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Splash1944's avatar
Splash1944
Explorer
Jun 09, 2013

Towing with Mercedes Sprinter 3500

Would appreciate comments/advice regarding towing a Honda CRV (3400 lbs.) with a Mercedes Sprinter 3500 (6 cyl. diesel). Will tow with all wheels down. Is anyone doing something similar? Will I need brake assist? ANY AND ALL COMMENTS WILL BE APPRECIATED.
Thanks in advance.

Moved to Dinghy Towing forum from Towing.

  • I've been towing my '10 Mariner (just under 3500#) behind my Winnie View for 3 years. Works out great. I have the Ready Brute Elite that has the integrated surge brake. Seems perfect.
  • Thank you one and all for the information/advice. I'll definitely opt for the brake assist.
  • Splash1944 wrote:
    Would appreciate comments/advice regarding towing a Honda CRV (3400 lbs.) with a Mercedes Sprinter 3500 (6 cyl. diesel). Will tow with all wheels down. Is anyone doing something similar? Will I need brake assist? ANY AND ALL COMMENTS WILL BE APPRECIATED.
    Thanks in advance.

    Moved to Dinghy Towing forum from Towing.


    I have a 2013 Solera on the same Sprinter Chassis. We tow a Mazda 3i sedan (2800# curb weight) and use the BlueOx patriot. Using the brake assist gives me an extra sense of security, even though I try to be an extremely cautious driver, and never follow closely.

    Your CRV will undoubtedly put you over GVWR for the Solera chassis, though within the GCWR limits. Check the laws in your home state regarding regulations for towed vehicles - BlueOx has a page with these regulations. Some set a limit between 1000 and 4000 lbs after which auxiliary braking is required. But remember, if you cross state lines, your are under that states regs.
  • Sounds like a dinghy towing issue as much as a tow rig.

    My swag would be, that yes, you want some kind of brake assist on the towed vehicle being as you will be at 3500 lbs or so. If you could keep the combo to within 1000 lbs above the gvwr of the sprinter, my might get away with no brakes. Personally, if you are beyond this amount, use brakes on the trailer, dinghy etc.

    Marty