Mercedes-Benz Trailer Stability Assist combats the dreaded fishtailing: Trailer towing made safe

Most Mercedes-Benz models can be used to tow a trailer without any problems, though few are likely to encounter a load as hevy as this M-Class did recently when Mercedes-Benz engineers set out to highlight one of the company’s new design features. The M-Class was put to the test at Stuttgart Airport pulling an Airbus A319 aeroplane weighing around 60 tonnes. The point of the exercise was to showcase the new Mercedes-Benz Trailer Stability Assist (TSA). TSA is capable of detecting the dreaded fishtailing motion swiftly and nipping it in the bud effectively.

This is an extra function incorporated into the ESP Electronic Stability Program that is designed to offer drivers even greater safety when towing a trailer. TSA is capable of detecting the dreaded fishtailing motion swiftly and nipping it in the bud effectively. To do this, it uses the ESP program's own sensory system and initiates precision brake applications at the front left and right wheels individually and alternately to stabilise the car/trailer outfit.

TSA will make its debut in the W 221-series Mercedes-Benz S Class, after which it will be made available for further model series successively. It is due to be added to the specification of the M-Class from late August 2005.