Hitch weight question-- FC 19'

[Tvolk]

Does anybody know the real world hitch weight on the 19' flying cloud?

This is a Single axle unit has a quite high hitch weight .

Literature says 550 lbs.

I have a ml350 suv rated at 575 lb max .
No we hitch allowed according to Mercedes


That seem too close to me (within 25 lbs ) - but wanted to see if anyone had actual experience.

Also , any way to reduce the weight on the hitch by loading the trailer differently?

Thanks

[SCOTTinNJ]

Do a search on the forum for ml350. You may need to reinforce the hitch.

[AnnArborBob]

Originally Posted by SCOTTinNJ

Do a search on the forum for ml350. You may need to reinforce the hitch.

I second ScottinNJ's comment. Factory installed Mercedes Benz hitches need to be reinforced if you are going to tow any Airstream. As is, they are fine for little utility trailers and small boats, but that's about it. Use the search function and you will find lots of threads specific to the ML350.

[Tvolk]

Thanks for info. We have a 2013 ml350

So far, search seems to suggest that if you have a 2012 or newer ml350, the factory made a change to make the hitch stronger?

That said, I am continuing to search for info.

No absolute definitive info so far, but great help.

Still would like to know real world hitch weight of 19 Bambi Fc !

May be too much even with a wd hitch ( which I am trying to avoid using.
A 16' sport looks like an easy tow for ml350 with standard set up.

Just not sure of wet bath layout on 16'

Thanks to all!


Tom Volk

[Steamy1]

You can shed some pounds by converting your steel propane tanks to Manchester aluminum tanks. Also, do not really need to top off the tanks when you fill them. Another way to reduce weight.

[AnnArborBob]

You are pretty close to CanAm in London Ontario. Their President, Andy Thompson is the towing guru and will be able to help you out. We made a special trip from the Ann Arbor area to have him adjust our setup and we are very pleased.

Can-Am RV Centre | Your Towing Experts

[jskalet]

This is just my opinion, but you never want a rig where the tail wags the dog, water tank placement might help the tongue but not a good idea to remedy it that way, a long wheelbase vehicle like a chev suburban or mid size truck is so much better for control of the trailer in an emergency situation. also, you need an equalizer hitch with that much tongue. Whatever the vehicle, you need one with a frame under it, not a unibody construction. john skalet in Denver. ps Airstream tech in jackson center, OH will verify your tongue weight.

[dkottum]

When I see posts indicating a Chev Suburban or mid size truck has better control of a 19' Airstream than a 2013 ML350 (because of it's superior full independent suspension and lower center of gravity) I think it is best to talk to someone with experience in setting up all types of vehicles for towing Airstreams. That would be Andrew Thompson at Can-Am Airstream in London, ON and they are not far away from you.

[A W Warn]

Every time you load the trailer differently the hitch weight changes, so the published hitch weight is an approximate starting point. Every thing added in front of the trailer axel adds hitch load. Everything added behind the trailer axle takes away from hitch load. (speaking of vertical loads only)

Do not load the rear of the trailer so that the tongue weight is decreased to less than 10% of the trailer's gross weight since this could contribute to dangerous sway.

The only way to know for sure is to weigh each time. After a few times weighing, you will be able to guestimate pretty closely how balanced your rig is without going to the scales.

Originally Posted by Tvolk

Does anybody know the real world hitch weight on the 19' flying cloud?

This is a Single axle unit has a quite high hitch weight .

Literature says 550 lbs.

I have a ml350 suv rated at 575 lb max .
No we hitch allowed according to Mercedes


That seem too close to me (within 25 lbs ) - but wanted to see if anyone had actual experience.

Also , any way to reduce the weight on the hitch by loading the trailer differently?

Thanks

[srpuywa]

I had a 2012 FC19 - the hitch weight came in around 500-525. I didn't fill the water tank.

Towed it with a silverado crew cab, no weight distribution or sway and no problems

[tjdonahoe]

If you are worried about the tv' s weight rating and the hitch, it is too light, move up to a longer and heavier tv, better than being in the ditch on your side....and safer for everyone too..

[dkottum]

Some research will show "longer and heavier" is not a good path to a stable and safe tow vehicle, although some will never understand it, and some simply don't want to.

It's hard to imagine a sweeter handling combination than a ML350 and 19' Airstream when properly hitched and set up.

[idroba]

For what it is worth my FC 20' has a measured hitch weight, as I normally tow it and travel with it of 680 to 700 pounds. Now, I know it is not your 19', but Airstreams usually are heavy on the tongue. My 20' Argosy is very similar.

[tjdonahoe]

Too lite of a tv usually causes problems, case of point is, my big truck has a gross weight of 55000 lbs , on the back end is a pintle hitch with a 3 axle pup trailer with a gross weight of 43500 lbs, this unit runs 500 miles per day down the highway on 2 lane skinny montana highways, it now has 1.45 million miles and the tail has never wagged the dog even on icy winter roads..

[Ahab]

You will have a lot of well meaning people give you a lot of B.S. here. Many think they are smarter than the Mercedes engineers. There is a reason why no WD is recommended and it is the same as my Honda Ridgeline. As another poster has suggested, Can-Am might be your best bet for info.

[Jmacd]

Tvolk, I have 19' FC Bambi. My hitch weight runs around 660lbs. with full LPG tanks, full fresh water tank, groceries, clothes, basic gear. Trailer ready to go. Trailer loaded weight is 4,280lbs. at the Cat scale. Hope this helps.