2020 MERCEDES-BENZ METRIS tow bar

not depress the brake pedal constantly, but
periodically.
Observe the notes on ESP
®
trailer stabilization
( Y page
69).
Driving tips If the trailer begins to swing from side to side:
X Do not accelerate.
X Do not counter-steer.
X Brake if necessary.
i You can reduce the risk of the trailer
swinging and rocking by retrofitting anti-roll
bars or trailer stability programs. Further
information is available at your authorized
Mercedes-Benz Van Dealer.
R Maintain a greater distance than you would
when driving without towing a trailer.
R Avoid sudden braking. Apply the brakes gen-
tly at first to allow the trailer brake to over-
run. Then, increase the brake force quickly.
R The figures for the gradient climbing capa-
bilities from a standstill refer to sea level.
When driving in mountainous areas, note
that the power output of the engine, and
with it its gradient climbing capability,
decrease with increasing altitude. Coupling up a trailer
Trailer coupled ready for use X
Make sure that the selector lever of the
automatic transmission is in position j.
X On vehicles with an automatic transmission,
ensure that the transmission is in position
j.
X Engage the vehicle's parking brake.
X Close all doors.
X Position the trailer horizontally behind your
vehicle.
X Couple the trailer.
X Establish all electrical and other connec-
tions to the trailer. When doing so, hook the
breakaway cable of the trailer into the eye-
let on the ball coupling.
X Remove the objects that are preventing the
trailer from rolling, e.g. wheel chocks.
X Release the trailer parking brake.
Observe the maximum permissible trailer
dimensions (width and length).
Most federal states and all Canadian provinces
require by law: R Safety chains between the towing vehicle
and the trailer. The chains should be cross-
wound under the trailer drawbar. They must
be fastened to the vehicle's trailer coupling,
not to the bumper or the axle.
Leave enough slack in the chains. This
allows you to drive round tight corners.
R A separate brake system for certain types of
trailer.
R A safety shut-off for braked trailers. Find out
the specific requirements according to the
applicable laws.
If the trailer becomes detached from the
towing vehicle, the safety shut-off applies
the trailer brakes. Towing a trailer
There are numerous legal requirements con-
cerning the towing of a trailer, e.g. speed
restrictions. Many states require a separate
functional braking system for your trailer once
a certain weight limit is exceeded. For reasons
of safety, it is recommended that all trailers
use a separate functional braking system.
Make sure your vehicle/trailer combination
complies with local laws. This not only means
where you live, but also anywhere you are driv-
ing to. Information on this can be obtained
from the police and local authorities. 170
Towing a trailer
Driving and parking

Observe the following when towing a trailer:
R Practice driving around bends, stopping and
backing up at a place where there is no traf-
fic. This enables you to gain experience and
get used to the new handling characteris-
tics.
R Before driving, check:
- that the trailer tow hitch and ball coupling
are secure
- that the safety switch for a braked trailer
is functioning properly
- that the safety chains are secure and not
damaged
- that the electrical connections are secure
- that the lights are working
- that the wheels are in good order and the
tire pressure is correct
R Adjust the exterior mirrors to provide an
unobstructed view of the rear section of the
trailer.
R If the trailer is equipped with a separate
functional braking system, check before
each journey whether the brakes are func-
tioning correctly.
R Secure the load on the trailer according to
the applicable specifications and current
standards on securing loads
(Y page 244).
R When driving with a trailer, check at regular
intervals that the load is secured and that
the brakes and lights are working.
R Bear in mind that the handling will be less
stable when towing a trailer than when driv-
ing without one. Avoid sudden steering
movements.
R The vehicle/trailer combination is heavier,
accelerates more slowly and has a
decreased gradient climbing capability and a
longer braking distance.
It is more susceptible to crosswinds and
requires cautious steering.
R If possible, do not brake suddenly, but
rather moderately at first so that the trailer
can activate its brakes. Then increase the
force on the brake pedal.
R If the automatic transmission repeatedly
shifts between gears when driving on
inclines, restrict the shift range. Select shift
range 4, 3, 2 or 1.
Driving in a low gear and at a low speed
reduces the risk of damaging the engine. R
When driving on a downhill gradient, shift to
a low gear and take advantage of the
engine's braking effect.
Avoid continuous brake application as this
may overheat the vehicle brakes and, if
installed, the trailer brakes.
R If the coolant temperature increases dra-
matically while the air-conditioning system
is switched on, switch off the air-condition-
ing system.
Coolant heat can also be dissipated by
switching the airflow and the temperature of
the air conditioning to the maximum level.
Open the windows if necessary.
R When overtaking, pay particular attention to
the extended length of your vehicle/trailer
combination.
Due to the length of your vehicle/trailer
combination you need an additional dis-
tance before you can return to your original
lane. Uncoupling a trailer
G
WARNING
If you uncouple a trailer with the overrun
brake engaged, you could trap your hand
between the vehicle and the trailer drawbar.
There is a risk of injury.
Do not uncouple a trailer if the overrun
brake is engaged.
! Do not disconnect a trailer with an
engaged overrun brake. Otherwise, your
vehicle could be damaged by the rebound-
ing of the overrun brake.
X Make sure that the selector lever of the
automatic transmission is in position P.
X Engage the vehicle's parking brake.
X Close all doors.
X Apply the parking brake of the trailer.
X In addition, secure the trailer against rolling
away with a wheel chock or similar object.
X Remove the trailer cable and safety chains
and decouple the trailer. Towing a trailer
171
Driving and parking Z

Permissible trailer loads and trailer
drawbar noseweights
Weight information !
For vehicles with a permissible gross vehi-
cle weight of 6614 lbs (3000 kg), the per-
missible gross combination mass is less
than the sum of the permissible gross vehi-
cle weight plus the permissible trailer load.
Exceeding the permissible gross combina-
tion mass can lead to damage to the drive-
train, to the transmission or to the trailer
hitch.
If either the vehicle or the trailer is fully
laden, the permitted gross vehicle weight or
the permitted trailer load values are reduced
accordingly. In this case, you may only parti-
ally load the trailer or the vehicle.
The gross trailer weight (GTW) is calculated by
adding the weight of the trailer to the weight
of the load and equipment. If the trailer is
installed with a separate functional braking
system, then the maximum gross trailer weight
is 5000 lbs (2268 kg). G
WARNING
If you tow a trailer without a separate func-
tional braking system and a gross trailer
weight (GTW) of more than

1635 lbs
(750 kg), then the vehicle brake system may
overheat. This increases the braking dis-
tance and the brake system may even fail.
There is an increased risk of accident and
injury, possibly even fatal.
Always use a trailer with a separate func-
tional braking system when towing a trailer
with a gross trailer weight (GTW) of more
than 1635 lbs (750 kg).
The maximum noseweight of the trailer draw-
bar on the ball coupling is 500 lbs (227 kg).
The actual noseweight may not exceed the
value given on the identification plates of the
trailer tow hitch or the trailer. If the values
vary, the lowest value always applies.
The gross combination weight rating (GCWR) is
calculated by adding the gross weight of the
trailer to the gross vehicle weight including a
driver's weight of approximately 150 lbs
(68 kg). The permissible Gross Combination Weight Rating is vehicle-specific and depends
on the equipment level.
When driving with a trailer, you should not
exceed the permitted Gross Combination
Weight Rating (GCWR).
The permissible values, which must not be
exceeded, can be found in your vehicle docu-
ments and on the trailer tow hitch type plates
for the trailer and the vehicle (
Y page

304).
The basic values approved by the manufac-
turer can also be found in the "Technical data"
section ( Y page 315). If the values vary, the
lowest value always applies.
Loading a trailer !
Utilize the maximum permissible nose-
weight as fully as possible. Do not allow the
weight to fall below the minimum permissi-
ble noseweight, otherwise the trailer may
come loose.
R The load must be distributed over the vehi-
cle and the trailer so as not to exceed either
the maximum permissible values for the
gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) and
gross trailer weight (GTW), the gross combi-
nation weight rating (GCWR), nor the maxi-
mum permissible gross axle weight rating
(GAWR) and trailer drawbar noseweight rat-
ing of your vehicle.
R Add the drawbar noseweight on the ball
coupling (TWR) to the rear axle load. This
will prevent you from exceeding the permis-
sible gross axle weight (GAWR).
R Add the drawbar noseweight on the ball
coupling (TWR) to the vehicle payload. This
will ensure that you do not exceed the per-
missible gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR).
Checking the vehicle and trailer
weight R
Make sure the weights of the towing vehicle
and the trailer comply with the maximum
permissible values. Have the vehicle/trailer
combination weighed on a calibrated weigh-
bridge. The vehicle/trailer combination con-
sists of the towing vehicle including the
driver, passengers and load, as well as the
loaded trailer.
R Check the maximum permissible gross axle
weight rating of the front and rear axles
(GAWR), the gross trailer weight (GTW), the
gross combination weight rating (GCWR) 172
Towing a trailer
Driving and parking

and the noseweight of the trailer drawbar
(TWR).
Trailer power supply
! Incorrect wiring of the connector plug
could, under certain circumstances, cause
malfunctions in the vehicle's other elec-
tronic systems. We therefore recommend
having the connector plug wired at a quali-
fied specialist workshop.
! You can connect accessories with a maxi-
mum power consumption of 240 W
to the
permanent power supply.
You must not charge a trailer battery using
the power supply.
Your vehicle may be equipped with various
electrical installations for trailer towing.
Depending on your trailer, you may need an
adapter to connect the electrical system of the
trailer with that of the vehicle.
The trailer socket of your vehicle is equipped
at the factory with a permanent power supply.
The permanent power supply is on the trailer
socket pin assignment 4.
Note that the permanent power supply of the
trailer is not switched off when the on-board
voltage is low. This can completely discharge
the starter battery of your vehicle.
Further information on the electrical equip-
ment currently installed on your vehicle and on
installing trailer electrics can be obtained at
any qualified specialist workshop. Towing a trailer
173
Driving and parking Z

Route guidance active
No change of direction announced
:
Distance to the next destination
; Change-of-direction symbol
= Distance to the next change of direction
? Current street
Change of direction announced with a
lane recommendation :
Road to which the change of direction
leads
; Distance to the change of direction and
distance graphic
= Recommended lane and new lane during a
change of direction
? Possible lane
A Lane not recommended
B Change-of-direction symbol
On multilane roads, new lane recommenda-
tions can be displayed for the next change of
direction if the digital map contains the corre-
sponding data. During the change of direction,
new lanes may be added.
Lane not recommended A: you will not be
able to complete the next change of direction
if you stay in this lane. Possible lane
?: you will be able to complete
the next change of direction in this lane only.
Recommended lane =: in this lane you will be
able to complete the next change of direction
and the one after that.
Change of direction announced without
lane recommendation :
Road to which the change of direction
leads
; Distance to the change of direction and
distance graphic
= Change-of-direction symbol
If a change of direction is required, a dynamic
bar is shown as a distance graphic above the
distance to the change of direction ;. The bar
shortens towards the top of the display as you
approach the point of the announced change
of direction. The change of direction starts
once the distance graphic no longer shows a
bar.
Other navigation system status indica-
tors R
New Route... or Calculating Route
A new route is calculated.
R Off Map or a compass needle pointing in
the direction of the destination
The vehicle position is outside the area of
the digital map (off-map position) or the
road is not recognized, e.g. unpaved roads
(off-road).
R No Route
No route could be calculated to the selected
destination.
R O
You have reached the destination or an
intermediate destination.186
On-board computer (vehicles with steering wheel buttons)On-board computer and displays

X
Push contact protection cover : of the
jump-starting connection point backwards
against the spring force as far as it will go.
The jump-starting connection point is visi-
ble. Terminal connecting plan
X Remove the cover from positive terminal =
of the donor vehicle's battery.
X Connect the positive terminal clamp of the
jumper cable to positive terminal = of the
donor vehicle's battery, and then to positive
terminal A of the jump-starting connection
point.
X Run the donor vehicle's engine at idling
speed.
X Connect the negative terminal clamp of the
jumper cable to negative terminal ; of the
donor vehicle's battery, and then to ground
contact ? of your own vehicle.
X Insert the key into the ignition lock and start
the engine.
You can now switch electrical consumers
back on except the lighting system.
X Before disconnecting the jumper cables, let
the engine run for several minutes.
X Disconnect the negative terminal of the
jumper cable from ground contact ? and
then from negative terminal ; of the donor
vehicle's battery.
X Disconnect the positive terminal clamp of
the jumper cable from positive terminal A
on the jump-starting connection point, and
then from positive terminal = of the donor
vehicle's battery.
Contact protection cover : is automatically
returned forwards to its original position by
the spring force and the jump-starting con-
nection point is closed. X
Position the cover on positive terminal = of
the donor vehicle's battery.
You can now switch on the lighting system.
X Have the battery checked at a qualified spe-
cialist workshop. Tow-starting and towing away
Important safety notes
G
WARNING
Functions relevant to safety are restricted or
no longer available if:
R the engine is not running.
R the brake system or the power steering is
malfunctioning.
R there is a malfunction in the voltage sup-
ply or the vehicle's electrical system.
If your vehicle is being towed, much more
force may be necessary to steer or brake.
There is a risk of an accident.
In such cases, use a tow bar. Before towing,
make sure that the steering moves freely. G
WARNING
You can no longer steer the vehicle if the
steering wheel lock has been engaged.
There is a risk of an accident.
Always switch off the ignition when towing
the vehicle with a tow cable or a tow bar. G
WARNING
When towing or tow-starting another vehicle
and its weight is greater than the permissi-
ble gross weight of your vehicle, the:
R the towing eye could detach itself
R the vehicle/trailer combination could roll-
over.
There is a risk of an accident.
When towing or tow-starting another vehi-
cle, its weight should not be greater than
the permissible gross weight of your vehicle.
Information on the gross vehicle weight can be
found on the vehicle identification plate
(Y page
304).274
Tow-starting and towing away
Breakdown assistance

!
Secure the tow rope or tow bar to the tow-
ing eye or trailer tow hitch only. Otherwise,
the vehicle could become damaged.
! Do not use the towing eye for recovery,
this could damage the vehicle. If in doubt,
recover the vehicle with a crane.
! Drive slowly and smoothly when towing.
Excessive tractive power could otherwise
damage the vehicles.
! Shift the automatic transmission to posi-
tion i and do not open the driver's or front
passenger's door during towing. The auto-
matic transmission may otherwise shift to
position j, which could damage the trans-
mission.
! You may tow the vehicle for a maximum
distance of 30 miles (50 kilometers). A tow-
ing speed of
30 mph (50 km/h) must not be
exceeded.
For towing distances over 30 miles
(50 kilometers), the entire vehicle must be
raised and transported.
When towing away, you must observe the legal
requirements for the country in which you are
currently driving.
It is better to have the vehicle transported
than to have it towed.
Have the vehicle transported on a transporter
or trailer if it has transmission damage.
The automatic transmission must be in posi-
tion i when the vehicle is being towed away.
If the automatic transmission cannot be shif-
ted to position i, have the vehicle transpor-
ted on a transporter or trailer.
The battery must be connected and charged.
Otherwise, you:
R cannot turn the key to position 2 in the
ignition lock.
R cannot shift the transmission to position i.
Before the vehicle is towed, switch off the
automatic locking feature (Y page 76). You could otherwise lock yourself out of the vehi-
cle when pushing or towing away the vehicle. Installing/removing the towing eye
The fixture for the front towing eye is located in
the bumper. The rear towing eye is located under the bumper.
If you tow or tow-start a vehicle, attach the
towing device to rear towing eye
;.
If your vehicle is equipped with a trailer tow
hitch, attach the towing device to the trailer
tow hitch (Y page

168).
Installing the front towing eye
X Take the towing eye and screwdriver from
the vehicle tool kit (Y page

270).
X Press the arrow on the cover : and remove
cover : from the opening.
You will see the fixture for the towing eye.
X Screw in the towing eye clockwise to the
stop.
X Insert the screwdriver into the towing eye
and tighten the towing eye.
X Stow the screwdriver in the vehicle tool kit
(Y page

270).
Removing the front towing eye
X Remove the screwdriver from the vehicle
tool kit

(Y page 270).
X Insert the screwdriver into the towing eye
and turn the screwdriver counter-clockwise. Tow-starting and towing away
275
Breakdown assistance Z

X
Unscrew the towing eye.
X Insert cover : with the lug at the top and
press it in at the bottom until it engages.
X Stow the towing eye and the screwdriver
with the vehicle tool kit (Y page
270).Towing with the rear axle raised
! Vehicles with automatic transmission must
not be towed with the rear axle raised. The
vehicle/trailer combination may otherwise
swerve or even roll over.
! The ignition must be switched off if the
vehicle is being towed with the front or rear
axle raised. Otherwise, ESP ®
may intervene
and damage the brake system.
X Switch on the hazard warning lamps
(Y page

101).
X Turn the front wheels to the straight-ahead
position.
X Release the parking brake.
X If necessary, turn the key in the ignition lock
to position g and remove the key from the
ignition lock.
X Take the key with you when leaving the vehi-
cle.
X Do not exceed the towing speed of 30 mph
(50 km/h

).
Please observe the important safety instruc-
tions when towing your vehicle with the rear
axle raised

(Y page 274). Towing the vehicle with both axles
on the ground
Important safety notes G
WARNING
You can no longer steer the vehicle if the
steering wheel lock has been engaged.
There is a risk of an accident.
Always switch off the ignition when towing
the vehicle with a tow cable or a tow bar.
! Do not exceed the towing speed of
30 mph

(50 km/h). You could otherwise
damage the transmission. Please observe the important safety notes
before towing your vehicle

(Y page 274).
Towing vehicles with automatic trans-
mission X
Turn the key to position 2 in the ignition
lock.
X Depress the brake pedal and keep it
depressed.
X Shift the automatic transmission to position
i.
X Leave the key in position 2 in the ignition
lock.
X Switch on the hazard warning lamps
(Y page

101).
X Release the parking brake.
X Release the brake pedal.
X Do not exceed the towing speed of 30 mph
(50 km/h

). Recovering a vehicle that is stuck
! When recovering a vehicle that has
become stuck, pull it as smoothly and
evenly as possible. If the tractive power is
too high, the vehicles could be damaged.
If the drive wheels get trapped on loose or
muddy ground, recover the vehicle with the
utmost care. This is especially the case if the
vehicle is laden.
Never attempt to recover a vehicle with a
trailer attached.
Pull out the vehicle backwards, if possible,
using the tracks it made when it became
stuck. Transporting the vehicle
! You may only secure the vehicle by the
wheels, not by parts of the vehicle such as
axle or steering components. Otherwise, the
vehicle could be damaged.
The towing eye or trailer tow hitch can be used
to pull the vehicle onto a trailer or transporter
if you wish to transport it. 276
Tow-starting and towing away
Breakdown assistance