Model 215
The customer must be advised that fuse 55 in the rear fuse box (F4) must only be inserted when towing a trailer - an external user could drain the vehicle battery when stationary.
The transport locking element between the crossmember and the swiveling ball neck should only be removed after installation of the trailer coupling release.
The ball neck engages into the two end positions and can then only be disengaged by means of the control cable on the release lever.
The following applies for the Federal Republic of Germany: Trailer hitches fitted without E1 test symbol
must be accepted for checking by an officially recognized expert.
On trailer hitches with E1 test symbol
the legislator dispenses with the acceptance at an authorized technical test point (Technical Inspection Association for example) for the retrofitting of a trailer hitch (AHV).
A prerequisite for this is that:
- the supplement "is fitted at the plant" is entered in the vehicle papers (in item 33 re item 27: E1 00...)
- That a E1 test symbol is attached to the trailer hitch.
Export countries must adhere to their respective registration regulations or statutory requirements regarding the installation of a trailer coupling.
The body sealing compound and underbody sealant must be removed from all the body mounting points of the trailer coupling. The mounting points should then be cleaned with a commercially available cleaning agent. Apply anticorrosion paint to bare-metal areas of the body.
Trailer couplings are homologated safety parts. They must be installed on vehicles by a specialist. Trailer couplings which have been damaged in an accident, by bottoming or by an impact from behind must be replaced; subsequent modifications such as bending, machining, welding, etc. are not permitted.
The diameter of the coupling ball, measured with a caliper gauge, must measure at least 49 mm at all points. The ball must be greased before use to reduce wear. Advise the customer accordingly.
It not necessary to grease the ball on trailers with an anti-swerve device
(refer to trailer instructions). Advise the customer accordingly.
The customer should be asked to read the chapters entitled "Trailer coupling" and "Trailer operation" in the vehicle's operating instructions.