trailer MERCEDES-BENZ METRIS 2020 MY20 Operator’s Manual

PARKTRONIC is deactivated at speeds above
11 mph (18 km/h
). PARKTRONIC is reactiva-
ted at speeds below 10 mph (16 km/h).
Important safety notes PARKTRONIC is only an aid. It cannot replace
your own awareness of the immediate sur-
roundings. You are responsible for safe
maneuvering, parking and pulling away. Make
sure that there are no persons, animals or
objects in the maneuvering area while maneu-
vering and parking in/leaving parking spaces.
! Pay particular attention to obstacles above
or below the sensors when parking, such as
flower pots or trailer towbars. PARKTRONIC
does not recognize such objects when they
are in the immediate vicinity of the vehicle.
You could damage the vehicle or objects.
PARKTRONIC can suffer interference from:
R ultrasonic sources such as a truck's
compressed-air brakes, an automatic car
wash or a pneumatic drill
R attachments to the vehicle, e.g. rear
mounted racks
R number plates (vehicle license plates)
that are not affixed flat against the
bumper
R dirty or icy sensors
Remove a detachable trailer coupling if it is no
longer required. PARKTRONIC measures the
minimum detection range to an obstacle from
the bumper, not the ball coupling.
Range of the sensors PARKTRONIC does not account for obstacles
that are:
R beneath its detection range, e.g. persons,
animals or objects
R above its detection range, e.g. overhanging
loads, overhangs or loading ramps of trucks The sensors must be free of dirt, ice or slush.
Otherwise, they cannot function correctly.
Clean the sensors regularly, taking care not to
scratch or damage them (Y page

267).
Front sensors Center Approx. 39 in
(100 cm

) Corners Approx. 24 in
(60 cm

) Rear sensors
Center Approx. 47 in
(120 cm

) Corners Approx. 31 in
(80 cm

) Minimum distance
Center Approx. 8 in (20 cm)
Corners Approx. 8 in (20 cm)
If an obstacle is within this range, the corre-
sponding segments of the warning displays
light up and you hear a warning tone. If the
distance falls below the minimum, the dis- Driving systems
157
Driving and parking Z

Towing a trailer
PARKTRONIC detects a coupled trailer if your
vehicle is equipped with the corresponding
electrical installations for trailer towing.
PARKTRONIC is deactivated for the rear area
when you establish an electrical connection
between your vehicle and a trailer. If you use
an adapter for the socket, remove it from the
socket after detaching the trailer. Otherwise,
PARKTRONIC remains deactivated for the rear
area.
Problems with PARKTRONIC Problem
Possible causes/consequences and
M SolutionsOnly the red segments
in the PARKTRONIC
warning displays are lit.
In addition, a warning
tone sounds for approx.
two seconds
PARKTRONIC is then
deactivated.
The indicator lamp of
the f button lights
up and the red seg-
ments in the
PARKTRONIC warning
display go out. PARKTRONIC has malfunctioned and has switched itself off.
X
If problems persist, have PARKTRONIC checked at a qualified
specialist workshop. The PARKTRONIC warn-
ing displays implausible
distances.
For example, all the
segments may be lit
even though there is no
obstacle present. The PARKTRONIC sensors are dirty or iced up.
X Clean the PARKTRONIC sensors ( Y page 267).
X Turn the key to position 2 in the ignition lock. The license plate or other parts attached near the sensors may not
be secured correctly.
X Check the license plate and attachment parts near the sensors
for correct seating. An external radio or ultrasonic source may be causing interference.
X Check PARKTRONIC functions in a different location. Active Parking Assist
General notes Active Parking Assist is an electronic parking
aid. The system uses ultrasound sensors to
measure the road on both sides of the vehicle
and indicates suitable parking spaces. It can
then actively steer and brake the vehicle to
help you to park and exit the parking space.
Active Parking Assist includes the
PARKTRONIC parking aid which indicates visu-
ally and audibly the distance between your vehicle and an obstruction. To do this,
PARKTRONIC uses the ultrasonic sensors of
the Active Parking Assist

(Y page 156).
Important safety notes Active Parking Assist is only an aid. It is not a
substitute for your attention to the immediate
surroundings. You are responsible for safe
maneuvering, parking and pulling away. Make
sure that no persons, animals or objects are in
the maneuvering range. Driving systems
159
Driving and parking Z

When you deactivate PARKTRONIC, Active
Parking Assist will also be deactivated.
For vehicles with a trailer coupling installed,
the minimum length for parking spaces will be
slightly increased.
If you have attached a trailer to your vehicle,
you should not use Active Parking Assist. Once
the electrical connection is established
between your vehicle and the trailer, Active
Parking Assist is no longer available.
PARKTRONIC is then deactivated for the rear
area.
G
WARNING
While parking or pulling out of a parking
space, the vehicle swings out and can drive
onto areas of the oncoming lane. This could
result in a collision with another road user.
There is a risk of an accident.
Pay attention to other road users. Stop the
vehicle if necessary or cancel the Active
Parking Assist parking procedure.
! If they cannot be avoided, drive over
obstacles such as curbs slowly and at an
obtuse angle. Otherwise, you may damage
the wheels or tires.
Active Parking Assist may also display spaces
not suitable for parking, e.g.:
R in a zone where parking or stopping is pro-
hibited
R in front of driveways or entrances and exits
R on unsuitable surfaces
Parking tips:
R on narrow roads, drive as closely as possible
past the parking space.
R parking spaces that are littered or over-
grown might be identified or measured
incorrectly.
R parking spaces that are partially occupied
by trailer drawbars might not be identified
as such or be measured incorrectly.
R snowfall or heavy rain may lead to a parking
space being measured inaccurately.
R when transporting a load which protrudes
from your vehicle, you should not use Active
Parking Assist.
R never use Active Parking Assist when snow
chains are installed. R
always ensure that the tire pressure is cor-
rect This has a direct influence on the park-
ing characteristics of the vehicle.
R if you mount wheels with a different wheel
size, this will have a direct influence on the
parking result.
R if you mount tires from another manufac-
turer, this may have an influence on the
parking result.
R if you drive slowly past the parking space, a
better parking result is achieved.
R pay attention to the PARKTRONIC warning
messages ( Y page
158) during the parking
procedure.
R you can intervene in the steering procedure
to correct it at any time. Parking assistance
will then be canceled and Active Parking
Assist stopped.
Use Active Parking Assist for parking spaces
that are:
R parallel or at right angles to the direction of
travel.
R on straight roads, not bends.
R on the same level as the road, e.g. not on
the pavement.
Detecting parking spaces G
WARNING
If there are objects above the detection
range:
R Active Parking Assist may steer too early
R the vehicle may not stop in front of these
objects
This could cause a collision. There is a risk
of an accident.
If objects are located above the detection
range, stop and deactivate Active Parking
Assist.
Objects located above the detection range of
Active Parking Assist will not be detected
when the parking space is measured. These
are not taken into account when the parking
procedure is calculated, e.g. overhanging
loads, overhangs or truck loading ramps.
Further information about the detection range
(Y page

157).160
Driving systems
Driving and parking

Active Parking Assist does not assist you park-
ing in spaces at right angles to the direction of
travel if:
R two parking spaces are located directly next
to one another
R the parking space is directly next to a low
obstacle such as a low curb
R you forward park
Active Parking Assist does not assist you park-
ing in spaces that are parallel or at right angles
to the direction of travel if:
R the parking space is on a curb
R the system reads the parking space as being
blocked, for example by foliage or grass
paving blocks
R the area is too small for the vehicle to
maneuver into
R the parking space is bordered by an obsta-
cle, e.g. a tree, a post or a trailer :
Detected parking space on the left
; Parking symbol
= Detected parking space on the right
If the driver's seat belt is fastened and all
doors are closed, Active Parking Assist is acti-
vated automatically when driving forwards.
The system is operational at speeds of up to
approximately
22 mph (35 km/h). While in
operation, the system independently locates
and measures parking spaces on both sides of
the vehicle.
Active Parking Assist will only detect parking
spaces:
R parallel or at right angles to the direction of
travel
R that are parallel to the direction of travel
and are at least 59 in (1.5 m) wide
R that are parallel to the direction of travel
and at least 40 in (1.0 m) longer than your
vehicle
R that are at right angles to the direction of
travel and at least 40 in (1.0 m) wider than
your vehicle i
Note that Active Parking Assist cannot
measure the length of a parking space if it is
at right angles to the direction of travel. You
will need to judge whether your vehicle will
fit in the parking space.
When the vehicle is driving at speeds of up to
approximately

20 mph (30 km/h), parking
symbol ; is shown as a status display in the
header.
The system detects and differentiates between
parking spaces which are parallel or at right
angles to the direction of travel. When a park-
ing space is detected, an arrow appears next
to parking symbol ; to indicate which side
the parking space is on. The parking space is
displayed while you are driving past it and until
you are approximately 50 ft (15 m) away from
it.
Active Parking Assist displays parking spaces
on the passenger side as standard. The park-
ing spaces on the driver's side are only dis-
played if you operate the turn signal on the
driver's side. When parking on the driver's
side, you must operate the turn signal until
you have started active parking assistance by
pressing the a button on the steering
wheel.
Parking G
WARNING
If you leave the driver's seat when the vehi-
cle is only being braked by Active Parking
Assist, the vehicle could roll away if:
R there is a malfunction in the system or in
the voltage supply.
R the electrical system in the engine com-
partment, the battery or the fuses are
tampered with.
R the battery is disconnected.
R the vehicle is accelerated, e.g. by a vehi-
cle occupant.
There is a risk of an accident.
Before leaving the driver's seat, always
secure the vehicle against rolling away.
If PARKTRONIC detects obstacles, Active Park-
ing Assist brakes automatically during the
parking process. You are responsible for brak-
ing in good time. Driving systems
161
Driving and parking Z

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