Forum Discussion

houtrz's avatar
houtrz
Explorer
Mar 07, 2016

Towing with a Mercedes Benz ML 350 Bluetec

I have a 2012 Mercedes ML350 Bluetec diesel and the tow capacity is 7300 pounds. I haven't weighed our trailer yet but the dry weight is 4600 pounds. I have recently read about Mercedes ML maximum hitch weight and not using a WDH without reinforcing the hitch. I haven't found anything official but several people have said Mercedes calculates an 8% tongue weight which may put me over the limit.

Does anyone have any experience with this tow vehicle, had problems with the hitch or actually reinforced it.
Tow Vehicles
  • jerem0621's avatar
    jerem0621
    Explorer II
    Mar 08, 2016
    rexlion wrote:
    A good welding shop could improve that hitch receiver for you. Then you'll have peace of mind.


    Here is a Link to a thread on the AIR forums where they cover a BMW X5's receiver being reinforced.

    Thanks!

    Jeremiah
  • rexlion's avatar
    rexlion
    Explorer
    Mar 08, 2016
    A good welding shop could improve that hitch receiver for you. Then you'll have peace of mind.
  • naturist's avatar
    naturist
    Nomad
    Mar 08, 2016
    European trailers have very much lighter tongue weights than in the US. I tow with a BMW X5 diesel that is rated 6,000 lbs gross trailer weight and 600 lbs tongue weight in the US but 7700 lbs and (I think) 400 lbs tongue in Europe. Europeans also do not use WDH systems. BMW like MB says NO WDH under any circumstances.

    Whatever it says in your owners' manual is what I'd do if I were you.
  • jerem0621's avatar
    jerem0621
    Explorer II
    Mar 07, 2016
    You are correct. The hitch ratings are in your owners Manual.

    Thanks!

    Jeremiah
  • N-Trouble's avatar
    N-Trouble
    Explorer
    Mar 07, 2016
    Doubt your going to get much response here on that vehicle. Probably better off on a Mercedes specific forum.

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