Towing with an SUV

MargaretB wrote:
You mention mileage being important for environmental reasons, yet you are considering a diesel powered vehicle. Are you aware that a diesel engine emits far more pollutants into the atmosphere than a comparable gasoline engine?

According to what we've read up on, urea-injection diesel systems emit H20 vapor and a small amount of NOx.

In 1950, that was true. It is not true today. Modern diesels, equipped with a particulate filter and urea injection emit less pollutants that gas engines, as well as less CO2.

I recommend the VW Touareg TDI back to about 2011. It has a little higher receiver rating than the MB you are considering. Or try to find a GM hybrid Tahoe or Yukon.

Based on all of OP's responses, I get the impression OP is set on the MB regardless of the discussion here. That being the case, I'd suggest just go out and get the vehicle that you really want. Whether you can tow your trailer with it and make it work, or downsize the trailer, etc, you can work all those details out after-the fact. Life's too short to spend years paying for something you don't really want anyway...

fx2tom wrote:
Go with the Ram 1500 Eco Diesel and save $20k over the MB diesel SUV

Margaret, I think this suggestion fits the bill if fossil fuel consumption is a big concern. They ride very well with the coil spring suspension. Be conservative on the options and model so the payload will be good.

DaveF-250SD wrote:

MargaretB wrote:
We get diesel for less than $3. I know it's a more expensive car to own, but mileage is important to me for environmental reasons. The fact is that RVing/trailering is environmentally expensive, so we're trying to minimize the impact.

... Are you strictly against purchasing any American made vehicles for some reason?

It was built in Tuscaloosa, Alabama.

You mention mileage being important for environmental reasons, yet you are considering a diesel powered vehicle. Are you aware that a diesel engine emits far more pollutants into the atmosphere than a comparable gasoline engine?

According to what we've read up on, urea-injection diesel systems emit H20 vapor and a small amount of NOx.

Reality check: You sold a $20k vehicle and are shopping for a $50-80k vehicle in order to save $100/month in fuel?

No. The Sequoia had pretty low mileage and cost considerably more than $20K. The MB is used and nowhere even near $50-$80K. And it's not just about the money, although that's a consideration. It's about how much fossil fuel it used.

Regarding your stated 10-12mpg from the prior TV - was that towing or your 90% daily driving miles?

It was daily driving. Towing dropped it to about 7-9 mpg.

Just to play along, these are what I understand are your not directly communicated requirements:
Payload at least 1500 pounds, 1800 better

No, we'd like maximum payload, of course, but for the most part, it's just the two of us. No dog, no grands, not even much luggage. Maybe a couple of kayaks on top, 100-120# max.

Go with the Ram 1500 Eco Diesel and save $20k over the MB diesel SUV

MargaretB wrote:
We get diesel for less than $3. I know it's a more expensive car to own, but mileage is important to me for environmental reasons. The fact is that RVing/trailering is environmentally expensive, so we're trying to minimize the impact.

Margaret,
You mention mileage being important for environmental reasons, yet you are considering a diesel powered vehicle. Are you aware that a diesel engine emits far more pollutants into the atmosphere than a comparable gasoline engine? The MB vehilces will be significantly more costly, both to purchase and maintain than any of the great choices of tow vehicles offered by Ford, Chrysler, and General Motors that you could choose from. Are you strictly against purchasing any American made vehicles for some reason?

MargaretB wrote:


We have two heavy batteries and two propane tanks on the hitch. We're hoping that removing one battery and one tank will reduce the weight to an acceptable range, although I don't think it will take off the entire 180# overage.

Removing the battery and 1 propane tank may save you about 80# off the tongue. you're still going to be 100# over. Consider also if you're storing anything at the front of the TT, that adds the weight back to the tongue. If you're already at 780 on the tongue, I don't know how you can easily shed 200#. Be careful what you do though...lightening that tongue too much will be bad for your towing experience...