Hi Everybody,This will be our first TT. I've only towed tent trailers in the past. I was hoping for your advice if towing a 31BHPR (Premier by Ultra LIte by Bullet) will be too big of a jump? It weighs just under 6500lbs.Also, is our set up safe? - My two vehicle is a 2014 Mercedes GL350 (diesel) with max tow of 7500lbs.I appreciate any advice.Thank-you

onelv wrote:Hi Everybody,This will be our first TT. I've only towed tent trailers in the past. I was hoping for your advice if towing a 31BHPR (Premier by Ultra LIte by Bullet) will be too big of a jump? It weighs just under 6500lbs.Also, is our set up safe? - My two vehicle is a 2014 Mercedes GL350 (diesel) with max tow of 7500lbs.I appreciate any advice.Thank-youFirst of all, welcome to the Forum.If that 6500# is the empty weight, figure 1000# more once loaded.And that 7500# tow rating assumes a 150# driver in the vehicle. Any more than that has to be subtracted from the 7500#.Can your GL350 available payload rating handle a 1000# tongue weight along with all occupants and "stuff"?I suspect you are going to over your ratings, both GVWR, GAWR and trailer weight. Maybe even hitch ratings as well.Towing would likely not be a fun experience.

kaydeejay wrote:onelv wrote:Hi Everybody,This will be our first TT. I've only towed tent trailers in the past. I was hoping for your advice if towing a 31BHPR (Premier by Ultra LIte by Bullet) will be too big of a jump? It weighs just under 6500lbs.Also, is our set up safe? - My two vehicle is a 2014 Mercedes GL350 (diesel) with max tow of 7500lbs.I appreciate any advice.Thank-youFirst of all, welcome to the Forum.If that 6500# is the empty weight, figure 1000# more once loaded.And that 7500# tow rating assumes a 150# driver in the vehicle. Any more than that has to be subtracted from the 7500#.Can your GL350 available payload rating handle a 1000# tongue weight along with all occupants and "stuff"?I suspect you are going to over your ratings, both GVWR, GAWR and trailer weight. Maybe even hitch ratings as well.Towing would likely not be a fun experience.Thanks!! What do you think is the max weight of the TT I should be shopping for?

Welcome to the forum.Is 6500# the real weight, or the brochure weight? Most TT's weigh 300-500# more than the advirtised weight due to the "optional" equipment that's really standard. And you'll have 700-1000# of gear once you're ready to go.What's the GCVW on the Mercedes? And the payload? I have a feeling that it'll be way too much trailer for the GL350.What's the wheelbase on the Mercedes? Even with a good hitch I have a feeling it'll be a case of the tail wagging the dog.And don't listen to the salesman when he says "Sure, you can tow that." All he wants to do is make a sale and has no legal requirement to make sure you're safe.

I tow with the MB GL450 and it has the same capacities. Your biggest issue will be staying within the 600# tongue weight. MB doesnt give you more if you use a weight distr. hitch so you will need an ultra light with a tongue weight near 500#. Models with rear kitchen, rear entertainment have the lowest hitch weights. Also get the Anderson WDH its the lightest and does a great job controling sway. My trailer is a Dutchmen Kodiac 242RESL?

mbopp wrote:Welcome to the forum.Is 6500# the real weight, or the brochure weight? Most TT's weigh 300-500# more than the advirtised weight due to the "optional" equipment that's really standard. And you'll have 700-1000# of gear once you're ready to go.What's the GCVW on the Mercedes? And the payload? I have a feeling that it'll be way too much trailer for the GL350.What's the wheelbase on the Mercedes? Even with a good hitch I have a feeling it'll be a case of the tail wagging the dog.And don't listen to the salesman when he says "Sure, you can tow that." All he wants to do is make a sale and has no legal requirement to make sure you're safe.Thanks!! I know the wheelbase is 121.0", I'll have to look up the GCVW and the payload.Yes, the TT weighed 6400lbs with all the included options and the salesman said it was fine? hmmm

Purchasing our first TT - is this set up safe? | Good Sam Community

VentureVan
Explorer
Apr 28, 2015
CKNSLS wrote:
I thought I would never tell someone he needs to get rid of their Mercedes and buy a decent tow vehicle.

That's my suggestion.

I found out quickly that there are a lot of people posting on here who think only a pickup truck is a good TV.

P.S: Even though I am a newbie here I have towed RV's since I was 15 and I am 63 now.
2112
Explorer II
Apr 28, 2015
This doesn't address your weight issue but you mentioned guest.
I carry two small tents and call them the guest house. They have all the privacy they need when the flaps are closed.

Your Camping :B
onelv
Explorer
Apr 28, 2015
So if loaded the TT, I may be putting 50lbs to 100lbs over the max tongue weight.

If I used a weight distribution system/sway control, what is my exposure?

Am I looking at a very dangerous set up? Or more of an aggressive wear and tear?
hbillsmith
Explorer
Apr 28, 2015
My previous Kodiak had a hitch dry weight at 505# and it was a struggle to stay under 600#. We always camp with full hookups so I took out one of the propane tanks. Also I added a rear cargo carrier and kept the front cargo bay for light weight stuff like fishing rods etc. Lastly, as I said before, go with the Andersen WDH its the lightest and was proven to work great on the MB SUV by me ;-)
hbillsmith
Explorer
Apr 28, 2015
585 doesnt account for the weight of the hitch itself and may not account for the propane in the tanks and the battery. While a wdh will improve the tow experience, it does not increase the 600# hitch rating on the MB (its a German notion that does not give credance to WDH. Sorry to be the bearer.
onelv
Explorer
Apr 28, 2015
hbillsmith wrote:
It's still the hitch weight thats gonna give you fits.

The TT is rated at 585lbs. hitch weight (dry).

If I'm a bit over, would a weight distribution system with sway control work?
hbillsmith
Explorer
Apr 28, 2015
It's still the hitch weight thats gonna give you fits.
dadmomh
Explorer
Apr 28, 2015
Hi and welcome! That's a mighty big trailer for starting out. Leaving the #s to others to sort out, but I would be looking around the 26' - 28' max with your current tow vehicle. Rule #1.....NEVER take the salespersons word for anything. You need to do plenty of homework....your MB dealer can be a big help, always welcome to ask any questions here, do lots of online research re capacities. With good research, you'll come up with the right combo and be heading out for some great times. Enjoy!
onelv
Explorer
Apr 28, 2015
It's been awhile, but I'm back on the market for a TT.

I still have the same TV...although went from a 2014 to 2015 (but still a Mercedes GL350 which I believe same towing specs)

I'm looking at a Apex 288bhs. (the model a looked at was 5100lbs and tongue weight of 585lbs)

Is this still too much trailer?
West_Coast_Canu
Explorer
May 31, 2014
Anytime you are towing close to your maximum rated load, you are going to feel it on hills, both pulling and when it is pushing you down a hill. You have to subtract your passengers and cargo from your rated tow capacity as well.

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