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gamana · 02-13-2010, 05:38 PM

I own a 2005 MB G55 AMG. I am looking at buying an AS International 27 FB.

I have looked at many threads/pages over the web with opposite opinions.

I am willing to install whatever is needed as far as hitch package.

Can I go buy it or not?

Minnie's Mate · 02-13-2010, 05:53 PM

You will need to shoot for less than 80% of the tow rating and total GVWR of the SUV. There are many who tow Airstreams with great satisfactory results using MB SUV's.

boondockdad · 02-13-2010, 06:01 PM

get two

F450Harley · 02-13-2010, 06:22 PM

I have same G55 and I was only able to tow the 22 ft (650 LB T.Wt) with Hensley package comfortably. G55 have a lot of juice but the radiator is not built for hauling above 5700LB especially on steep grade with slow traffic. I had to go with the big Daddy Harley F450 (overkill) as TV for my 2006 30Ft Classic.

Road Ruler · 02-13-2010, 08:16 PM

There was an interesting article a few years ago in one of the car magazines. They hooked up a good sized Airstream to an AMG and headed out for a weekend of touring. All I remember was that they could not believe how well it towed and how much power it had. They talked about taking it to a test track. It was so stable and road worthy they thought it could break the speed record for a vehicle towing a trailer.

Aage · 02-13-2010, 08:20 PM

But Road,

If you had an F350 or 450, you could tow the MB AND the 27' FB!

Road Ruler · 02-13-2010, 08:30 PM

For sure Aage but I would insist on having the pickups upgraded with the huge AMG brakes...

Airslide · 02-13-2010, 08:44 PM

We have an 06 G55 AMG on the lot.. I took it the other day to put fuel in it. WOW.. what a nice machine. That engine sounds great and has plenty of power but I understand the tongue weight and the radiator concerns. I would figure out how to do it as it would look great going down the road together..

Vin

Minnie's Mate · 02-13-2010, 08:52 PM

It's funny. There are some on this forum that have them and think they are great tow vehicles and there are some who think they are/would be bad tow vehicles. Keep yours until you get your 27 foot International and give it a try and see what you think. You will soon know if it is they two vehicle for your set up or not.

2airishuman · 02-14-2010, 12:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gamana

I own a 2005 MB G55 AMG. I am looking at buying an AS International 27 FB.

I have looked at many threads/pages over the web with opposite opinions.

I am willing to install whatever is needed as far as hitch package.

Can I go buy it or not?

so u post here hoping for a "NOT opposite opinion" ?

for u spectators the 05s were the old style civilian/classic 'g wagon'

not the latter version occasionally posted about here.

ya know the old 'slab sided' boxy HIGH ones ?

and the w463? version in 2005 was based on a 1990 chassis basically..

in 05 there was a REALLY short wheelbase version and a longer version...

that also had a short wheelbase...

yes the hand built engine is nearly 500 hp and 500 ft/lb and wicked fast...

but towing should be limited to small trailers or vanity vintage trailers...

"whatever is needed" hitch wise (like a pp or haha) won't solve the payload question...

and any longer stream will be OVER the payload and frame capacity.

could it be 'made' to work?

perhaps.

but the notion of trying is just plain silly...

otoh, miami is a pretty silly place.

so buy the stream, tie them together and get noticed.
_________

or purchase an appropriate tv 2 connect WITH the stream and travel NORTH or WEST of the aquifer...

cheers
2air'

Road Ruler · 02-14-2010, 07:14 AM

The bunny man has made a good point with regards to the 2005 model.

Underneath, the G-Class still uses (very) old-school front and rear solid axles and a super-rigid ladder frame. Unlike the next generation G55, which included a stiffer, more performance-oriented suspension, the 2005 will have a softer ride and feel, more akin to the standard-issue G500.

According to preliminary M-B test data, the 2005 G55 (5600-plus lbs) to 100 kph (62 mph) from a standing start in 5.6 seconds, setting it squarely next to the Porsche Cayenne Turbo in acceleration. As with all AMG variants, bigger and stronger binders deliver enhanced braking performance, resulting in excellent, almost disturbingly calm stopping power.

This 2005 model may require special connection considerations (ie hitch reinforcements and or a Hensley). Sounds like you have the interest and funds to make it happen. Talk with a towing specialist like Andrew Thomson at Can Am Rv... Can-Am RV > Home

gamana · 02-14-2010, 07:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Road Ruler

There was an interesting article a few years ago in one of the car magazines. They hooked up a good sized Airstream to an AMG and headed out for a weekend of touring. All I remember was that they could not believe how well it towed and how much power it had. They talked about taking it to a test track. It was so stable and road worthy they thought it could break the speed record for a vehicle towing a trailer.

This car looks like the GL class. Anybody out there that could tell his/her experience towing a large AS?

gamana · 02-14-2010, 07:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Aage

But Road,

If you had an F350 or 450, you could tow the MB AND the 27' FB!

Maybe but F350 or 450 are still pick ups, not cars... When i drop my AS I would like to drive around with a car (SUV).

gamana · 02-14-2010, 07:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Road Ruler

The bunny man has made a good point with regards to the 2005 model.

Underneath, the G-Class still uses (very) old-school front and rear solid axles and a super-rigid ladder frame. Unlike the next generation G55, which included a stiffer, more performance-oriented suspension, the 2005 will have a softer ride and feel, more akin to the standard-issue G500.

According to preliminary M-B test data, the 2005 G55 (5600-plus lbs) to 100 kph (62 mph) from a standing start in 5.6 seconds, setting it squarely next to the Porsche Cayenne Turbo in acceleration. As with all AMG variants, bigger and stronger binders deliver enhanced braking performance, resulting in excellent, almost disturbingly calm stopping power.

This 2005 model may require special connection considerations (ie hitch reinforcements and or a Hensley). Sounds like you have the interest and funds to make it happen. Talk with a towing specialist like Andrew Thomson at Can Am Rv... Can-Am RV > Home

sounds like a plan. Thanks.

mutcth · 02-14-2010, 07:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gamana

This car looks like the GL class. Anybody out there that could tell his/her experience towing a large AS?

Rich Luhr, publisher of Airstream Life, tows his (IIRC) 30' Bunkhouse with a GL320 Bluetec. He's been very happy - he mentions it in his blog.

I've used one for towing - but only to tow my 2000 lb T@B teardrop. As you'd expect, it had no problems towing that.

Tom

Wayne&Sam · 02-14-2010, 07:56 AM

I tow our 20' Safari with my 2005 ML500 and love it. I know someone who happily tows a 25' with newer ML. The GL gives a bit more wheelbase and capacity.

gamana · 02-14-2010, 03:24 PM

I was just reading about the Air Safe Hitches. Would they make a difference as far as pushing the envelope of the towing capacity of my vehicle?
I know nothing about hitches but the air bag style concept sounds like it could eliminate a lot of the duress on the TV from a large AS.

Any thoughts on those?

Airslide · 02-14-2010, 04:39 PM

I too want an Air Safe hitch but thats not going to help your situation.
They are designed to isolate the shock and vibration from damaging the trailer but wont help with the tongue weight. The airbag is inside the hitch/ball mechanism giving the tongue of the trailer and easy ride...

Vin

JaceBeck · 02-14-2010, 05:46 PM

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.