tow bar MERCEDES-BENZ METRIS 2020 MY20 Operator’s Manual

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

Tire tread
The part of the tire that comes into contact
with the road.
Tire bead
The tire bead ensures that the tire sits
securely on the wheel. There are several steel
wires in the bead to prevent the tire from com-
ing loose from the wheel rim.
SidewallThe part of the tire between the tread and the
tire bead.
Weight of optional extras The combined weight of those optional extras
that weigh more than the replaced standard
parts and more than 2.3 kg
(5 lbs). These
optional extras, such as high-performance
brakes, a roof rack or a high-performance bat-
tery, are not included in the curb weight and
the weight of the accessories.
TIN (Tire Identification Number) A unique identification number which can be
used by a tire manufacturer to identify tires,
for example for a product recall, and thus iden-
tify the purchasers. The TIN is composed of
the manufacturer identification code, tire size,
tire model code and manufacturing date.
Load bearing index
The load bearing index (also load index) is a
code that contains the maximum load bearing
capacity of a tire.
Traction
Traction is the result of friction between the
tires and the road surface.
TWR (permissible trailer drawbar load)
The TWR is the maximum permissible weight
that may act on the ball coupling of the trailer
tow hitch.
Wear indicator Narrow bars (tread wear bars) that are distrib-
uted over the tire tread. If the tire tread is level
with the bars, the wear limit of á in (1.6 mm)
has been reached. Distribution of the vehicle occupants
The distribution of vehicle occupants over des-
ignated seat positions in a vehicle.
Maximum permissible payload weightNominal load and goods/luggage load plus
68 kg (150 lbs) multiplied by the number of
seats in the vehicle. Changing wheels
Rotating the wheels
! On vehicles equipped with a tire pressure
monitor, electronic components are located
in the wheel.
Tire-mounting tools should not be used near
the valve. This could damage the electronic
components.
Only have tires changed at a qualified spe-
cialist workshop.
Always observe the instructions and safety
notes under "Mounting a wheel"
(Y page

298).
The wear patterns on the front and rear tires
differ, depending on the operating conditions.
Rotate the wheels before a clear wear pattern
has formed on the tires. Front tires typically
wear more on the shoulders and the rear tires
in the center.
If your vehicle's tire configuration allows, you
can rotate the tires according to the intervals
in the tire manufacturer's warranty book in
your vehicle documents. If no warranty book is
available, the tires should be rotated every
3,000 to 6,000 miles (5,000 to 10,000 km) or
earlier if tire wear requires. Do not change the
direction of rotation.
Clean the contact surfaces of the wheel and
the brake disc thoroughly every time a wheel
is rotated. Avoid oily or greasy cleaning
agents.
Check the tire pressure and reactivate the tire
pressure monitor if necessary. Direction of rotation
Tires with a specified direction of rotation have
additional benefits, e.g. if there is a risk of
hydroplaning. You will only gain these benefits
if the correct direction of rotation is observed. Changing wheels
297
Wheels and tires Z

!
Filter the fuel before transferring it to the
vehicle if you are refueling the vehicle from
barrels or containers.
This will prevent malfunctions in the fuel
system due to contaminated fuel.
i E10 fuel contains an admixture of up to
10% bioethanol. Your vehicle is E10 compat-
ible. You can refuel your vehicle with E10
fuel.
i You can obtain information on fuel grades
at a qualified specialist workshop or at a gas
station. If there is no identification on the
filling pump, consult a gas station attendant.
For more information about refueling
(Y page
136).
Fuel additives
! Operating the engine with subsequently
added fuel additives can cause engine dam-
age. Do not mix fuel additives with fuel. This
does not include additives for the removal
and prevention of deposits. Gasoline can
only be mixed with additives recommended
by Mercedes-Benz. Follow the instructions
in the product description. You can find fur-
ther information on recommended additives
in any Mercedes-Benz Commercial Van Cen-
ter.
Mercedes-Benz recommends using brand-
name fuels with additives.
If you use fuels without these additives for a
long period of time, deposits can form. This
primarily forms on the inlet valve and in the
combustion chamber.
In some countries, the available fuel grade
may be inadequate. Residue could build up in
the fuel injection system as a result. In this
case, in consultation with a Mercedes-Benz
Commercial Van Center, the fuel should be
mixed with the cleaning additive recommen-
ded by Mercedes-Benz. You must observe the
notes and mixing ratios indicated on the con-
tainer.
Do not add other fuel additives to the fuel.
This results in unnecessary costs and can
damage the engine. Information on fuel consumption H
Environmental note
CO 2 (carbon dioxide) is the gas that accord-
ing to the current state of knowledge is
mainly responsible for the heating of the
earth's atmosphere (greenhouse effect). The
CO 2 emissions of your vehicle vary in direct
correspondence with the fuel consumption
and is therefore dependent on:
R the efficient utilization of the fuel by the
engine
R the respective style of driving
R other non-technical factors, such as envi-
ronmental influences, condition of the
road or traffic flow, for example
You can help to minimize CO 2 emissions
with a conservative driving style and regular
maintenance of your vehicle .
Only for certain countries: the respective cur-
rent consumption and emission values of your
vehicle can be found in the COC papers (EC
CERTIFICATE OF CONFORMITY). These docu-
ments are supplied when the vehicle is deliv-
ered.
Consumption figures were found in the cur-
rently valid respective version: R for vehicles with exhaust gas standard Euro
6 as per directive (EC) no. 715/2007
R for vehicles with exhaust gas standard
EURO VI as per directive (EC) no. 595/2009
Fuel consumption depends on:
R the vehicle version
R the style of driving
R the operating conditions
R the fuel type and fuel grade used
The vehicle will use more fuel than usual in the
following situations:
R at very low outside temperatures
R in city traffic
R during short journeys
R on mountainous terrain
R when towing a trailer
Observe the advice in the "Protection of the
environment" section to keep fuel consump-
tion low

(Y page 29). Service products and capacities
307
Technical data Z

Reduce the load on shorter roof carriers pro-
portionately. The maximum load per pair of
roof carrier supports is
110 lbs (50 kg). The
maximum load of a rail carrier bar is 220 lbs
(100 kg).
Loading guidelines and other information con-
cerning load distribution and load securing can
be found in the "Transporting" section
(Y page 242). Trailer tow hitch
General notes Mercedes-Benz recommends having a trailer
tow hitch retrofitted at an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Van Dealer.
Use only a trailer tow hitch that has been tes-
ted and approved specially for your vehicle by
the distributor named on the inside of the
front cover. Only use a ball coupling for your
Metris trailer tow hitch if it has been approved
for your vehicle. You can also find information
on the permitted dimensions of the ball cou-
pling on the identification plate of the trailer
tow hitch.
You can obtain advice from a qualified special-
ist workshop. Also observe the information on
towing a trailer in the "Driving and parking"
section (Y page

168).
Trailer loads Make sure that you adhere to the local legal
requirements for trailer loads.
The permissible weights and loads which can-
not be exceeded can also be found:
R in your vehicle documents and
R on the identification plates of the trailer
hitch, the trailer and the vehicle
(Y page

304)
You will find the basic values approved by the
manufacturer in the following table. If the val-
ues differ, the lowest value applies.
Make sure that you adhere to the weight
restrictions by having the weight checked on a
calibrated weighbridge. Permissible gross
weight GVWR
6614 lbs (3000 kg)
Gross front axle
load GAWR (FA)
3307 lbs (1500 kg)
Gross rear axle
load GAWR (RA)
3307 lbs (1500 kg)
Maximum permis-
sible gross weight
of vehicle/trailer
combination
3

GCWR 11614 lbs (5268 kg)
Trailer load,
braked
4
GTW 5000 lbs (2268 kg)
Maximum permis-
sible nose weight
TWR
500 lbs (227 kg)
3
Maximum permissible gross weight of the vehicle and trailer.
4 Maximum permissible gross trailer weight, for trailers with independent braking system. Vehicle data
315
Technical data Z