I need to travel to Texas from Montana in my coach and tow a Mercedes S430 back to Montana. When I went on line to check on renting a car hauling trailer, I was asked to enter the year and model of the car and how I was towing the trailer. When I did so, I was advised that combination of rental trailer, car, and coach was not recommended ! Anyone have any idea why ? My coach is set up to tow 10,000 lbs. The trailer is supposed to handle over 5000 lbs. and the Mercedes weighs less than 5,000 lbs ! Anyone see a problem with this combination ? Thanks.

I would give them a call. I have a 40' DP and towed a Toyota Sequoia on a U-Haul auto transporter from ID to NV, and I'm sure my Sequoia is heavier than your MB.

Try entering a 1-ton pickup as your tow vehicle just to see if that resolves the error. If it does, make the reservation under that.If it doesn't clear the error, than it means the Mercedes is incompatible. It isn't always weight. Sometimes track width doesn't match, or brake components or other chassis components may rub the inner rails. I suspect with the S-class, it's very well could be a clearance issue with the car hauler.

USMC46 wrote:I need to travel to Texas from Montana in my coach and tow a Mercedes S430 back to Montana. When I went on line to check on renting a car hauling trailer, I was asked to enter the year and model of the car and how I was towing the trailer. When I did so, I was advised that combination of rental trailer, car, and coach was not recommended ! Anyone have any idea why ? My coach is set up to tow 10,000 lbs. The trailer is supposed to handle over 5000 lbs. and the Mercedes weighs less than 5,000 lbs ! Anyone see a problem with this combination ? Thanks.What is the total combined length? It may well be that you exceed overall length for places like CA where it is not to exceed 65 feet. Did they ask your route?

carringb wrote:Try entering a 1-ton pickup as your tow vehicle just to see if that resolves the error. If it does, make the reservation under that.If it doesn't clear the error, than it means the Mercedes is incompatible. It isn't always weight. Sometimes track width doesn't match, or brake components or other chassis components may rub the inner rails. I suspect with the S-class, it's very well could be a clearance issue with the car hauler.Are you suggesting that if they try imputing the tow vehicle as a 1-ton pickup and if that works to make the reservation using that information? If so, God forbid there was an accident and the rental company determines that they (the renter) knowingly falsified the rental contract/agreement; then what?

I ran into issues with the online U-Haul system too. Better to drop by and talk to them. Due to lawsuits they have some very strict rules. Was told that booking the trailer and not giving the correct vehicle could void the rental. They really can't accommodate RVs in their system so it's better to go in. Don't try to rent a trailer with a soft top or no top Jeep, no going to happen.

Towing a loaded rental car hauling trailer with coach

BobGed
Explorer
Feb 26, 2016
I would give them a call. I have a 40' DP and towed a Toyota Sequoia on a U-Haul auto transporter from ID to NV, and I'm sure my Sequoia is heavier than your MB.
carringb
Explorer
Feb 26, 2016
Try entering a 1-ton pickup as your tow vehicle just to see if that resolves the error. If it does, make the reservation under that.

If it doesn't clear the error, than it means the Mercedes is incompatible. It isn't always weight. Sometimes track width doesn't match, or brake components or other chassis components may rub the inner rails. I suspect with the S-class, it's very well could be a clearance issue with the car hauler.
Trumpet_Player
Explorer
Feb 26, 2016
USMC46 wrote:
I need to travel to Texas from Montana in my coach and tow a Mercedes S430 back to Montana. When I went on line to check on renting a car hauling trailer, I was asked to enter the year and model of the car and how I was towing the trailer. When I did so, I was advised that combination of rental trailer, car, and coach was not recommended ! Anyone have any idea why ? My coach is set up to tow 10,000 lbs. The trailer is supposed to handle over 5000 lbs. and the Mercedes weighs less than 5,000 lbs ! Anyone see a problem with this combination ? Thanks.

What is the total combined length? It may well be that you exceed overall length for places like CA where it is not to exceed 65 feet. Did they ask your route?
Trumpet_Player
Explorer
Feb 26, 2016
carringb wrote:
Try entering a 1-ton pickup as your tow vehicle just to see if that resolves the error. If it does, make the reservation under that.

If it doesn't clear the error, than it means the Mercedes is incompatible. It isn't always weight. Sometimes track width doesn't match, or brake components or other chassis components may rub the inner rails. I suspect with the S-class, it's very well could be a clearance issue with the car hauler.

Are you suggesting that if they try imputing the tow vehicle as a 1-ton pickup and if that works to make the reservation using that information? If so, God forbid there was an accident and the rental company determines that they (the renter) knowingly falsified the rental contract/agreement; then what?
Y-Guy
Moderator
Feb 26, 2016
I ran into issues with the online U-Haul system too. Better to drop by and talk to them. Due to lawsuits they have some very strict rules. Was told that booking the trailer and not giving the correct vehicle could void the rental. They really can't accommodate RVs in their system so it's better to go in.

Don't try to rent a trailer with a soft top or no top Jeep, no going to happen.
Mr_Mark1
Explorer
Feb 26, 2016
We also have a Mercedes S500 that has the air suspension. If they mention 'clearance' issues, remember you can raise the car several inches from the switch located at the center of the dash. Assuming the S430 has that option too.

MM.
MountainAir05
Explorer II
Feb 26, 2016
As Mr. Mark stated it could be clearance. Our SL required 1.5 inches of material to raise the front due to the low skirting.
fourmat
Explorer
Feb 26, 2016
I think its the benz that's sending it to error friend of mine had an E series
that would not show compatibility He went there and they did rent to him but he had to use wood blocks to get on and off trailer.
mowermech
Explorer
Feb 27, 2016
Keep in mind that for less than $3000 you can buy an 18 foot flatbed car hauler trailer. Then, when you are done with it you can sell it for very nearly what you paid for it!

In Montana, the trailer license plate will be PERMANENT. No renewal, ever!
With your own trailer, NOBODY will tell you what you can or can not tow it with, and NOBODY will tell you what you can or can not haul on it!
Kayteg1
Explorer II
Feb 27, 2016
I would be with mowermech for buying a trailer, but would having wife driving the Mercedes behind the coach be an option?
Rental 1-way with Uhaul is not cheap at all.