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mkcurtiss · 03-29-2019, 07:37 AM

I am looking at a Mercedes Benz GL450, to buy as an extra vehicle....
As I looked closer at the spec for this vehicle, it has 335 hp v-8, it weighs about 5300 lbs. and has tow capacity of about 7300lbs. It occurred to me that it could serve as a backup tow vehicle for my 1968 Overlander International ?
Anyone ever towed their Airstream with one of these, and do they make good tow vehicles? It has all sorts of downhill descent modes and traction control and it is all wheel drive...?

out of sight · 03-29-2019, 08:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mkcurtiss

I am looking at a Mercedes Benz GL450, to buy as an extra vehicle....
As I looked closer at the spec for this vehicle, it has 335 hp v-8, it weighs about 5300 lbs. and has tow capacity of about 7300lbs. It occurred to me that it could serve as a backup tow vehicle for my 1968 Overlander International ?
Anyone ever towed their Airstream with one of these, and do they make good tow vehicles? It has all sorts of downhill descent modes and traction control and it is all wheel drive...?

I've towed a 28 with a ML350. The GL is more than adequate. In fact if you look at the payload and axle and tire load limits you will find it to be a much better tow vehicle than most 1/2 ton pickups, especially when considering the AWD, independent suspension and low center of gravity. Plus it makes a very good daily driver.

gator.bigfoot · 03-29-2019, 09:29 AM

I still tow my 30 classic with my ML320CDI. Ok fuel economy and haven't had an issue with towing coast to coast. May not be the fastest towing up hill, but it gets the job done. I can easily do 250 miles before fueling up. I purposely slow down to 55 or 50 as I'm going up hill to not change my fuel economy. I will also select gears ahead of the computer so that I maintain the correct engine speed. You can leave the system in auto and it will do it for you, but it does affect the overall economy a bit. Turning radius is also amazingly tight and makes parking it easier. Super comfortable seats and ride as well.

bono · 03-29-2019, 02:25 PM

Why only backup tow vehicle?! Should be the only tow vehicle

Quote:

Originally Posted by mkcurtiss

(...)It occurred to me that it could serve as a backup tow vehicle for my 1968 Overlander International ? (...)

Marvin Day · 03-30-2019, 09:16 AM

We have a GLE 350. Works great, but in reading about brake controllers your 450 might be a real problem. Check with etrailor.
Good luck ....

slpiotro · 03-30-2019, 10:54 AM

I have been towing our 23ft Safari with a ML350 for ten years and 100,000 plus miles towing. Never had a problem with the vehicle because of towing. (blew a tire going on four wheel roads in Big Bend, but then I switched to stronger tires). Ours is Diesel, but know several people who tow with the gas versions. Except in the steepest hills, I let the car take care of shifts etc.
We just got back from a 8000 plus mile towing journey from home to Mexico City and had no problem on any of the worst roads we went on. And finally, you have a very practical and classy everyday vehicle without buying a second one. Make sure you get the proper hitch set up, and get ready for years of pleasurable towing and driving. I remember only two times when the trailer felt like it was squirming a little, and both times were high winds and right around freezing temps that added to the excitement. Otherwise, if the new one has the three inch air bag lifts, it truly becomes an off road vehicle, within its intended limits. It was love at first sight, and still is a lovely vehicle.

gklott · 03-30-2019, 03:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mkcurtiss

I am looking at a Mercedes Benz GL450, to buy as an extra vehicle

We just went through this in July 2018.

We compared the GLS450, Infiniti QX80, Lexus LX570, Porche Cayenne, VW, and Nissan Armada. Had a contract before me on the GLS450, but the local dealer started adding to the final pricing. That made me pause, and spend more time at the Infiniti dealer.

The best pulling, comfort, and pricing was the Infiniti QX80. Tows 8500 lbs. Pulls our 30' Classic really well. The out the door price was $18k less than the GLS450 package. We got the Infiniti top-end Limited model.

This was our first Infiniti after several Mercedes products, and we are glad we switched.

Before you take the plunge, consider researching the QX80. As background, recommend reading about the Nissan Patrol. QX80 is the luxury 6th generation.

We wrote to Philip Tipler, at Can-Am Towing, London, Ontario, before deciding on the QX80. Philip wrote of the QX80, "I spoke with Andy and we found a picture of the frame assembly. That hitch is solidly overbuilt and does not need a reinforce. It's on a very short list of vehicles that don't need it done."

Should you decide on the GL or GLS450, recommend contacting Philip Tipler, at Can-Am Towing, London, Ontario, for the required hitch reinforcement. Philip wrote, "The GLS will make an awesome tow vehicle for the 30 Classic. Safe, comfortable with power to spare. When you're ready, give David Joliffe or Richard Butterworth a call at 1-866-226-2678 to book an appointment for receiver reinforcement."

73/gus

HuntersHome · 03-30-2019, 03:32 PM

I have a 2018 GLS450 and am towing a 2018 23ft Flying Cloud. I’ve installed a Equilizer hitch and the combination gives solid results at 70 MPH and gets 12 MPG. I also towed with a ML350 and although adequate the tow with the GLS 450 is decidedly more stable and better gas mileage and power in the hills. The extra weight of the GLS 450 helps in the windy conditions. I’ve never had a problem with 18 Wheelers either passing or being passed. However, because of the air suspension system and off-road package its been a learning experience getting the anti-sway / weight distribution system balanced perfectly. It just takes time and a few trips to the CAT scales. Having towed a lot of different rigs with a lot of different tow vehicles I feel that this is a perfect set-up. Almost the best part is after you park the Airstream you have a very capable and comfortable vehicle to tour around or go off-road with. We have a service dog and he is very happy with the space in the back of the GL 450 to move around in while we are on the road. When the weather gets blustery I turn on the Sport Steering/ suspension mode while keeping the engine in the comfort mode. You’ll have a very capable set up.

mkcurtiss · 03-30-2019, 04:32 PM

Great input ....thank you guys for your time.

jsfranchek · 03-31-2019, 05:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mkcurtiss

Great input ....thank you guys for your time.

We tow with a 2017 VW Touareg v6. We went from Boston to Southern California and up to Canada for about 14,000 miles last year. Aside from I-70 heading east into Denver where everyone slowed down we were A OK. We averaged about 14 mpg at 63 mph. How capacity on the Touareg is 7,716 and while you know you are towing it is awesome.

mkcurtiss · 03-31-2019, 05:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jsfranchek

We tow with a 2017 VW Touareg v6. We went from Boston to Southern California and up to Canada for about 14,000 miles last year. Aside from I-70 heading east into Denver where everyone slowed down we were A OK. We averaged about 14 mpg at 63 mph. How capacity on the Touareg is 7,716 and while you know you are towing it is awesome.

Those are impressive numbers !