Can a 2005 G55 AMG tow it?

[Andrew T]

Hi Gamana

We have set up a couple of G wagons with Airstreams and they perform much better than I thought they would. The second one we did we tried with a few different sizes and the customer purchased a 30' Classic. They have done extensive towing and have no issues at all, they are very pleased with their combination.

I would strongly recomend a Hensley hitch with it which also allows you to leave the spare tire where it belongs and eliminates any sway fromt the live axle suspensions.

The vehicle is bullet proof, made for the desert so I don't understand anyone having a cooling problem unless there was something wrong with the fan controller. I thought I might have a picture but I don't it looked cool with the Airstream.

Andy

[gamana]

Originally Posted by JaceBeck

As a longtime MB owner with past experience, I wouldn't do it. For towing any distances over 50-100 miles, the suspension is too compliant, the wheelbase too short, the hitch platform not strong enough and the experience will not be pleasant. The MB has the power, but the rest of the truck is not setup to tow that size trailer.

My Range Rover was the same way...it had the power, but nothing else going for it. I would arrive exhausted from fighting with the vehicle and the trailer. I ended up blowing a head gasket...thankfully it was under warranty.

Use the MB for around town and buy a pick-up or full-size SUV to tow the A/S. That's what I did and am a lot happier and more relaxed when I we head out to the wilderness.

I agree with Road Ruler. Can't really compare a RR with an AMG G55.

Jacebeck, you mention MB but what models are u referring to? ML, GL or G (500 OR 55)?

[2airishuman]

airsafe=MORE problems with sway and more weight than payload...

so with the merc' that would be EVEN MORE bad.

the rr/g wagon comparison is actually a good one, jacebeck...

thanks for posting!

especially the 1st generation rover produced till the mid 90s...

and based on a 1970s design...

POWER of course was lacking in those rovers but many other 'features' are similar....

the old ROVER would make a wonderful tv...

especially the version modified as a fire tender...



i'm sure a 3rd axle, wheels and tires can be added to the merc'

THAT would be cool.

cheers
2air'

[Jim & Susan]

Originally Posted by F450Harley

I think this post sums it up quite nicely.

[2airishuman]

Originally Posted by Jim & Susan

I think this post sums it up quite nicely.

agree completely!

perhaps this was the linked image 450 intended...

My 2006 30ft Classic - Which is which - G55 or F450 HD Photo Gallery

cheers
2air'

[Airslide]

Originally Posted by 2airishuman

airsafe=MORE problems with sway and more weight than payload...

so with the merc' that would be EVEN MORE bad.

the rr/g wagon comparison is actually a good one, jacebeck...

thanks for posting!

especially the 1st generation rover produced till the mid 90s...

and based on a 1970s design...

POWER of course was lacking in those rovers but many other 'features' are similar....

the old ROVER would make a wonderful tv...

especially the version modified as a fire tender...

Attachment 96187

i'm sure a 3rd axle, wheels and tires can be added to the merc'

THAT would be cool.

cheers
2air'

Can you imagine the man hours someone put into that RR.
It looks cool but worth nothing down the road.. wonder how it wheels?

Vin

[Aage]

I'm almost ready to believe that it's a real photo, but I have a nagging sensation that either Too-Ayre or a friend of his has tinkered with the universe slightly to bring us that foto.

Perhaps it has been, how you say, Photoshoppé un petit peu?

One never knows 4-sher with a photo at that resolution, so I could be wrong...

[2airishuman]

Originally Posted by Aage

I'm almost ready to believe that it's a real photo...

real vs faux?

shirley u jest!

the carmichaels international 6-wheel fire tender is (or was) the real deal.

the carmichaels built/modifed the chassis, adding the 3rd axle.

these were typically used as airstrip fire/rescue trucks with a body added for that purpose.

my understanding is that they often had a water pump/hose thing mounted at the front...

that was powered via the driveshaft...

Range Rover Fire-Tender

and as with MOST things strange AND vehicular...

there's a club for the owners...

The SixAppealWheelGroup

photochopped? hardly!

Originally Posted by Airslide

...wonder how it wheels?

Vin

no 1st hand experience here vin' but my guess is that it wheels somewhat like...

a short 'stream moho with a tag axle...

keep in mind AIRstrips tend to be straight outnback things...

(notice the air connections)

cheers
2air'

[gamana]

Originally Posted by Andrew T

Hi Gamana

We have set up a couple of G wagons with Airstreams and they perform much better than I thought they would. The second one we did we tried with a few different sizes and the customer purchased a 30' Classic. They have done extensive towing and have no issues at all, they are very pleased with their combination.

I would strongly recomend a Hensley hitch with it which also allows you to leave the spare tire where it belongs and eliminates any sway fromt the live axle suspensions.

The vehicle is bullet proof, made for the desert so I don't understand anyone having a cooling problem unless there was something wrong with the fan controller. I thought I might have a picture but I don't it looked cool with the Airstream.

Andy

Thanks for the info.

Did you have to reinforce or change the manufacturer's hitch to use the Hensley?

[Wayne&Sam]

gamana:

FYI, Andrew T. set up the ML towing a 25' I referred to earlier. Also, to clarify, I've towed my 20' with my ML thousands of miles, as has my wife, and we have been pleased.

[gamana]

Originally Posted by Wayne&Sam

gamana:

FYI, Andrew T. set up the ML towing a 25' I referred to earlier. Also, to clarify, I've towed my 20' with my ML thousands of miles, as has my wife, and we have been pleased.

All sounds great. I think I am getting closer to own an 27FB AS.

I guess the only remaining item is to find out if the standard MB hitch package is strong enough. Sounds like Andrew T is the man for the job but South Florida to Canada is a bit of a drive.

Any reputable company down here that could perform the job?

tx

[Minnie's Mate]

Originally Posted by 2airishuman

Attachment 96187

2air'

2air, I am sure that is an actual photo of the real deal, but it looks like from that angle that the front is the Land Rover and from the front door to the rear it appears to be a Range Rover. I did follow the links you provided and saw one that is based on the Land Rover and the rest appear to be based on the Range Rover...am I seeing what is actually there or just not familiar enough with the profile of each of the base vehicles. Perhaps the hood is missing in the above photo?

[2airishuman]

Originally Posted by gamana

...Any reputable company down here that could perform the job?

OVER spec hitch fabrication and vehicle modification for the purpose of TOWING over spec is a problem in the lower 48...

so finding a "reputable company" that does this is an issue.

the shops that WOULD do this sort of custom work dried up as a RESULT of the liability/insurance issues...

no doubt one CAN find a welding shop to melt and glue bits 2gether but the vehicle owner will need to serve as the contractor for the work...

and accept liability for the outcome and consequences...

are the savings account, stocks and house protected?

safe travels!
____________

Originally Posted by Minnie's Mate

...Perhaps the hood is missing in the above photo?

hi 'mate...

the bodies are from the OLDER style rover so the look is confusing...

no doubt owners and fabrication shops have cobbled together bits from the full RANGE of rovers to make cabins and shells and so on...

i wonder if ANY of these things live on this side of the pond?

cheers
2air'

[Mikethefixit]

I dont understand the reasoning behind having to drive around in a MB when not towing.We drive around in a F 350Crew,when unhitched, It has all the amenities,power buckets,air,Stereo,lots of room,are you afraid to be seen in a pickup.? When towing Id be afraid that the TAIL will WAG the Dog with those short wheelbase suv's.

[Airslide]

Originally Posted by Mikethefixit

I dont understand the reasoning behind having to drive around in a MB when not towing.We drive around in a F 350Crew,when unhitched, It has all the amenities,power buckets,air,Stereo,lots of room,are you afraid to be seen in a pickup.? When towing Id be afraid that the TAIL will WAG the Dog with those short wheelbase suv's.

Mike... I drive an F350 crew around when I arrive and unhitch..

Thats why I fully understand wanting to drive the AMG 55 instead!

In fact after all the discussion about this vehicle I think i will take it to lunch again today.... What a hotrod!

Vin

[nilesrob]

If it works, you will be my hero! I have always loved the looks of the MB G55, and as a 27FB owner, you would have a most awesome package. All you need is a roof rack on the MB (to carry fire wood, of course) and you should be set to go. When you buy, send pictures! You might want to touch base with Bates RV in Tampa re a hitching package. Not sure they do that, but they may be able to steer you.

[gamana]

Originally Posted by Mikethefixit

I dont understand the reasoning behind having to drive around in a MB when not towing.We drive around in a F 350Crew,when unhitched, It has all the amenities,power buckets,air,Stereo,lots of room,are you afraid to be seen in a pickup.? When towing Id be afraid that the TAIL will WAG the Dog with those short wheelbase suv's.

Not at all. I have had many pickups and liked them very much but my preference for daily driving is to drive cars. Do you dislike MB drivers? I trust not....

[gamana]

Originally Posted by 2airishuman

OVER spec hitch fabrication and vehicle modification for the purpose of TOWING over spec is a problem in the lower 48...

so finding a "reputable company" that does this is an issue.

the shops that WOULD do this sort of custom work dried up as a RESULT of the liability/insurance issues...

no doubt one CAN find a welding shop to melt and glue bits 2gether but the vehicle owner will need to serve as the contractor for the work...

and accept liability for the outcome and consequences...

are the savings account, stocks and house protected?

safe travels!
____________



hi 'mate...

the bodies are from the OLDER style rover so the look is confusing...

no doubt owners and fabrication shops have cobbled together bits from the full RANGE of rovers to make cabins and shells and so on...

i wonder if ANY of these things live on this side of the pond?

cheers
2air'

so, if I understand you correctly, the set up will require extensive work (not just popping in that anti sway hitch) and NO ONE can do that in the SE portions of the US!!!

[Road Ruler]

Originally Posted by 2airishuman

no doubt one CAN find a welding shop to melt and glue bits 2gether

Good day Gamana.....

Many factory bolt on receivers are poorly designed. They can flex, crack, and deform even from normal use. This is a safety and performance issue that needs to be addressed.

The one on my previous TV was such. The use of a highly skilled, professional hitch builder is ideal and recommended but in my case, with this vehicle, I did the, lol, "melting and gluing", myself.

As you can see the by the pic below the mods made the weak factory receiver much more secure and rock solid.

[2airishuman]

Originally Posted by gamana

so, if I understand you correctly, the set up will require extensive work (not just popping in that anti sway hitch) and NO ONE can do that in the SE portions of the US!!!

not exactly...

the receiver (that thing bolted UNDER the merc') will need to be...

1. custom made, or
2. the oem version will need reinforcements (welding of extensions to spread the load over more of the underbelly/frame )...
3. ideally it should remain 'bolt on' but fine tuning the fit for the underside needs to be handled AT the install...
4. because the exhaust/fuel/lines and other bits may be in the way.

and YES finding a shop ANYWHERE in the usa that will do these things TODAY is a problem.

because of business/professional/personal liability issues and limitations from insurance carriers.

20+ years ago i had a custom receiver made for a small fast topless 2 seater...

yes for towing and i still have that receiver with the car attached...

and there were 3-6 RELIABLE shops in a major metro area doing this work...

NONE of those shops exist now and the new legit shops RUN from these custom fabrications...

because the 300-500$ they can make from the work doesn't even COVER the insurance premium for SENSIBLE hitch fabrications...

much less CRAZY ones.
___________

still, there is nothing a credit card and creativity can't solve...

so YOU'll need to find a welder/fab shop and take it from there,

and with as many tuner/body/fab shops as there are in south flo', i'm SURE u can find 1...

maybe.
___________

now you'll need to work out the 7 pin wiring harness on the merc' and a brake controller, then be sure the tires/wheels are UPTO the loads...

maybe add DISC brakes to the stream (i absolutely would do this) that are better matched to the merc' big brakes.

and so on...

then add a pp or haha for towing/sway and LIGHTEN the payload/tongue enough....

to not SQUAT the merc'...

maybe tweak the suspension, gearing, cooling, tranny and ADD BIG ASS MIRRORS...

piece of cake really.....
__________

the real issue imo isn't IF the merc' can be made to work...

it's how much financial RISK and personal asset liability one is will to accept for these combinations...

POOR folks (unfortunately) have nothing to risk but their lives and others...

and a few sheets of thin metal and plastic innards.

while people with moooo'la have a lot more at stake...

and IF the combo falls apart or is involved in an accident, the other side will NOT be understanding.

cheers
2air'