Towing
TOWING A TRAILER
WARNINGS
Do not exceed 100 km/h (62 mph).
The rear tire pressures must be increased by 0.2 bar (3 psi) above
specification. See Technical
Specifications (page 262).
Do not exceed the maximum gross train weight stated on the vehicle
identification plate. See Vehicle identification (page 265).
CAUTION
Do not exceed the maximum permissible nose weight, i.e. vertical weight on the tow ball, of 90 kilograms (198 pounds).
Note: Not all vehicles are suitable or approved to have tow bars fitted. Check with your dealer first.
Place loads as low and central to the axle(s) of the trailer as possible. If you are towing with an unladen vehicle, the load in the trailer should be placed toward the nose, within the maximum nose load, as this gives the best stability.
The stability of the vehicle to trailer combination is very much dependant on the quality of the trailer.
In high altitude regions above 1 000 meters
(3 281 feet), the stipulated maximum permitted gross train weight must be reduced by 10% for every additional 1 000 meters (3 281 feet).
Trailer Lighting
The electrical system on your vehicle is not suitable for towing trailers with LED lamps.
Steep gradients
WARNING
The overrun brake on a trailer is not controlled by ABS.
Change down a gear before you reach a steep downhill gradient.
TOW BALL
WARNINGS
When not in use, always transport the tow ball arm securely fastened in the luggage compartment.
Take special care when fitting the tow ball arm as the safety of the vehicle and the trailer depends on this.
Do not use any tools for mounting or dismounting the tow ball arm. Do not modify the trailer coupling. Do not disassemble or repair the tow ball arm.
A 13-pin trailer socket and the tow ball arm seat are provided underneath the rear bumper. Turn the trailer socket down through 90 degrees until it engages in the end position.
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Galaxy/S-MAX (CA1) Vehicles Built From: 25-11-2013, Vehicles Built Up To: 18-12-2014, CG3533en enGBR, Edition date: 11/2013, Second Printing
Unlocking the tow ball arm mechanism
Towing
Inserting the tow ball arm
1.
Remove the protecting cap ( 1 ). Insert the key and turn it clockwise to unlock
( 2 ).
2. Hold the tow ball arm. Pull the handwheel out and turn it clockwise until it clicks ( 3 ).
3. The red mark on the handwheel must align with the green mark on the tow ball.
4. Release the handwheel. The tow ball arm is unlocked.
WARNING
The tow ball arm may only be inserted when completely unlocked.
1.
Pull out the plug.
2. Insert the tow ball arm vertically and press it upwards until it engages ( 1 ).
Do not hold your hand near the handwheel.
3. The green mark on the handwheel must align with the green mark on the tow ball.
4. To lock, turn the key counterclockwise and remove the key ( 2 ).
5. Pull the protecting cap from the key bow and press it onto the lock.
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Galaxy/S-MAX (CA1) Vehicles Built From: 25-11-2013, Vehicles Built Up To: 18-12-2014, CG3533en enGBR, Edition date: 11/2013, Second Printing
Driving with a trailer
Towing
Removing the tow ball arm
WARNING
If any of the below conditions cannot be met, do not use the tow bar and have it checked by a properly trained technician.
Before starting your journey, make sure that the tow ball arm is properly locked.
Check that:
• the green marks are aligned
• the handwheel ( A ) is correctly fitted to the tow ball arm
• you have removed the key ( B )
• the tow ball arm is securely positioned.
It must not move when jerked.
1.
Unhitch the trailer.
2. Remove the protecting cap. Press the cap into the key bow. Insert the key and unlock ( 1 ).
3. Hold the tow ball arm. Pull the handwheel out, turn it clockwise against the stop ( 2 ) and remove the tow ball arm ( 3 ).
4. Release the handwheel.
When unlocked in this way, the tow ball arm can be reinserted at any time.
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Galaxy/S-MAX (CA1) Vehicles Built From: 25-11-2013, Vehicles Built Up To: 18-12-2014, CG3533en enGBR, Edition date: 11/2013, Second Printing
Driving without a trailer
Towing
RETRACTABLE TOW BALL
CAUTION
Only move the tow ball arm with your hand. Never use your foot or auxiliary tools as damage to the mechanism may result.
1.
Remove the tow ball arm.
2. Insert the plug into its seat ( 1 ).
WARNING
Never unlock the tow ball arm with the trailer attached.
Maintenance
WARNING
Remove the tow ball arm and protect the seat with the plug before steam cleaning your vehicle.
Keep the system clean. Periodically lubricate bearings, sliding surfaces, and locking balls with resin-free grease or oil and the lock with graphite.
In case of loss, replacement keys are available from the manufacturer by stating the number on the lock cylinder.
You can turn the retractable tow ball arm through 90 degrees using the handwheel
A .
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Galaxy/S-MAX (CA1) Vehicles Built From: 25-11-2013, Vehicles Built Up To: 18-12-2014, CG3533en enGBR, Edition date: 11/2013, Second Printing
Towing
A 13-pin trailer socket B is provided underneath the rear bumper next to the tow ball arm C .
Note: When not in use, insert the key into the storage position D to the right of the handwheel.
Swivelling the tow ball in
WARNINGS
Keep your hands away from the handwheel as it rotates during the locking process.
You will hear a warning tone when the tow ball arm is not in one of the locked positions. If you do not hear the tone when moving the tow ball arm, do not use the tow bar and have it checked by a properly trained technician.
CAUTION
Before retracting the ball neck into its stowage position always unhitch the trailer or dismantle load carriers and their attachments. Dismantle attachments for tracking stabilization. Remove the plug for the trailer power supply and the adapter from the socket. Failure to do so may result in damage to the bumper.
1.
Insert the key into the handwheel and turn it clockwise to unlock.
2. Pull the handwheel out and turn it counterclockwise to the stop. The tow ball arm automatically swivels into a midway position.
3. Release the handwheel. The tow ball arm is not locked. This is indicated by the warning tone and the handwheel projects about five millimeters (0.2
inch) from its housing.
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Galaxy/S-MAX (CA1) Vehicles Built From: 25-11-2013, Vehicles Built Up To: 18-12-2014, CG3533en enGBR, Edition date: 11/2013, Second Printing
Towing
4. Manually turn the tow ball arm steadily from its midway position to the stop in the stowage position. The tow ball arm automatically locks in the end position.
The locking process is clearly audible if the level of background noise is not too high. When the locking process is completed, the warning tone stops and the handwheel will return to its original position.
5. Turn the key counterclockwise and remove it. Insert the key into the storage position.
Swivelling the tow ball out
WARNING
You will hear a warning tone when the tow ball arm is not in one of the locked positions. If you do not hear the tone when moving the tow ball arm, do not use the tow bar and have it checked by a properly trained technician.
1.
Insert the key into the handwheel and turn it clockwise to unlock.
2. Pull the handwheel out and turn it counterclockwise to the stop. The tow ball arm automatically swivels into the midway position.
3. Release the handwheel. The tow ball arm is not locked. This is indicated by the warning tone and the handwheel projects about five millimeters (0.2
inch) from its housing.
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Galaxy/S-MAX (CA1) Vehicles Built From: 25-11-2013, Vehicles Built Up To: 18-12-2014, CG3533en enGBR, Edition date: 11/2013, Second Printing
Towing
4. Manually turn the tow ball arm steadily from its midway position to the stop in the operating position. The tow ball arm automatically locks in the end position. The locking process is clearly audible if the level of background noise is not too high. When the locking process is completed, the warning tone stops and the handwheel will return to its original position.
5. Turn the key counterclockwise and remove it. Insert the key into the storage position.
Driving with a trailer
WARNING
If any of the conditions below cannot be met, do not use the tow bar and have it checked by a properly trained technician.
Before starting your journey, make sure that the tow ball arm is properly locked.
Check that:
• there is no warning tone when the locking procedure has been completed
• the handwheel is in its housing and that there is no gap
• you have locked the handwheel
(counterclockwise) and removed the key
• the tow ball arm is locked. It must not move when jerked.
Maintenance
CAUTIONS
The towing hitch and control unit are maintenance-free. Do not grease or oil them.
Only the manufacturer should carry out repairs or dismantle the towing hitch.
CAUTIONS
When cleaning the vehicle with a steam jet do not direct the high pressure jet directly onto the swivel joint of the tow ball arm.
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Galaxy/S-MAX (CA1) Vehicles Built From: 25-11-2013, Vehicles Built Up To: 18-12-2014, CG3533en enGBR, Edition date: 11/2013, Second Printing
