ML 320 Involved in a crash

[J. Morgan]

Lol, what equates better handling in a pickup or suv? Performance in a slalom ?

[MrUKToad]

Originally Posted by zigzagguzzi

The set up is the thing. Funny thing, those with substandard tow vehicles go to great pain to get a fantastic hitch setup. Often times those with a truck are not as diligent as to the setup. Like it has been said, it is the hitch setup, makes a marginal vehicle safer and a great towing vehicle marginal. Jim

I get your point, Jim, and it's a fair one, but I don't think that my tow vehicle is either sub-standard or marginal. Yes, we users of lighter tow vehicles certainly do have to pay very close attention to our hitch set ups, otherwise they don't work.

[xrvr]

I used standard because for years trucks were considered the standard for towing. Otherwise they don't work? You are correct! Jim

[2012FB]

I would venture to guess that over the years more Airstreams have been towed by something other than a truck, probably by a large margin.

Originally Posted by zigzagguzzi

I used standard because for years trucks were considered the standard for towing. Otherwise they don't work? You are correct! Jim

[andreasduess]

Originally Posted by 2012FB

I would venture to guess that over the years more Airstreams have been towed by something other than a truck, probably by a large margin.

Indeed.

[carl2591]

Originally Posted by andreasduess

Indeed.

love that photo.. happen to see a caprice just like that one the other day and got to thinking.. now there a good tow vehicle for sure.. big ole 350 CI engine now called a 5.7L and strong frame. Mileage would suck but you might get one for 4-5K used in good condition.

That will buy a LOT of gas when compared to a used tundra with 5.7L at 15K or more.

[beatrix1]

Loved seeing this! Driving my ML320 to pick up our second trailer and new project, a 1961 Tradewind, on Monday to drive it home. YIKES!

[21Airstream]

Driver error is the proximate cause of the majority of crashes. While I have never driven an ML320 my guess is it's a perfectly safe tow vehicle (providing weight restrictions are respected, but this applies to all tow vehicles).

[andreasduess]

Originally Posted by carl2591

love that photo.. happen to see a caprice just like that one the other day and got to thinking.. now there a good tow vehicle for sure.. big ole 350 CI engine now called a 5.7L and strong frame. Mileage would suck but you might get one for 4-5K used in good condition.

That will buy a LOT of gas when compared to a used tundra with 5.7L at 15K or more.

It managed to tow that 7000lbs Airstream with a max power output of 130 hp, 200 lb·ft torque and a three speed gearbox. Even the primitive suspension and drum brakes, which were normal for the time, seemed to have performed just fine.

[J. Morgan]

Don't underestimate big drum brakes, these are still used nearly exclusively in class 8 trucks, and most full size 60s cars had pretty good suspension and handling.

A lot of people forget that the speed limits in the 60s and 70s was 70 or 75 in many states .

[Isuzusweet]

Originally Posted by J. Morgan

"and most full size 60s cars had pretty good suspension and handling."

.

AHHH….Rose coloured glasses syndrone.

My 1969 Dart 340 GTS convertible luckily had the front discs instead of front drums fitted to the GT so it sorta braked……more like just slowed down.
Handling….it probably didn't help I had the torque tubes wound right up but driving on Saltspring Island could be a pretty hair raising at times, as there were only two straight sections on the island interspersed with lots of off camber corners which my Dart hated, (at least my tires did).
The only thing my Dart did well …….was to go like a bat out of hell and pick up chics.

The one thing I know beyond a shadow of doubt…..my 07 Altima 3.5SE 6 sp manual would make mince meat of my old Dart…even in a drag race (maybe not in the first 1/8th but the last 1/8th I would easily take my Dart).

IMHO I would tow with a new vehicle that had vehicle stability control and other helpfull technology over a 60's car any day.

Cheers
Tony

[rodsterinfl]

Have to be careful on the road. I was in south Tampa not too long ago and someone passed me then immediately cut in front and slammed the brakes on as several cars ahead were doing. The problem was that he cut my braking distance off so quickly. It was a squealing moment to say the least.

[m.hony]

I drove a 1978 Jeep CJ5 today to get a state inspection.
Brakes? What brakes?
I also drove a BMW Z3 to get a state inspection. Brakes is one area where the beemer comes out on top.
Then, back in my Tundra- what a difference?

[rodsterinfl]

I was towing the AS at the time.

agreed on the BMW brakes

[J. Morgan]

A dart isn't a full size car.

[Isuzusweet]

Originally Posted by J. Morgan

A dart isn't a full size car.

Semantics, the Dart would be considered a full size car by today's standard, but you have my curiosity……What FULL size 60's or 70's car would YOU consider to be a great handling car with good suspension that would equal a modern day car???? Pontiac Parissenne perhaps or Buick 98?

[J. Morgan]

A Dart was an intermediate car, i specifically typed "full size car" for a reason.

Did I say "great by today's standards" in my post? Did I even say great at all?

[r carl]

One example would be a Galaxie 500, it had a 390ci, C6, and a 9" rear end. Built like a pickup but had a lower center of gravity.

[J. Morgan]

Even big Mercs, LTD's, Cadys, Olds, Buick, Imperials. Etc.

[r carl]

Originally Posted by J. Morgan

Even big Mercs, LTD's, Cadys, Olds, Buick, Imperials. Etc.

Just imagine how fast an Imperial with a 440 could pull an Airstream.