Fuscus
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Re: Mercedes ML350 Bluetec - How big a TT can I tow?
Hi, I came back with a few photos. I forgot to mention, I am using a WD hitch but my trailer's official tongue weight is 675 lbs. My ML's manual says maximum 575 (the Touareg TDI allows 660). The CanAm reinforcement is needed only if you do not have the latest version of the OEM hitch that uses a receiver bracket that goes around the main tube, so if the weld brakes the receiver is still attached. As a conclusion, the maximum comfortable length for an ML should be 25 FT (not 27 like mine), not very tall (mine is quite tall but good for forest use like I do), and most importantly it should have a posted tongue weight less than 575 lbs. The gross weight of the trailer should not be more than 6500 lbs. This is for a comfort zone, again. The two biggest problems I have are strong sudden crosswinds if I am traveling at more than 60 miles/hour and being illegal with a full load of water (over the GVWR). My Lite Trail Trek 27 BHS comes at 6000 lbs loaded (no water) (standard suspension, no Airmatic). My top speed was 125 km/h (77 miles/hour) and my lowest in strong storm winds 80 km/h (50 miles/h). A safe average is around 110 km/h (68 miles/hour). Power is jut awesome and I bought an ELM 327 Wifi OBD reader that sends all the temperatures and engine loads to my iPhone on the dash. It helps monitoring the stress on the vehicle. Low rpm torque is king, the ML may not win drag races but for long haul it is just perfect. The rumble of a gas V8 may sound nice from a stop light but when you hear that constant struggle for 6 hours at a time you get sick of it. It also happens to be terrible for fuel economy. I wish they sold the ML 420 CDI here with the 4.0 V8 diesel. It makes no sense selling it to Europe anyway, they have the ML250 Bluetec now with the four banger. There was a guy here asking about horsepower. Horsepower relates to top speed and straight line acceleration, not hill towing. Why do you think some Cat semis are rated at "only" 400HP? Just like a Hemi 1500. Will the Hemi tow a double train with 18 wheels? I don't think so. Gobs of torque they have. Besides, a gas engine puts that power at a high 6500 rpm. How often do you rev it that much? Rarely. The ML bluetec turns out 240 at 3400 rpm instead. More usable horsepower. Long story...Good luck and safe camping!243Views0likes0CommentsRe: Mercedes ML350 Bluetec - How big a TT can I tow?
I have been towing since April 2014 with my 2008 ML 320 CDI (same as 350 bluetec). 6000kms so far. 2014 Traile Lite Trek 27 Bhs. 27 ft, 5400 lbs empty, 6000 with a lot of gear, no water. If I carry a full water load I am illegal. While having more than enough power (long, steep hills in British Columbia Rockies), good crosswind stability, I would recommend everybody who is considering this kind of combination NOT to exceed the tongue weight rating and Gross Weight Rating. Also, watch the rear axle rating. Weight distribution helps but does nor make it legal in case of a crash. DOT will only look at the posted numbers on your door sticker and vehicle/trailer manual. Also, the Wd helps but puts more strain on the hitch, and the Ml. I am a class one driver, used to drive semis for work and if I was to choose I would have gotten a little bit smaller one or with a lower tongue weight. This one is at 675 pounds. I keep the propane tanks inside on the axle, I load everything in the rear of the trailer to stay legal. With a full tank of diesel (90 litres), wife and two toddlers I am right at the limit. I always fill with water close to the final destination and fear a DOT checkstop. On the other hand I get 16-18 mpg with this big box behind, off roading is awesome, and trips are far more comfortable than with any truck. I would change only for a Ram Ecodiesel with air suspension:). Anyway, I hope this helps. Hills are not nearly as bad as winds as we have in crappy weather Alberta. The ML is an awesome beast for towing as long as you stay legal. The 3.0 simply blows Hemis for relaxed, long distance towing. I rarely rev over 3000 rpm in any situation. The GL is even better, more stable in crosswinds. Good luck! (Will post pictures).215Views0likes0Comments
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