11 2027 Open Trail Driving Your Open Trail
Driving Features:
1. Active Distance Assist Distronic® (Adaptive Cruise Control) - This feature maintains a safe distance from the vehicle ahead by automatically adjusting the speed of the Tiffin Open Trail. It ensures a smoother and safer driving experience, especially during long journeys or in heavy traffic.
2. Hill Start Assist - Prevents the vehicle from rolling backward when starting on an incline. It holds the brakes momentarily as you transition from the brake pedal to the accelerator, making uphill starts effortless.
3. Attention Assist - Monitors driver behavior and provides alerts if signs of drowsiness or inattention are detected. This system enhances safety by encouraging breaks when needed.
4. Traffic Sign Assist - Uses cameras to detect and display traffic signs, such as speed limits or no-entry signs, on the dashboard. This helps drivers stay informed and compliant with road regulations.
5. Load Adaptive Electronic Stability Program (ESP) - Adjusts the vehicle’s stability control system based on the load being carried. This ensures optimal handling and safety, regardless of the weight or distribution of cargo.
6. High Beam Assist - Automatically switches between high and low beams depending on the presence of oncoming traffic or vehicles ahead. This improves visibility without causing glare for other drivers.
7. Active Lane Keeping Assist - Helps the driver stay within their lane by providing gentle steering corrections if unintentional lane departure is detected. This feature is particularly useful on highways and long-distance drives.
8. Heated Leather Seats with Electronic Controls – Adjust the seat position and temperature using electronic buttons on the side of the seat to find your ideal comfort level.
9. Swivel Bases for Driver and Passenger Seats – Unlock the swivel mechanism (usually a lever near the base) and rotate the seat as needed for easier access or workspace flexibility.
10. Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel with Integrated Controls – Use the buttons on the steering wheel to control functions such as audio, cruise control, and hands-free phone operation without taking your hands off the wheel.
11. Keyless Start – With the key fob inside the vehicle, press the start button to turn the engine on or off without inserting a key.
12. Rain Sensor for Windshield Wipers – Activate the automatic wiper setting, and the system will detect moisture on the windshield, engaging the wipers at an appropriate speed.
13. Automatic LED Headlights – Keep headlights set to the “Auto” mode, and they will turn on and adjust brightness based on ambient lighting conditions.
14. Instrument Cluster with Color Display – View vehicle diagnostics, speed, fuel levels, and navigation guidance on the digital screen located behind the steering wheel.
15. Parking Package with 360˚ View Camera – When parking, use the 360-degree camera view displayed on the infotainment screen to see all angles around the van for safer maneuvering.
16. Interior Rear-view Mirror – Adjust the mirror manually for better visibility inside the cabin and rear area.
17. Crosswind Assist – The system automatically engages at higher speeds to stabilize the van during strong crosswinds; no manual activation is required.
18. Driver and Passenger Airbags – These deploy automatically in the event of a collision, providing impact protection.
19. Blind Spot Monitoring System – If a vehicle is in your blind spot, the system alerts you with a light on the side mirrors, helping you make safer lane changes.
20. Emergency Call System – In the event of a serious accident, the van automatically contacts emergency services through its built-in communication system.
21. Smartphone Integration for Apple CarPlay® and Android™ Auto – Connect your smartphone via USB or Bluetooth to access apps, navigation, and media directly on the infotainment screen.
22. Mercedes-Benz MBUX Multimedia System with 10.25” Touchscreen – Use the touchscreen to access navigation, entertainment, and vehicle settings, or use voice commands for hands-free operation.
23. Smartphone Tray with Charging Ports – Place your phone in the designated tray and connect it to a USB or wireless charger to keep it powered.
24. Intelligent Navigation – Enter your destination via the touchscreen or voice commands, and the system will provide real-time traffic updates and the best route suggestions.
25. Powered Windows – Use the window control buttons on the door panel to raise or lower the windows with ease.
26. Door-mounted Driver and Passenger Assist Handles – Grip these handles to make entry and exit easier, especially in high-ground-clearance situations.
27. Powered Door Locks – Lock or unlock all doors using the button on the dashboard or the key fob for convenience and security.
These advanced features collectively enhance the safety, comfort, and convenience of the Tiffin Open Trail, making it a reliable choice for both everyday use and adventurous journeys.
Driver and Passenger Seat Controls:
The Tiffin Open Trail is equipped with premium Mercedes-Benz driver and passenger seats that feature electrical controls for enhanced comfort and adjustability. These seats allow for precise positioning, making long drives more enjoyable.
Key Features of the Electrical Seat Controls
• Power-adjustable seating: Move the seat forward, backward, up, or down with the touch of a button.
• Backrest & lumbar support: Adjust the backrest angle and lumbar support for personalized comfort.
• Heated seats: Both driver and passenger seats come with heating functionality for added warmth in colder conditions.
• Memory function: Save preferred seat positions for quick adjustments.
Adjusting the Seats
1. Locate the Seat Controls:
• The controls are on the door panel, shaped like a seat for intuitive use.
• You can adjust the seat position, backrest, headrest, and seat length.
2. Moving the Seat:
o Slide the seat forward or backward using the base control.
o Adjust the height by moving the control up or down.
3. Backrest & Headrest Adjustments:
o Tilt the backrest forward or backward for lumbar support.
o Raise or lower the headrest using the designated button.
4. Memory Function:
o Press M and a number (1, 2, or 3) to save your preferred seat position.
o To recall a saved position, press the corresponding number button.
Driver & Passenger Heated Seats:
The Tiffin Open Trail Mercedes-Benz 3500XD AWD Dual Wheel is designed for comfort and convenience, especially in colder climates. One of its premium features is the heated seats, which provide warmth and relaxation for both the driver and passenger. With multiple heat settings, occupants can customize their level of comfort with the push of a button. The heated seat system ensures a cozy driving experience, making long journeys more enjoyable, whether navigating rugged terrain or cruising on the highway. Combined with Mercedes-Benz’s renowned engineering, this feature enhances the luxurious feel of the vehicle, reinforcing its reputation as a top choice for adventure seekers and commercial use alike.
To operate the heated seats in the Tiffin Open Trail, follow these steps:
1. Locate the Heated Seat Controls (Figure 11-1) – The controls are found on the door panel
2. Activate the Heating Function – Press the heated seat button once to turn it on. Some models offer multiple heat levels, so pressing the button repeatedly may cycle through different intensity settings.
3. Monitor the Indicator Lights – The seat heating system usually has LED indicators that show the current heat level.
4. Turn Off the Heated Seats – Press the button again until the indicator lights turn off, or the system may automatically shut off after a set period.
For precise details, you can refer to the official Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Owner’s Manual in the Tiffin Knowledge Central Owner’s Hub.
Active Distance Assist:
The Tiffin Open Trail series is designed with advanced safety and convenience in mind, offering features like Active Distance Assist. This intelligent system helps drivers maintain a safe following distance from vehicles ahead by automatically adjusting speed as needed. Whether cruising on the highway or navigating busy roads, Active Distance Assist provides seamless acceleration and braking, reducing driver fatigue and enhancing overall travel comfort. With this innovative technology, Tiffin ensures a smoother and more confident driving experience, prioritizing safety without compromising performance. Here’s how it works:
1. Activate the System: Use the steering wheel controls to turn on DISTRONIC. You can set your desired speed and preferred following distance.
2. Adjust Distance: The system allows you to choose from multiple distance levels to maintain a safe gap between your vehicle and the one in front.
3. Automatic Speed Adaptation: DISTRONIC will accelerate or brake automatically to keep pace with traffic. If you activate the turn signal to pass, the system can speed up accordingly.
4. Stop-and-Go Functionality: In traffic jams, DISTRONIC can bring the vehicle to a complete stop and resume movement when traffic starts moving again.
5. Speed Limit Recognition: If equipped, the system can detect speed limits and adjust accordingly with a button press on the steering wheel.
6. Limitations: The system may not function properly in poor weather conditions, such as heavy rain or snow, or if sensors are obstructed. It also has trouble detecting vehicles over steep hills or around sharp corners.
Hazard Warning Lights:
The Tiffin Open Trail is equipped with hazard warning lights, an essential safety feature designed to alert other drivers in emergency situations. These lights help improve visibility when the vehicle is stationary due to a breakdown or other roadside emergencies.
To switch on/off: Press the Hazard Warning Lamp Switch (Figure 11-2). If you have indicated a turn while the hazard warning lamps are switched on, only the turn signal lamps on the side of the vehicle selected will light up.
The hazard warning lamps will switch on automatically if:
• An airbag is deployed.
• You brake sharply and bring the vehicle to a halt at a speed of more than 45 mph
If the hazard warning lamps have been switched on automatically, press the hazard warning lamp switch to switch them off.
Activate the hazard warning lights whenever the vehicle is stopped on the roadside or near moving traffic. These lights signal a potential hazard to other drivers, encouraging them to take extra precautions. Once switched on, the hazard lights will continue flashing even if the key is turned off or removed from the ignition.
Attention Assist:
Attention Assist is a safety feature on the Tiffin Open Trail Mercedes-Benz vehicles designed to detect signs of driver fatigue and alert you to take a break. Here’s how it works:
1. Activation: The system is automatically active when you start driving. It begins analyzing your driving behavior within the first few minutes.
2. Monitoring Driving Patterns: Using over 70 parameters, Attention Assist tracks steering movements, reaction times, and other behaviors to determine if you’re becoming drowsy.
3. Alerts: If the system detects signs of fatigue, it will display a coffee cup icon on the dashboard and issue an audible alert suggesting you take a break.
4. Customization: Some models allow you to adjust the sensitivity of Attention Assist through the vehicle’s settings.
5. Limitations: The system works best on highways and long-distance drives but may not be as effective in city traffic or short trips.
Traffic Sign Assist:
Traffic Sign Assist (Figure 11-3) on the Tiffin Open Trail Mercedes-Benz helps drivers stay aware of road signs by detecting and displaying them in real-time. Here’s how to operate it:
1. Activation: The system is typically active by default. It uses a forward-facing camera and navigation data to recognize traffic signs.
2. Display of Signs: Detected signs, such as speed limits and no-passing zones, appear on the vehicle’s dashboard.
3. Warnings: If you exceed a posted speed limit, the system can issue an audible and visual warning.
4. Additional Features: Some versions of Traffic Sign Assist can recognize stop signs, red lights, and pedestrian crossings, providing alerts to enhance safety.
5. Limitations: Poor visibility, unclear signage, or obstructed cameras may affect the system’s accuracy.
Active Lane-Keeping Assist:
Active Lane Keeping Assist in the Mercedes-Benz 3500XD AWD helps prevent unintentional lane departures by monitoring road markings and providing corrective steering or braking when necessary. Here’s how to operate it:
1. Activation: The system is typically active by default. You can adjust its settings through the vehicle’s infotainment system.
2. Lane Monitoring: Using a forward-facing camera, the system detects lane markings and assesses whether the vehicle is drifting unintentionally.
3. Warnings: If the vehicle begins to leave its lane without signaling, the system may issue a steering wheel vibration or visual alert.
4. Corrective Action: If necessary, the system can apply selective braking to guide the vehicle back into its lane.
5. Overriding the System: If you intentionally change lanes with the turn signal activated, the system will not intervene.
6. Limitations: Poor weather, faded lane markings, or obstructed sensors may affect performance.
You can adjust the Active Lane Keeping Assist on your Open Trail through the vehicle’s settings menu. Here’s how:
1. Access the Settings Menu: Use the home button on the steering wheel to navigate to the Assistance settings.
2. Locate Lane Keeping Assist: Scroll to the Lane Keeping Assist option.
3. Adjust Sensitivity: You can modify the system’s intervention level—choose between early, medium, or late response.
4. Deactivate if Needed: If you prefer, you can turn off the feature, but it may reactivate upon restarting the vehicle.
High Beam Assist:
High Beam Assist in the Mercedes-Benz 3500XD AWD helps optimize visibility by automatically switching between high and low beams based on surrounding traffic and lighting conditions. Here’s how to operate it:
1. Activation: Set the rotary light switch to “Auto” and activate High Beam Assist using the control lever on the steering wheel.
2. Automatic Adjustments: The system detects oncoming vehicles and vehicles ahead using a camera. If no other road users are detected, high beams will activate automatically.
3. Deactivation: High beams will switch to low beams when another vehicle is detected, when driving at lower speeds, or if there is sufficient street lighting.
4. Limitations: The system may not react to pedestrians, cyclists, or poorly lit objects. Weather conditions and sensor obstructions can also affect performance.
Side View Cameras:
The side view cameras on the Tiffin Open Trail are part of the 360-degree surround view system, designed to enhance visibility and assist with parking and maneuvering. Here’s how to use them:
Activating the Side View Cameras
• The system automatically engages when you shift into reverse, displaying a bird’s-eye view on the infotainment screen.
• You can also manually activate the cameras via the infotainment system.
Using the Cameras for Parking & Maneuvering
• The side cameras help reduce blind spots, especially when navigating tight spaces.
• The display adjusts dynamically, showing different angles depending on your steering input and proximity to obstacles.
• If your vehicle has guidelines, they will appear on the screen to assist with alignment.
Adjusting Camera Settings
• You can customize the camera views through the vehicle’s settings menu.
o Navigate to the MBUX infotainment system.
o Select Vehicle Settings and then Camera & Parking Assist.
o You can switch between front, rear, and side views.
o Some models allow zooming in or adjusting the angle for better visibility.
o Toggle parking guidelines on or off to assist with alignment.
o Adjust Brightness & Contrast:
o Modify display settings for better visibility in different lighting conditions.
Audio System:
The Tiffin Open Trail is equipped with the audio system (Figure 11-4), designed to provide high-quality sound and seamless connectivity for an enhanced driving experience. This system integrates advanced features such as Bluetooth pairing, voice control, and premium speaker output, ensuring clear audio whether you’re listening to music, navigation prompts, or hands-free calls.
How to Use the Audio System
1. Powering On & Basic Controls
• Press the power button on the dashboard or infotainment screen to activate the system.
• Use the volume knob or steering wheel controls to adjust sound levels.
2. Connecting via Bluetooth
• Enable Bluetooth on your smartphone.
• Access the Audio System Menu – Navigate to the Bluetooth settings on the infotainment screen
• Select “Pair New Device” – Choose your phone from the list of available devices.
• Confirm Pairing – Accept the connection request on both your phone and the vehicle’s system.
• Verify Connection – Once paired, you can stream music, make calls, and use voice commands.
3. Using Voice Control
• Press the voice command button on the steering wheel.
• Say a command such as “Play music”, “Call [contact name]”, or “Navigate to [destination]”.
• Follow on-screen prompts if needed.
4. Adjusting Audio Settings
• Navigate to the sound settings in the infotainment menu.
• Customize bass, treble, balance, and fade for optimal sound quality.
• Select audio presets for different listening preferences.
5. Switching Between Audio Sources
• Use the source button to toggle between FM/AM radio, Bluetooth, USB, and auxiliary input.
• Select your preferred source from the infotainment screen.
Dashboard Climate Control:
1. Adjusting Temperature – Locate the climate control panel (Figure 11-5), positioned on the dashboard. Use the temperature dial controls to set the desired cabin temperature. If equipped with dual-zone climate control, you can independently adjust settings for the driver and passenger sides.
2. Selecting Airflow Mode – Choose where you want the air to be directed by using the airflow settings. Options include front-facing vents, foot-level vents, defrost for the windshield, or a combination of these.
3. Controlling Fan Speed – Adjust the blower speed using the fan control buttons. Increasing the fan speed will circulate air more rapidly, while lower settings provide a gentle airflow.
4. Activating Air Conditioning (A/C) – Press the A/C button to engage the air conditioning system, which cools the cabin by removing humidity and lowering the temperature. This function works best with windows closed to maintain efficiency.
5. Using the Heating System – For cold weather, adjust the temperature dial towards the hot setting. This will activate the van’s heating system, warming the interior using engine-generated heat.
6. Defrosting Windows – If windows fog up, press the defrost button to direct warm air toward the windshield and side windows, clearing condensation for better visibility.
7. Recirculating Air – To keep cabin air circulating without bringing in outside air, press the recirculation button. This is useful for maintaining interior temperatures and reducing external pollutants from entering.
The dash air conditioner and heater in the Tiffin Open Trail are designed to regulate the climate within the cab area, rather than the entire interior. While they efficiently provide cooling and heating for the front occupants, they are not intended to control the temperature in the full cargo space or passenger area. Additionally, regardless of the selected mode settings, a small amount of airflow will continue to be emitted from the defrost and dash vents, ensuring a continuous circulation of air.
The Premium Mercedes Driver & Passenger Seats in the Mercedes-Benz® 3500XD AWD Dual Wheel Cutaway Chassis feature electrical controls for precise, effortless adjustments, along with heated seating for enhanced comfort in colder conditions.
Owl-Ready – Pre-Wired for Always-On Wolfbox Rearview Camera:
The Tiffin Open Trail comes prewired for the Owl Always-On Wolfbox Rearview Camera, ensuring seamless integration and effortless installation. This prewired setup eliminates the need for complex modifications, allowing users to connect the system directly to the vehicle’s existing wiring. By leveraging the factory-installed connections, the Owl Always-On Wolfbox Rearview Camera provides a consistently powered display, enhancing rear visibility in all driving conditions. This feature ensures an optimized and reliable rearview experience, improving safety and convenience for drivers without requiring extensive aftermarket adjustments.
1. Pre-Installation Preparation
Before beginning the installation process, ensure that you have the following:
• Wolfbox Rearview Camera
• Essential tools, including a screwdriver and panel removal tool
• A well-lit and clean workspace to facilitate the installation
2. Accessing the Rearview Mirror Wiring
• Carefully detach the rearview mirror housing cover (Figure 11-6) to expose the underlying wiring.
• Within the housing, you will find two primary cables (Figure 11-7):
o Power cable – Provides electrical supply to the rearview mirror display.
o Communication cable – Establishes a connection between the mirror and the system for video signal transmission.
3. Removing the Third Brake Light Cover
• Locate the third brake light (Figure 11-5) on the vehicle.
• Utilize a panel removal tool, if necessary, to gently detach the brake light cover.
• Upon removal, you will gain access to the pre-wired cables required for proper installation.
4. Installing the Wolfbox Rearview Camera
• Connect the camera cables to their respective pre-wired connections.
• Ensure secure attachment to maintain a stable and uninterrupted power and communication link.
• Reinstall the third brake light cover and the rearview mirror housing, verifying proper alignment and fit.
• Conduct a visual inspection to confirm all components are securely in place.
5. System Testing and Adjustment
• Turn on the vehicle to activate the rearview camera display.
• Check the functionality of the camera to ensure optimal visibility.
• Adjust the mirror’s positioning as needed to achieve the best viewing angle.
6. Finalization and Quality Assurance
• Secure all covers and housings to ensure a firm and stable installation.
• Confirm that the camera remains securely in place under driving conditions.
• Perform a comprehensive system test to verify optimal performance.