 (ON) without turning the key to 5 (START).
If there is difficulty in turning the key, firmly rotate the steering wheel
left and right until the key turns freely. This condition may occur when:
• front wheels are turned
• front wheel is against the curb
• steering wheel is turned when getting in or out of the vehicle
Some warning lights will briefly illuminate. See Warning lights and
chimes in theInstrument Cluster chapter for more information
regarding the warning lights.
Starting the engine
Note: Whenever you start your vehicle, release the key as soon as the
engine starts. Excessive cranking could damage the starter.
1
2
34
5
2007 B-Series (mbs)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA (fus)
Driving
151 

The BRAKE warning lamp in the
instrument cluster illuminates and
remains illuminated (when the
ignition is turned ON) until the
parking brake is released.WARNING: Always set the parking brake fully and make sure
that the gearshift is securely latched in P (Park) (automatic
transmission) or in 1 (First) (manual transmission).
NOTE: The parking brake is not recommended to stop a moving vehicle.
However, if the normal brakes fail, the parking brake can be used to stop
your vehicle in an emergency. Since the parking brake applies only the
rear brakes, the vehicle’s stopping distance will increase greatly and the
handling of your vehicle will be adversely affected.
Pull the release lever to release the
brake.
Driving with the parking brake
on will cause the brakes to wear
out quickly and reduce fuel
economy.
STEERING
Your vehicle is equipped with power steering. Power steering uses energy
from the engine to decrease the driver’s effort in steering the vehicle.
To prevent damage to the power steering pump:
• Never hold the steering wheel to the extreme right or the extreme left
for more than a few seconds when the engine is running.
• Do not operate the vehicle with the power steering pump fluid level
below the MIN mark on the reservoir.
• Some noise is normal during operation. If the noise is excessive, check
for low power steering pump fluid level before seeking service by your
authorized dealer.P!
BRAKE
2007 B-Series (mbs)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA (fus)
Driving
155 

•Will not downshift into 1 (First) at high speeds; allows for 1 (First)
when vehicle reaches slower speeds.
Forced downshifts
• Allowed in
(Overdrive) or Drive.
• Depress the accelerator to the floor.
• Allows transmission to select an appropriate gear.
MANUAL TRANSMISSION OPERATION (IF EQUIPPED)
Using the clutch
The manual transmission has a starter interlock that prevents cranking
the engine unless the clutch pedal is fully depressed.
To start the vehicle: 1. Make sure the parking brake is fully set.
2. Press the clutch pedal to the floor, then put the gearshift lever in the neutral position.
3. Start the engine, then press the brake pedal and release the parking brake.
4. Move the gearshift lever to the desired gear, 1 (First) or R (Reverse), then slowly release the clutch pedal while slowly pressing
on the accelerator.
During each shift, the clutch pedal must be fully depressed to the floor.
Make sure the floor mat is properly positioned so it doesn’t interfere with
the full extension of the clutch pedal.
Failure to fully depress the clutch pedal to the floor may cause
increased shift efforts, prematurely wear transmission
components or damage the transmission.
Do not drive with your foot resting on the clutch pedal or use the clutch
pedal to hold your vehicle at a standstill while waiting on a hill. These
actions will reduce the life of the clutch.
1 35
24 R
2007 B-Series (mbs)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA (fus)
Driving
161 

•4x4 LOW – Momentarily
illuminates when the vehicle is
started. Illuminates when 4L
(4WD Low) is engaged.
Using the electronic shift 4WD system
2H (2WD High) - Power to the rear wheels only; used for street and
highway driving.
4H (4WD High) - Used for extra traction such as in snow or icy roads
or in off-road situations. Not intended for use on dry pavement.
4L (4WD Low) - Uses extra gearing to provide maximum power to all
four wheels. Intended only for off-road applications such as deep sand,
steep grades or pulling heavy objects. 4L (4WD Low) will not engage
while the vehicle is moving; this is normal and should be no reason for
concern. Refer to Shifting to/from 4L (4WD Low) for proper operation.
Shifting between 2H (2WD High) and 4H (4WD High)
• Move the 4WD control between 2H and 4H at a stop or any forward
speed.
Note: Do not perform this operation if the rear wheels are slipping.
Shifting to/from 4L (4WD Low)
Note: Some noise may be heard as the 4WD system shifts or engages.
This is normal and should be no reason for concern.
1. Bring the vehicle to a complete stop
2. Depress the brake
3. On vehicles equipped with an automatic transmission, place the transmission in N (Neutral); on vehicles equipped with a manual
transmission, depress the clutch.
4. Move the 4WD control to the desired position.4x4
LOW
4H
2H4L
2007 B-Series (mbs)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA (fus)
Driving
164