tow MERCEDES-BENZ G-CLASS SUV 2014 Owner's Guide

X
Slide bolt Cinto the hole in the ball
coupling recess and the ball coupling to the
stop. X
Secure the bolt using spring cotter D.Correctly installed and secured ball coupling
X Check the ball coupling, bolt and spring
cotter for correct installation. Coupling up 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 connect the trailer's brake system
(if featured) to the hydraulic brake system
of the towing vehicle, as the latter is
equipped with an anti-lock brake system.
Doing so will result in a loss of function of
the brake systems of both the vehicle and
the trailer.
Observe the maximum permissible trailer
dimensions (width and length).
Most U.S. 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.
Allow for enough play in the chains to
facilitate turning tight corners.
R a separate brake system for certain types
of trailer.
R a safety switch for braked trailers. Check
the specific legal requirements applicable
to your state.
If the trailer detaches from the towing
vehicle, the safety switch applies the
trailer's brakes.
X Make sure that the automatic transmission
is set to position P.
X Apply the vehicle's parking brake.
X Couple up the trailer.
X Establish all electrical connections. Towing a trailer
There are numerous legal requirements
concerning the towing of a trailer, e.g. speed
restrictions. Make sure that your vehicle/
trailer combination complies with the local
requirements not only in your area of 138
Towing a trailerDriving and parking

residence but also at any location to which
you are traveling. The police and local
authorities can provide reliable information.
Please observe the following when towing a
trailer:
R To acquaint yourself with driving with a
trailer and with the resulting changes to
handling, you should practice cornering,
stopping and backing up in a traffic-free
location.
R Before driving, check:
-Trailer tow hitch
- Safety switch for braked trailers
- Safety chains
- Electrical connections
- Lights
- Wheels
R Adjust the exterior mirrors to provide an
unobstructed view of the rear section of the
trailer.
R If the trailer features electronically
controlled brakes, pull away the vehicle/
trailer combination carefully, manually
brake using the brake controller, and check
the brakes for correct function.
R Secure any objects on the trailer to prevent
the cargo from slipping when the vehicle is
in motion.
R If you couple up a trailer, regularly check
the cargo for secure fastening and make
sure that the trailer lamps and (if
applicable) the trailer brakes are
functioning correctly.
R Bear in mind that the handling will be less
stable when towing a trailer than when
driving without one. Avoid sudden steering
movements.
R The vehicle/trailer combination is heavier,
accelerates more slowly, has a decreased
gradient climbing capability and a longer
braking distance.
It is more susceptible to side winds and
requires more careful steering. R
If possible, avoid abrupt braking. Depress
the brake pedal moderately at first, so that
the trailer can activate its own brakes. Then
increase the pressure on the brake pedal.
R If the automatic transmission continues to
shift back and forth between two gears
when driving up or downhill, restrict the
shift range. Select shift range 4, 3, 2,or1.
A lower gear and lower speed reduce the
risk of engine failure.
R When driving downhill, shift to a lower gear
to utilize 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
dramatically while the air-conditioning
system is switched on, switch off the air-
conditioning system.
Coolant heat can additionally be dissipated
by opening the windows and by setting the
blower fan and the interior temperature to
maximum.
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 will have to travel an
additional distance beyond the vehicle you
are overtaking before returning to the
previous lane. Decoupling a trailer
! Do not disconnect a trailer with an
engaged overrun brake. Otherwise, your
vehicle could be damaged by the
rebounding of the overrun brake.
X Make sure that the automatic transmission
is set to position P.
X Apply the parking brake.
X Start the engine. Towing a trailer
139Driving and parking Z

X
Close all doors and the tailgate (G-Class
Cabriolet).
X Apply the trailer's parking brake.
X Remove the trailer cable and decouple the
trailer.
X Switch off the engine. Permissible trailer and drawbar loads
Weight specifications The gross trailer weight is calculated by
adding the weight of the trailer to the weight
of the load and equipment on the trailer.
Missing values for model G 63 AMG and
G 65 AMG were not available at the time of
going to print.
The maximum permissible trailer drawbar
noseweight is the maximum weight with
which the trailer drawbar can be loaded:
562 lbs (255 kg). Limit for Mercedes-Benz-
approved trailer couplings.
Loading a trailer R
When loading the trailer, make sure that
neither the permissible gross weight of the
trailer nor the gross vehicle weight is
exceeded. The permissible gross vehicle
weight is indicated on the identification
plate on the B-pillar on the driver's side of
the vehicle.
You can find the maximum permissible
values on the type plates of your vehicle
and the trailer. Always observe the lowest
respective value when determining the
maximum weight with which you can load
the vehicle and the trailer.
R The trailer drawbar load on the ball coupling
must be added to the rear axle load to avoid
exceeding the permissible gross axle
weight. The permissible gross vehicle
weight is indicated on the identification
plate on the B-pillar on the driver's side of
the vehicle. i
Mercedes-Benz recommends a trailer
load where the trailer drawbar noseweight
accounts for 8% to 15% of the trailer's
permissible gross weight.
i The weight of additional accessories,
passengers, and cargo reduces the
permissible trailer load and drawbar load
for your vehicle.
Checking the vehicle and trailer weight R
Determine the maximum permissible gross
vehicle weight of the vehicle. Weigh the
car/trailer combination, including the
driver, passenger, trailer and load on a
calibrated weighing machine.
R Check the gross axle weight rating of the
front and rear axles, the gross weight of the
trailer and trailer drawbar load. Information in the Digital Operator's
Manual
In the Digital Operator's Manual you will find
information on the following topics:
R Trailer power supply
R Bulb failure indicator for LED lamps
R Trailer with 7-pin connector 140
Towing a trailerDriving and pa
rking

Safety
Seat belts Problem Possible causes/consequences and
M
MSolutions ü
After starting the
engine, the red seat
belt warning lamp lights
up. In addition, a
warning tone sounds
for up to six seconds.
The driver's seat belt is not fastened.
X
Fasten your seat belt (Y page 49).
The warning tone ceases. ü
The red seat belt
warning lamp lights up
after the engine starts,
as soon as the driver's
or the front-passenger
door is closed.
The driver or front passenger has not fastened their seat belt.
X Fasten your seat belt (Y page 49).
The warning lamp goes out. There are objects on the front-passenger seat.
X
Remove the objects from the front-passenger seat and stow
them in a secure place.
The warning lamp goes out. ü
The red seat belt
warning lamp flashes
and an intermittent
audible warning
sounds.
The driver or front passenger has not fastened their seat belt. In
addition, you are driving faster than 15 mph (25 km/h) or you have
briefly driven faster than 15 mph (25 km/h).
X Fasten your seat belt (Y page 49).
The warning lamp goes out and the intermittent warning tone
ceases. There are objects on the front-passenger seat. In addition, you are
driving faster than 15 mph (25 km/h) or you have briefly driven
faster than 15 mph (25 km/h).
X Remove the objects from the front-passenger seat and stow
them in a secure place.
The warning lamp goes out and the intermittent warning tone
ceases. 158
Warning and indicator lamps in the instrument clusterOn-board computer and displays

Useful information
............................184
Loading guidelines ............................184
Stowage areas .................................. 185
Features ............................................. 189 183Stowage and features

Useful information
i This Operator's Manual describes all
models and all standard and optional
equipment of your vehicle available at the
time of publication of the Operator's
Manual. Country-specific differences are
possible. Please note that your vehicle may
not be equipped with all features
described. This also applies to safety-
related systems and functions.
i Read the information on qualified
specialist workshops: (Y page 27).Loading guidelines
G
WARNING
Always fasten items being carried as securely
as possible using cargo tie-down rings and
fastening materials appropriate for the weight
and size of the load.
In an accident, during hard braking or sudden
maneuvers, loose items will be thrown around
inside the vehicle. This can cause injury to
vehicle occupants unless the items are
securely fastened in the vehicle.
To help avoid personal injury during a collision
or sudden maneuver, exercise care when
transporting cargo. Do not pile luggage or
cargo higher than the seat backrests.
Never drive a vehicle with the tailgate open.
Deadly carbon monoxide (CO) gases may
enter vehicle interior resulting in
unconsciousness and death. Driving, braking and steering characteristics
change depending on:
R
type of load
R weight
R the center of gravity of the load
You should therefore load your vehicle as
shown in the illustrations.
The gross vehicle weight (GVW) is the vehicle
weight including fuel, vehicle tool kit, spare
wheel, installed accessories, vehicle
occupants and luggage/cargo.
The gross load limit and the gross vehicle
weight rating (GVWR) for your vehicle must
never be exceeded. The gross load limit and
the GVWR are specified on the vehicle
identification plate on the B-pillar of the
driver's door (Y page 258).
The load must also be distributed so that the
weight on each axle never exceeds the gross
axle weight rating (GAWR) for the front and
rear axles. The specifications for GVWR and
GAWR are on the vehicle identification plate
on the B-pillar of the driver's door
(Y page 258).
Further information can be found in the
"Loading the vehicle" section ( Ypage 237).
Observe the following notes when
transporting a load:
R Position heavy loads as far forwards as
possible and as low down in the cargo
compartment as possible.
i Transport loads when possible in the
cargo compartment. You should only use
the cargo compartment enlargement if the
load does not fit in the cargo compartment.
R Always place the load against the front or
rear seat backrests. 184
Loading guidelinesStowage and features

If the rear bench seat is not occupied:
X Insert the belt tongue on the outer seat
belts into the buckle of opposite seat
belt :.
X Secure the load with sufficiently strong and
wear-resistant tie downs.
X Pad sharp edges for protection. Stowage areas
Stowage space
Important safety notes G
WARNING
To help avoid personal injury during a collision
or sudden maneuver, exercise care when
storing objects in the vehicle. Put luggage or
cargo in the cargo compartment if possible.
Do not pile luggage or cargo higher than the
seat backrests.
Keep compartment lids closed. This will help
to prevent stored objects from being thrown
about and injuring vehicle occupants during
R braking
R vehicle maneuvers
R an accident
Observe the loading guidelines (Y page 184).Information in the Digital Operator's
Manual In the Digital Operator's Manual you will find
information on the following topics:
R
Glove box
R Stowage compartment/telephone
compartment under the armrest
R Door stowage compartments
R Stowage compartment in the front center
console Stowage nets
G
WARNING
Stowage nets are only intended for
transporting light loads such as road maps,
mail, etc.
Do not use stowage nets to transport heavy,
bulky, sharp-edged or fragile objects. In an
accident, during hard braking or during a
change of direction, they could be thrown
around inside the vehicle and cause injury to
vehicle occupants.
Stowage nets cannot protect the transported
loads in the event of an accident.
The stowage net is in the front-passenger
footwell. Cargo compartment enlargement
Important safety notes G
WARNING
Always lock the seat backrest in its upright
position when the rear seat bench is
occupied, or the extended cargo volume is not
in use.
Check for secure locking by pushing and
pulling on the seat backrest.
In an accident, during hard braking or sudden
maneuvers, loose items will be thrown around
inside the vehicle. This can cause injury to Stowage areas
185Stowage and features
Z

vehicle occupants unless the items are
securely fastened in the vehicle.
To help avoid personal injury during a collision
or sudden maneuver, exercise care when
transporting cargo. G
WARNING
Failure to assure that the seat bench and seat
backrests are locked into place could result
in an increased chance of injury in an
accident.
Never place hands under seat or near any
moving parts while a seat is being adjusted.
For safety reasons, the rear seat bench must
only be adjusted when the vehicle is
stationary.
Never drive a vehicle with the tailgate open.
Deadly carbon monoxide (CO) gases may
enter vehicle interior resulting in
unconsciousness and death.
! Ensure that you remove all containers
from the cup holder in the rear before
folding the seat backrest and the seat
cushion of the rear bench seat forwards.
Observe the loading guidelines (Y page 184).
The rear bench seat is split symmetrically.
The left-hand and right-hand rear seats can
be folded down to increase the cargo
compartment capacity. The following
changes are possible:
R fold the seat backrests forward
R fold the rear bench seat back fully Folding the seat backrest forward To fold forward the seat backrests, proceed
as follows:
X
Open the rear doors.
This allows you better access to release
lever :.
X Remove the center head restraint
(Y page 78).
X Pull catch :in the direction of the arrow.
The corresponding rear seat backrest is not
engaged.
X Fold the backrest forwards.
The rear seat backrest engages audibly. ;
Backrest folded forward
Folding the seat backrest back !
Make sure that the seat belt does not
become trapped when folding the rear seat
backrest back. Otherwise, it could be
damaged. 186
Stowage areasStowage and features

X
Pull release lever :.
The corresponding seat backrest is
released.
X Fold backrest ;backwards in the
direction of the arrow.
The seat catch engages audibly.
X Install the head restraint (Y page 78).
Rear bench seat Folding the rear bench seat forward
X
Fold rear seat backrest (Y page 186)
forwards.
X Pull catch :in the direction of the arrow.
The corresponding rear bench seat is
released.
X Fold rear bench seat ;forwards. ;
Rear bench seat folded forward
Folding the rear bench seat into an
upright position G
WARNING
If the rear bench seat/rear seat and seat
backrest are not engaged they could fold
forwards, e.g. when braking suddenly or in the
event of an accident.
R The vehicle occupant would thereby be
pushed into the seat belt by the rear bench
seat/rear seat or by the seat backrest. The
seat belt can no longer offer the intended
level of protection and could even cause
injuries.
R Objects or loads in the trunk/cargo
compartment cannot be restrained by the
seat backrest.
There is an increased risk of injury.
Before every trip, make sure that the seat
backrests and the rear bench seat/rear seat
are engaged.
X Fold the rear bench seat back.
The seat catch engages audibly.
X Fold the backrest backwards
(Y page 186).
X Install the head restraints (Y page 78). Securing cargo
Important safety notes Distribute the load on the cargo tie-down
rings evenly. Stowage areas
187Stowage and features Z

Do not tamper with or repair cargo tie-down
point, cargo tie down rings or tie downs. Have
maintenance work as well as modifications,
installations and conversions carried out at a
qualified specialist workshop (Y page 27).
Observe the following notes on securing
loads:
R Secure the load using the cargo tie-down
rings.
R Do not use elastic straps or nets to secure
a load, as these are only intended as an
anti-slip protection for light loads.
R Do not route tie-downs across sharp edges
or corners.
R Pad sharp edges for protection.
R Only use tie downs that have been checked
in accordance with applicable standards,
e.g. lashing nets or lashing straps.
R Fill the spaces between the load and the
cargo compartment walls and the wheel
mountings in a form-locking way. Only use
dimensionally stable transportation aids
for this, such as chocks, wooden fixings or
padding.
Cargo tie-down rings in the cargo
compartment There are four cargo tie down rings
:in the
cargo compartment mounted at the sides. Cargo compartment cover
Important safety notes !
When loading the vehicle, make sure that
you do not stack the load in the cargo
compartment higher than the lower edge of
the side windows. Do not place heavy
objects on top of the cargo compartment
cover.
The cargo compartment cover is located
behind the rear bench seat backrest.
Opening and closing the cargo
compartment cover X
To open: pull cargo compartment
cover :back and clip it into the retainers
on the left and right of the rear door.
X To close: unclip cargo compartment
cover :and guide it forwards until it is
completely rolled up.
Installing/removing the cargo
compartment cover 188
Sto
wage areasStowage an d features