ML 320 Involved in a crash

[Tomzstream]

ML towing an AS tangles with a Semi. No one injured per reports. Here is a link to photo or two as it occurred yesterday on NB 1-95 near Ormond Beach. Looks like a 23 footer. Still hitched up by the looks of it.



Link to photos:

http://www.actionnewsjax.com/Photo.a...4-866394b94646

And the story: I-95 reopens in Ormond Beach after crash | Volusia County

[AtomicNo13]

Gads! Ugly!

[SteveSueMac]

Hopefully no one from the forums and hopefully no serious injuries.

[Sbb]

So sad,hope all are ok.

[Tomzstream]

No Injuries. Updated storyline: I-95 North Reopens After Accident Snarls Traffic In Ormond Beach : NewsDaytonaBeach

Looks to me like both vehicles got spun around. Could be a case of the tail wagging the dog. Amazingly, the ML remained upright.

[dcheshire]

So tragic! I just saw a 320 towing a 25ish AS on SR520 in Bellevue yesterday and was afraid it was the same one before I saw the location.

[m.hony]

No injuries...
Carole What's-her-name can go get another SUV and camper.
That trailer had a nice solar installation.

[rostam]

Glad no one was hurt.

Unimportant detail: The ML looks the third generation (> 2012), so its 350/550 (not 320).

[nsbcpa]

That's a bad stretch of I95 where there seems to be a lot of Semi Truck related accidents.

[Tomzstream]

Yes, my bad for even mentioning model number (I used to own an E-320 so force of habit I suppose.)

It did not say if weather was factor, but lately we have had a lot of heavy weather which pops up right along I-95 with a Sea Breeze colliding with the warmer interior air. Could have been a simple matter of a strong gust. Wonder if they had sway control.

Check out the radar today! Jacksonville Radar | Weather Underground

[Silvertwinkie]

I am very thankful no one was hurt, but I can't help but wonder if a vehicle with longer than a 114.8" wheelbase and a heavier gross weight than 4740lbs that the ML 320 has, towing what appears to be a 22 or 23 footer that can weigh anywhere between 5000 and 6000lbs gross would have been able to keep it better under control better.

Not saying damage wouldn't have been done, clearly anytime you trade paint with a semi while on a Interstate at speed, bad things are going to happen, but could the carnage have been diminished with a bit beefier tow vehicle? I say this from the standpoint of experience having towed a 25er with a 118" wheelbase, 5000lbs GVWR car vs a 130" wheelbase, 8600lb GVWR SUV. It really is a night and day difference. Sold the car, kept the truck.

[Bill M.]

Probably not.

[carl2591]

Originally Posted by Tomzstream

ML towing an AS tangles with a Semi. No one injured per reports. Here is a link to photo or two as it occurred yesterday on NB 1-95 near Ormond Beach. Looks like a 23 footer. Still hitched up by the looks of it.



Link to photos:

http://www.actionnewsjax.com/Photo.a...4-866394b94646

And the story: I-95 reopens in Ormond Beach after crash | Volusia County

PS link to photo not working at action news jax.

[2012FB]

My "wonder" would be how much more damage could have been done, especially to the occupants, had a heavier, less responsive truck been the TV? A lot I see in similar circumstances typically roll, while the ML at a significant angle stayed upright. The ML350 has a lower CG, better stability, superior brakes, better tires, better handling/responsiveness. I traded in a 2012 Sierra Denali HD for the ML and feel safer. I would not go back to a large lumbering truck.

Without video and a full crash reconstruction who knows? Right?

Originally Posted by Silvertwinkie

I am very thankful no one was hurt, but I can't help but wonder if a vehicle with longer than a 114.8" wheelbase and a heavier gross weight than 4740lbs that the ML 320 has, towing what appears to be a 22 or 23 footer that can weigh anywhere between 5000 and 6000lbs gross would have been able to keep it better under control better.

[21Airstream]

I learned to stay away from semis when I was assigned to patrol the Everett (WA) freeway (I-5). During the first couple weeks, I was close enough to hear the bang of tires blowing out (literally exploding) on semis. I learned a lot of lessons in those four years (like "the lug nut rule": he with the most lug nuts usually wins).

BTW, I'm glad to hear all involve are uninjured. Stuff can be replaced.

[Bob4x4]

Originally Posted by 2012FB

My "wonder" would be how much more damage could have been done, especially to the occupants, had a heavier, less responsive truck been the TV? A lot I see in similar circumstances typically roll, while the ML at a significant angle stayed upright. The ML350 has a lower CG, better stability, superior brakes, better tires, better handling/responsiveness. I traded in a 2012 Sierra Denali HD for the ML and feel safer. I would not go back to a large lumbering truck.

Without video and a full crash reconstruction who knows? Right?

Neither of my trucks handle poorly-it's all about the set-up

[xrvr]

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

[kellykellyi]

Unknown cause as of the writing of this report. I-95 North Reopens After Accident Snarls Traffic In Ormond Beach : NewsDaytonaBeach

[J. Morgan]

Lol, i find it funny that today a 4,700 lb vehicle is considered "light".

There is plenty of weight in the tow vehicle to tow safe. While there may or may not be issues that make this vehicle less than ideal as a tow vehicle, lack of weight ain't one of the issues.

[MrUKToad]

Originally Posted by Bob4x4

Neither of my trucks handle poorly-it's all about the set-up

Towing or not towing, the Merc will always handle better than a truck, for a whole heap of reasons. That not to say that a truck handles badly, it just doesn't handle as well as an ML320.