tow bar MERCEDES-BENZ G-Class 2013 W463 Owner's Manual

Checking ........................................ 319
Definition of terms
.........................338
Direction of rotation ......................341
Display message ............................ 242
Distribution of the vehicle
occupants (definition) .................... 340
DOT, Tire Identification Number
(TIN) ............................................... 337
DOT (Department of
Transportation) (definition) ............ 338
GAWR (Gross Axle Weight Rating)
(definition) ..................................... 338
GTW (Gross Trailer Weight)
(definition) ..................................... 338
GVW (Gross Vehicle Weight)
(definition) ..................................... 338
GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight
Rating) (definition) .........................339
Important safety notes .................. 318
Increased vehicle weight due to
optional equipment (definition) ...... 338
Kilopascal (kPa) (definition) ........... 339
Labeling (overview) ........................ 334
Load bearing index (definition) ...... 340
Load index ..................................... 336
Load index (definition) ...................339
Maximum loaded vehicle weight
(definition) ..................................... 339
Maximum load on a tire
(definition) ..................................... 339
Maximum permissible tire
pressure (definition) ....................... 339
Maximum tire load ......................... 337
Maximum tire load (definition) .......339
Optional equipment weight
(definition) ..................................... 340
PSI (pounds per square inch)
(definition) ..................................... 339
Replacing ....................................... 340
Service life ..................................... 320
Sidewall (definition) .......................340
Speed rating (definition) ................ 338
Storing ........................................... 341
Structure and characteristics
(definition) ..................................... 338
Technical data ............................... 344
Temperature .................................. 333TIN (Tire Identification Number)
(definition) .....................................
340
Tire bead (definition)
...................... 340
Tire pressure (definition) ................ 339
Tire pressures (recommended) ...... 338
Tire size (data) ............................... 344
Tire size designation, load-bearing
capacity, speed rating .................... 334
Tire tread ....................................... 319
Tire tread (definition) .....................339
Total load limit (definition) ............. 340
Traction ......................................... 333
Traction (definition) ....................... 340
Tread wear ..................................... 333
TWR (permissible trailer drawbar
noseweight) (definition) .................340
Uniform Tire Quality Grading
Standards ...................................... 332
Uniform Tire Quality Grading
Standards (definition) .................... 338
Unladen weight (definition) ............ 339
Wear indicator (definition) .............340
Wheel rim (definition) .................... 338
see Flat tire
Top Tether ............................................ 58
Towing Important safety guidelines ...........310
In the event of malfunctions ..........313
Towing a trailer
Axle load, permissible .................... 358
Driving tips .................................... 203
Lights display message .................. 231
Mounting dimensions .................... 358
Shift range ..................................... 149
Trailer loads ................................... 358
Trailer tow hitch ............................. 358
Towing away
With both axles on the ground ....... 312
Towing eye
Front .............................................. 311
Rear ............................................... 311
Tow-starting
Important safety notes .................. 310
Trailer
7-pin connector ............................. 206
Power supply ................................. 206
Trailer loads
Technical data ............................... 358 Index
17

There will be either no or only a weak course-
correcting brake application if:
R
there are vehicles or obstacles, e.g. crash
barriers, located on both sides of your
vehicle.
R a
vehicle approaches you too closely at the
side.
R you have adopted a sporty driving style with
high cornering speeds.
R you clearly brake or accelerate.
R a driving safety system intervenes, e.g.
ESP ®
.
R ESP ®
is switched off.
R the LOW RANGE off-road gear is activated.
R a loss of tire pressure has been detected.
Switching on Active Blind Spot Assist X
Make sure that active Blind Spot Assist
(Y page 218) is activated in the on-board
computer.
X Turn the SmartKey to position 2 in the
ignition lock.
Warning lamps : in the exterior mirrors
light up red for approximately
1.5 seconds

and then turn yellow.
Towing a trailer When you attach a trailer, make sure you have
correctly established the electrical
connection. This can be accomplished by
checking

the trailer lighting. Active Blind Spot
Assist is then deactivated. The indicator lamp
lights up yellow in the exterior mirrors and the Active Blind Spot Assist Currently
Unavailable See Operator's Manual
message appears in the multifunction
display.
HOLD function
General notes The HOLD function can assist the driver in the
following situations:
R
when pulling away, especially on steep
slopes
R when maneuvering on steep slopes
R when waiting in traffic
The vehicle is kept stationary without the
driver having to depress the brake pedal.
The

braking effect is canceled and the HOLD
function deactivated when you depress the
accelerator pedal to pull away.
i Do not use the HOLD function when
driving off-road, on steep uphill or downhill
gradients or on slippery or loose surfaces.
The HOLD function cannot hold the vehicle
on such surfaces.
Activation conditions You can activate the HOLD function if:
R
the vehicle is stationary.
R the engine is running or it has been
switched off by the ECO start/stop
function (AMG vehicles).
R the engine is running.
R the

driver's door is closed or your seat belt
is fastened.
R the transmission is in position D, R or N.
R DISTRONIC PLUS is deactivated.
Activating the HOLD function The vehicle's brakes are applied when the
HOLD function is activated. For this reason,
deactivate

the HOLD function while in the car
wash or while towing. 192
Driving systems
Driving and parking

G
WARNING
When the vehicle/trailer combination begins
to lurch, you could lose control of it. The
vehicle/trailer combination could even
rollover. There is a risk of an accident.
On no account should you attempt to
straighten
up the vehicle/trailer combination
by increasing the speed. Reduce vehicle
speed and do not countersteer. Apply the
brake as necessary. 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 overloaded. This
applies especially if the ball coupling in
question is longer or angled differently. 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 requirements. Do
not modify the ball coupling or the trailer tow
hitch. G
WARNING
If the ball coupling is not installed correctly or
not secured with the bolt provided and the
corresponding spring cotter, the trailer may
come loose. There is a risk of an accident.
Always

install and secure the ball coupling as
described. Before every journey, ensure that
the ball coupling is secured with the bolt and
the corresponding spring cotter.
Please observe the manufacturer's operating
instructions for the trailer coupling if a
detachable trailer coupling is used.
You will find the applicable permissible
values, which must not be exceeded, in the
vehicle documents. You will find the values
approved by the manufacturer on the vehicle
identification plates and those for the towing
vehicle in the "Technical data" section
(Y page 349). Couple and uncouple the trailer carefully. If
you do not couple the trailer to the towing
vehicle correctly, the trailer could become
detached.
Make sure that the following values are not
exceeded:
R
the

permissible trailer drawbar 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
When towing a trailer, your vehicle's handling
characteristics will be different in comparison
with when driving without a trailer.
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 affected more by strong crosswinds
R demands more sensitive steering
R has a larger turning circle
This could impair the handling
characteristics.
When towing a trailer, always adjust your
speed to the current road and weather
conditions. Do not exceed the maximum
permissible speed for your vehicle/trailer
combination.
General notes R
Do not exceed the legally prescribed
maximum speed for vehicle/trailer
combinations in the relevant country.
This lowers the risk of an accident.
R Only

install an approved trailer coupling on
your vehicle.
Further information on availability and on
installation is available from any authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center. 204
Towing a trailer
Driving and parking

R
The bumpers of your vehicle are not
suitable for installing detachable trailer
couplings.
R Do not install hired trailer couplings or
other detachable trailer couplings on the
bumpers of your vehicle.
R If
you do not need the ball coupling, remove
the ball coupling from the ball coupling
recess. This reduces the risk of damage to
the ball coupling.
i When towing a trailer, set the tire
pressure on the rear axle of the towing
vehicle for a maximum load; see the tire
pressure table in the fuel filler flap
(Y page 322).
You will find installation dimensions and loads
in the technical data (Y page 358).
The maximum permissible trailer drawbar
noseweight on the ball coupling for up to 3
persons is 562 lbs (255 kg). The maximum
permissible trailer drawbar noseweight for
more than 3 persons and the maximum load
in the trunk can be found in the trailer
drawbar noseweight table ( Y page 358).
However, the actual noseweight must not
exceed the value given on the trailer tow hitch
or trailer identification plates. The lowest
weight applies.
i When towing a trailer, set the tire
pressure on the rear axle of the towing
vehicle for a maximum load; see the tire
pressure table in the fuel filler flap
(Y page 322).
Please note that when towing a trailer,
PARKTRONIC ( Y page 194) and Blind Spot
Assist (Y page 186) are only available with
limitations, or not at all.
i On vehicles without level control, the
height of the ball coupling will alter
according to the load placed on the vehicle.
If necessary, use a trailer with a height-
adjustable drawbar. Driving tips X
On long and steep downhill gradients,
select

shift range 1, 2 or 3 (Y page 150) in
good time.
i This also applies if you have activated
cruise control or SPEEDTRONIC.
X If necessary, shift the transfer case to LOW
RANGE(Y page 199).
This will use the braking effect of the
engine,

so that less braking will be required
to maintain the speed. which relieves the
load on the brake system and prevents the
brakes from overheating and wearing too
quickly. If you need additional braking,
depress the brake pedal repeatedly rather
than continuously.
The maximum permissible speed for vehicle/
trailer combinations depends on the type of
trailer. Before beginning the journey, check
the trailer's documents to see what the
maximum permitted speed is. Observe the
legally prescribed maximum speed in the
relevant country.
For certain Mercedes-Benz vehicles, the
maximum permissible rear axle load is
increased when towing a trailer. Refer to the
"Technical data" section to find out whether
this applies to your vehicle. If you utilize any
of the added maximum rear axle load when
towing a trailer, the vehicle/trailer
combination may not exceed a maximum
speed of 60 mph (100 km/h) for reasons
concerning the operating permit. This also
applies in countries in which the permissible
maximum speed for vehicle/trailer
combinations is above 60 mph (100 km/h).
When

towing a trailer, your vehicle's handling
characteristics will be different in comparison
to when driving without a trailer and it will
consume more fuel.
On long and steep downhill gradients, you
must select shift range 1, 2 or 3 in good time.
i This also applies if you have activated
cruise control or DISTRONIC PLUS. Towing a trailer
205
Driving and parking Z

If the vehicle has to be towed more than
30
miles (50km), the entire vehicle must be
raised and transported.
! Only secure the tow cable or tow bar to
the towing eyes. You could otherwise
damage the vehicle.
! Do not tow with sling-type equipment.
This could damage the vehicle.
! Do not use the towing eyes for recovery
purposes as this could damage the vehicle.
If in doubt, recover the vehicle with a crane.
! When towing, pull away slowly and
smoothly. If the tractive power is too high,
the vehicles could be damaged.
! Your vehicles is equipped with an
automatic transmission. Therefore, you
must not have the vehicle tow-started. The
transmission may otherwise be damaged. G
WARNING
If the weight of the vehicle to be towed or tow-
started is greater than the permissible gross
weight of your vehicle:
R the towing eye could detach itself
R the vehicle/trailer combination could
rollover.
There is a risk of an accident.
When towing or tow-starting another vehicle,
its weight should not be greater than the
permissible gross weight of your vehicle.
Information on your vehicle's gross vehicle
weight rating can be found on the vehicle
identification plate ( Y page 349).
It is better to have the vehicle transported
than to have it towed.
If

the transfer case can be shifted into neutral
N, you can tow the vehicle. If the transfer case cannot be shifted into
neutral N, you can tow the vehicle with one
axle

raised. Please bear the following in mind:
R remove the propeller shaft between the
transfer case and the rolling axle.
R turn the SmartKey to position 1 in the
ignition lock ( Y page 139).
The battery must be connected and charged.
Otherwise, you:
R cannot turn the SmartKey in the ignition
lock to position 2(Y page 139)
R cannot shift the automatic transmission to
position N
i Deactivate the automatic locking feature
(Y page 75). You could otherwise be locked
out when pushing or towing the vehicle. Towing eyes
Towing eyes, front :
Towing eyes, front
Towing eye, rear Towing and tow-starting
311
Breakdown assistance Z

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
coming loose from the wheel rim.
Sidewall The part of the tire between the tread and the
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, level control, a roof rack or a high-
performance battery, are not included in the
curb weight and the weight of the
accessories.
TIN (Tire Identification Number) This is a unique identifier which can be used
by a tire manufacturer to identify tires, for
example

for a product recall, and thus identify
the purchasers. The TIN is made up of the
manufacturer's identity code, tire size, tire
type code and the 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 (Tongue Weight Rating)
The TWR specifies the maximum permissible
weight

that the ball coupling of the trailer tow
hitch can support. Treadwear indicators Narrow bars (tread wear bars) that are
distributed

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.
Occupant distribution The distribution of occupants in a vehicle at
their designated seating positions.
Total load limit
Nominal load and luggage load plus 150 lbs
(68 kg) multiplied by the number of seats in
the vehicle.
Changing a wheel
Flat tire
The "Breakdown assistance" section
(Y

page 304) contains information and notes
on how to deal with a flat tire. Interchanging the wheels
G
WARNING
Rotate front and rear wheels only if the tires
are of the same dimension.
If your vehicle is equipped with mixed-size
tires

(different tire dimensions front vs. rear),
tire rotation is not possible. G
WARNING
Have the tightening torque checked after
changing a wheel. The wheels could come
loose if they are not tightened to a torque of
96 lb-ft (130 Nm

).
Only use genuine Mercedes-Benz wheel bolts
specified for your vehicle's rims.
! On vehicles equipped with a tire pressure
monitor, electronic components are
located in the wheel. 340
Changing a wheel
Wheels and tires

Trailer tow hitch
Mounting dimensions
G
WARNING
Only have a trailer tow hitch retrofitted at a
qualified specialist workshop.
! If you have a trailer tow hitch retrofitted,
changes
to the engine cooling system may
be necessary, depending on the vehicle
type.
If you have a trailer tow hitch retrofitted,
observe the anchorage points on the
chassis frame. Anchorage points for the trailer tow hitch
:
Anchorage points
; Overhang dimension
For trailer tow hitches installed at the factory,
the overhang dimension including protective
covering is 35.2 in

(895 mm). Trailer loads
G 550
G 63 AMG
Permissible trailer load,
unbraked
1653 lbs
(750 kg) Permissible trailer load,
braked (at a minimum
gradient-climbing
capability of 12% from a
standstill)
7000 lbs
(3175 kg) Permissible rear axle
load when towing a
trailer (the drawbar
noseweight is not
included in the towing
weight)
4188 lbs
(1900 kg) Trailer drawbar noseweight
Number
of
passeng
ers

each
weighin
g
150 lbs
(68 kg) Seat
occupa
ncy Trunk
load Maximu
m
drawbar
nosewei
ght
2 Front
seats 220 lbs
(100 kg) 562 lbs
(255 kg) 3 2 front
seats
1 rear seat 176 lbs
(80 kg) 562 lbs
(255 kg) 4 2 front
seats
2 rear seats 132 lbs
(60 kg) 456 lbs
(207 kg) 5 2 front
seats
3 rear seats 0 lbs
(0 kg) 423 lbs
(192 kg) 358
Trailer tow hitch
Technical data