2020 MERCEDES-BENZ METRIS trailer

The rear view camera is a visual parking aid. It
shows you the area behind the vehicle in the
audio display.
The area behind the vehicle is displayed in a
mirrored fashion, as in the rear-view mirror or
the exterior mirrors. The guide lines displayed
assist you in backing up.
The message displays depend on the language
setting of the audio system. The following rear
view camera displays are examples.
Important safety notes !
Objects that are not at ground level appear
further away than they actually are, for
example:
R the bumper of the vehicle parked behind
R the drawbar of a trailer
R the ball coupling of a trailer tow hitch
R the tail-end of a truck
R slanted posts
Only use the camera guide lines for orienta-
tion. Do not get any closer to objects than
the lowest horizontal guide line. You may
otherwise damage your vehicle and/or the
object.
The rear view camera is only an aid. It cannot
replace your own awareness of the immediate
surroundings. You are responsible for safe
maneuvering and parking. Make sure that
there are no persons, animals or objects in the
maneuvering area while maneuvering and
parking in parking spaces.
The rear view camera may show obstacles in
perspectival distortion, incorrectly or not at all.
The rear view camera cannot display all
objects located very near and/or under the
rear bumper. It does not warn you of a colli-
sion, persons or objects.
Under the following circumstances, the rear
view camera will not function, or will function
in a limited manner:
R if the tailgate or rear-end door is open.
R if it is raining very heavily or snowing, or it is
foggy.
R at night or in very dark places.
R if the camera is exposed to very bright light.
White lines may appear in the camera image
R if the area is lit by fluorescent light, e.g.
from fluorescent lamps or LED lighting.
The camera image may flicker. R
if the camera lens fogs up, e.g. when driving
into a heated garage in winter, causing a
rapid change in temperature.
R the camera lens is dirty or obstructed.
Observe the notes on cleaning.
(Y page
267)
R if the rear of the vehicle is damaged.
In this case, have the camera position and
setting checked at a qualified specialist
workshop.
R the display has pixel errors.
Have the display repaired or replaced if usa-
bility is significantly reduced due to pixel
errors.
Do not use the rear view camera in these sit-
uations. You could otherwise injure others or
damage objects and the vehicle while parking
and maneuvering.
The field of vision and other functions of the
rear view camera may be restricted due to
additional accessories on the rear of the vehi-
cle (e.g. license plate holder, rear-mounted
bicycle rack).
Guide lines are always shown at road level. In
trailer mode, the guide lines are shown at the
level of the trailer coupling.
If you change wheel size, make sure they cor-
respond to the correct wheel size category
( Y page 278). If the category is changed with-
out recoding the control units in the vehicle,
the rear view camera cannot be precisely cali-
brated. The guide lines at road level or at the
level of the trailer tow hitch will not be dis-
played correctly.
In vehicles with a tailgate, the rear view cam-
era is protected from raindrops and dust by
means of a flap. When the rear view camera is
activated, this flap opens.
The flap closes again when:
R you have finished the maneuvering process
R you switch off the engine
For technical reasons, the flap may remain
open briefly after the rear view camera has
been deactivated. 164
Driving systems
Driving and parking

Switching the rear view camera on or
off
X
To activate: make sure that the key is in
position 2 in the ignition lock.
X Shift the transmission to position k.
On vehicles with a tailgate, the rear view
camera flap opens. The audio display shows
the area behind the vehicle. The rear area
shown is divided by guide lines.
In vehicles with a trailer coupling installed, the
function mode of the rear view camera can be
switched over when the trailer is reached. The
rear view camera then changes the viewing
angle and shows a locating aid for the ball cou-
pling of the trailer tow hitch to help reach the
drawbar.
X To switch function mode: select and con-
firm "Reverse parking" function : or "Cou-
pling up a trailer“ function ; using the
audio system control knob.
Information on the audio system control
knob can be found in the separate operating
instructions.
The symbol of the selected function is high-
lighted.
X To switch off: shift the transmission to
position i or h.
The dynamic guide lines are hidden and
after about 15 seconds the rear view cam-
era switches itself off.
or X Drive forwards more than about 30 ft
(10 m).
or X Drive forwards faster than 6 mph
(10 km/h
).
or X Shift the automatic transmission to position
j. In vehicles with Active Parking Assist, the rear
view camera remains switched on after the ini-
tial shift to reverse gear for the whole duration
of active parking assistance. You can find
information on active parking assistance under
"Active Parking Assist“

(Y page 159).
Messages in the multimedia system
display :
Yellow guide line at a distance of approx-
imately
13 ft (4.0 m) from the rear of the
vehicle
; White guide line without turning the steer-
ing wheel, vehicle width including the exte-
rior mirrors (static)
= Yellow guide line for the vehicle width
including the exterior mirrors, at the cur-
rent steering angle (dynamic)
? Yellow lane marking the course the tires
will take at the current steering angle
(dynamic) A
Yellow guide line at a distance of approx-
imately

3 ft (1.0 m) from the rear of the
vehicle
B Red guide line at a distance of approx-
imately

12 in (0.30 m) from the rear of the
vehicle
C Bumper
D Vehicle center axis (locating aid) Driving systems
165
Driving and parking Z

;
Yellow guide line for the vehicle width
including the exterior mirrors, at the cur-
rent steering angle (dynamic)
X Stop the vehicle when it is almost exactly in
front of the parking space.
The white lane should be as close to parallel
with the parking space marking as possible. =
White guide line at current steering angle
: Parking space marking
X Turn the steering wheel to the center posi-
tion while the vehicle is stationary. ?
End of parking space
A Red guide line at a distance of approx-
imately
12 in (0.30 m) from the rear of the
vehicle
X Back up carefully until you have reached the
end position.
Red guide line A is then aligned with the
marking at the end of parking space ?. The vehicle is almost parallel in the parking
space.
"Coupling up a trailer" function :
Trailer drawbar
; Locating aid – vehicle center point on the
yellow guide line at a distance of approx-
imately

3 ft (1.0 m) from the rear of the
vehicle
This function is only available on vehicles with
a trailer tow hitch attached.
X Before coupling up the trailer, set the height
of trailer drawbar : so that it is slightly
higher than the ball coupling.
X Position the vehicle centrally in front of
trailer drawbar :. :
Trailer drawbar
; Trailer drawbar locating aid
= "Coupling up a trailer" function selected
? Ball coupling
A Red guide line at a distance of approx-
imately
12 in (0.30 m) from the ball cou-
pling
X Select and confirm "Coupling up a trailer"
function = with the audio system control
knob. Driving systems
167
Driving and parking Z

Information on the audio system control
knob can be found in the separate operating
instructions.
Symbol
= is highlighted. The distance
specifications now only apply to objects that
are at the same level as the ball coupling.
X Back up carefully, making sure that trailer
drawbar locating aid ; points approx-
imately in the direction of trailer draw-
bar :.
X Back up carefully until trailer drawbar :
reaches red guide line A.
The distance between trailer drawbar :
and ball coupling ? is now approximately
12 in (0.30 m
).
X Couple the trailer (Y page
168).Towing a trailer
Notes on trailer towing
Important safety notes G
WARNING
Installing an unsuitable ball coupling may
overload the trailer tow hitch and the rear
axle. This is particularly likely in the case of
longer or differently angled ball couplings.
Consequently, the driving characteristics
may be significantly impaired and the trailer
may detach. This presents the risk of an
accident or even fatal injuries!
Install only a ball coupling that adheres to
the permissible dimensions and is designed
for your intended purpose for towing a
trailer. Do not make any changes to the ball
coupling or the trailer tow hitch. G
WARNING
If you install a ball coupling other than the
one delivered with the vehicle, the trailer
tow hitch and the rear axle may be overloa-
ded. This applies especially if the ball cou-
pling in question is longer or angled differ-
ently. This could seriously impair the driving
characteristics and the trailer can come
loose. There is a risk of an accident. Only install the ball coupling delivered with
the vehicle or a ball coupling that is
designed to meet your trailer towing require-
ments. Do not modify the ball coupling or
the trailer tow hitch.
G
WARNING
If the ball coupling is not correctly installed
and secured, it could come loose while driv-
ing and endanger other road users. There is
a risk of accident and injury, possibly even
fatal injuries.
Install and secure the ball coupling as
described in the ball coupling manufactur-
er's installation instructions. Make sure that
the ball coupling is correctly installed and
secured before every journey. G
WARNING
When the vehicle/trailer combination begins
to lurch, you could lose control of it. The
vehicle/trailer combination could even roll-
over. There is a risk of an accident.
On no account should you attempt to
straighten up the vehicle/trailer combina-
tion by increasing the speed. Reduce vehicle
speed and do not countersteer. Apply the
brake as necessary.
You can attach carrier systems such as bicycle
racks or load-bearing implements on the ball
coupling. The maximum load-bearing capacity
of 165 lb (75 kg

) applies when using carrier
systems on the ball coupling.
Always observe the operating instructions pro-
vided by the manufacturers of the trailer cou-
pling and the ball coupling.
Couple and decouple the trailer carefully.
When backing up the towing vehicle, make
sure nobody is standing between the vehicle
and the trailer.
A trailer which is incorrectly coupled to the
towing vehicle could break away. A correctly
coupled trailer must be positioned horizontally
behind the towing vehicle. 168
Towing a trailer
Driving and parking

Ensure that the following weights are not
exceeded:
R the permissible noseweight
R the permissible trailer load
R the permissible rear axle load of the towing
vehicle
R the maximum permissible gross vehicle
weight of both the towing vehicle and the
trailer
R the maximum permissible gross weight of
vehicle/trailer combination
The applicable permissible values that may not
be exceeded can be found:
R in your vehicle documents
R on the type plates for the trailer tow hitch
R on the type plates for the trailer
R on the vehicle identification plate
(Y page
304)
Where the values differ, the lowest is valid.
You will find the values approved by the manu-
facturer on the vehicle identification plates
and those for the towing vehicle in the "Tech-
nical data" section (Y page 315).
Your vehicle behaves differently with a trailer
than without one.
The vehicle/trailer combination:
R is heavier
R is restricted in its acceleration and gradient-
climbing capability
R has an increased braking distance
R is more susceptible to strong crosswinds
R requires more sensitive steering
R has a larger turning radius
This may impair the handling characteristics.
When towing a trailer, always adjust your
speed to suit the road and weather conditions.
Drive carefully. Maintain a safe distance.
If you require any further explanation regard-
ing the information contained in the Operating
Instructions, please contact a Mercedes-Benz
Commercial Van Center.
General notes R
Observe the legally permitted maximum
speed for vehicle/trailer combinations in
the relevant country, state or Canadian
province. Before beginning the journey,
check the trailer's documents for the maxi-
mum permitted speed of your trailer. This reduces the risk of accidents.
R Install only an approved trailer coupling on
your vehicle. Only use a ball coupling for
your Metris trailer tow hitch if it has been
approved for your vehicle. More information
on the availability, mounting and installation
of the trailer electrics is available at any
qualified specialist workshop.
R The trailer coupling is one of the most
important vehicle parts with regard to road
safety. Observe the notes on operation, care
and maintenance of the trailer tow hitch
(see the manufacturer's operating instruc-
tions).
R The bumpers of your vehicle are not suitable
for installing detachable trailer couplings.
R Do not attach rented trailer tow hitches or
other detachable trailer tow hitches to the
bumper.
R Minimize the risk of damage to the ball cou-
pling. If you do not require the ball coupling,
remove it from the ball coupling recess.
You will find weight information under "Techni-
cal data"
(Y page 315).
The height of the ball neck changes according
to the load on the vehicle. If this is case, use a
trailer with a height-adjustable trailer drawbar.
Driving tips The maximum permissible speed for vehicle/
trailer combination depends on the type of
trailer. Before beginning the journey, check
the trailer's documents for the maximum per-
mitted speed of your trailer. Observe the
legally permitted maximum speed in the rele-
vant country, state or Canadian province.
When towing a trailer, your vehicle's handling
characteristics will be different in comparison
to when driving without a trailer and it will con-
sume more fuel.
On long and steep downhill gradients, select a
lower gear.
i This also applies if cruise control is activa-
ted.
This enables you to utilize the engine's braking
effect and you do not need to brake so heavily
to keep the correct speed. This relieves the
load on the brake system and prevents the
brakes from overheating and wearing too
quickly. If you need to brake additionally, to Towing a trailer
169
Driving and parking Z

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