Mercedes ML350 Bluetec

[ciparis]

Originally Posted by dkottum

Depends on which Classic (25' to 34' over recent years), how you load it, and how you hitch it.

I'd be towing a 30/31 with a good WD trailer and Andy's reinforcement. Probably something around a full-timer load, using the SUV for excess when towing.

[rostam]

Originally Posted by ciparis

I'd be towing a 30/31 with a good WD trailer and Andy's reinforcement. Probably something around a full-timer load, using the SUV for excess when towing.

GVWR for a 30 ft classic is 10,000#. That's heavy duty truck realm, and definitely out of scope for a short wheelbase SUV rated to tow 7200#.

Be careful...

[switz]

Our 2007 Mercedes ML 320 CDI had the hitch modification done at CanAm and they modified the Hensley stinger with a bend and cutting it 4" shorter. I showed up at the Los Angeles Airstream dealer and after installing the Hensley hitch, my Shurline scale reported a weight of 1,150 pounds at the jack stand on our 2013 25FB International Serenity. Pulling the mountains on I-10 going to Phoenix required dropping back to 5th gear but maintained 55 mph.

I crossed the scales with the new/empty trailer and all the weights were under limit except the trailer exceeded the 5,000 pound towed vehicle number. After loading the trailer for camping with stuff and full water, the jackstand weight was now 1,175 pounds. The scales reported that with just my wife and me and a small air compressor in the back of the car, front axle ratings were exceeded and so was the GVWR. Perhaps I could have moved the excess front axle weight, but the sounds made on a slight grade with the trailer at 7,035 pounds clued me in that it was too much towed load.

The engine in the new MLs is still the 3.0L V6 diesel I have, just with a different programming chip. Also, the towed weight rating is 7,200 pounds on the new models, no change of parts, just pencil whipped engineering for marketing purposes.

Having said that, I might have been able to start moving our Classic, but the jackstand weight of 1,345 pounds would, in a perfectly setup situation, mean we could barely put an overnight bag in the car. No McDonalds fast food would be allowed due to instant weight gain.

There would be no generators and gasoline, grill with propane tank, extra chairs, spare water etc that could be in the car.

The conversion to disc brakes on the Classic would have solved the braking issue as long as the system was operational. In the event of a brake hydraulic pump failure on the Classic, the Mercedes would have been challenged to stop the nearly 16,000 pound rig in a straight line let alone on a descending mountain road with curves.

Thus our move to the Dodge 2500HD diesel resolved the weight issues and towing capacity for us. The truck and trailer have nearly identical weights.

YMMV

[mikapen]

Originally Posted by switz

Our 2007 Mercedes ML 320 CDI
....Also, the towed weight rating is 7,200 pounds on the new models, no change of parts, just pencil whipped engineering for marketing purposes.

The hitch and chassis are quite a bit different from 2007 to current model. I referred to body shop chassis diagrams and the structure is different and there are a few significant differences in the rear chassis.
By the way, some of those structures would not be available even if a "factory" hitch is installed after it left the factory because they are internal to the "frame."

IMO, the rear "frame" / hitch is significantly stronger than a typical 1/2 T pickup, with less hitch flex. Especially if a Can-Am RV-style reinforcement is added.
I can feel the difference - perhaps that is why so many pickup owners complain of porpoising.
Maybe the new Ram 1500 will be different because they box the frame all the way to the end, not just to the rear axle.

Until all truck manufacturers adopt the new SAE 2870 tow ratings, the advertising department determines GCVWR.

My preference for towing stability, from lowest to highest, is: 1/2 ton PU, 1/2 ton van, ML350, 3/4 ton pickup, 3/4 ton van. I have towed big loads with all of them.

Add the huge ability of the 3.0 Bluetec diesel, it's hard not to like the ML.

[rostam]

Originally Posted by mikapen

Until all truck manufacturers adopt the new SAE 2870 tow ratings, the advertising department determines GCVWR.

Toyota has been SAE 2870 compliant for a few years now. GM, Ford and Ram are also compliant on their new 2015 models.

[dkottum]

If you can get your hands on the latest issue of "Airstream Life" Andrew Thomson of CanAm Airstream (second generation Airstream dealer and hitch expert) explains all of the traits he looks for in a good towing vehicle. Using this criteria I think you would find the latest ML350 is a better Airstream tow vehicle than any heavy duty pickup.

Or you can read the same old arguments here and learn little. When all arguments run out of steam, we will see an insurance or legal opinion will nothing to substantiate it.

Call Andy as long as you plan to visit anyway.

[Rawn77]

Originally Posted by dkottum

If you can get your hands on the latest issue of "Airstream Life" Andrew Thomson of CanAm Airstream (second generation Airstream dealer and hitch expert) explains all of the traits he looks for in a good towing vehicle. Using this criteria I think you would find the latest ML350 is a better Airstream tow vehicle than any heavy duty pickup.

Or you can read the same old arguments here and learn little. When all arguments run out of steam, we will see an insurance or legal opinion will nothing to substantiate it.

Call Andy as long as you plan to visit anyway.

.....What he said !!!

[Moondancing]

We leave next month on a 4000+ mile trip pulling a 19" Bambi with my 2008 ML Mercedes diesel using a Hensley hitch. I can't imagine a more perfect setup. Hitch makes the trailer track like a train, diesel pulls like mule and fuel expense is as good as you can expect. we average right at 15 miles to the gallon. i have 100k miles on the Benz and it has been trouble free since new for the most part. Ride is excellent, and we have to keep looking in the rear view mirror to make sure the trailer is still there. great cruse control on the ML , holds a steady speed in mountains, wind , whatever. Navigation is weak and hard to use. i pull into my Benz service department and tell them we are going on a long trip pulling a trailer and they go over everything, change oil and get it ready to roll. I never was a Mercedes guy until this wonderful diesel. great choice for your airstream

[mikapen]

Originally Posted by rostam

Toyota has been SAE 2870 compliant for a few years now. GM, Ford and Ram are also compliant on their new 2015 models.

Don't we all wish that were true, but Ford and Chevy ad departments keep finding ways to weasel out of the 2008 joint agreement.
See this link Ram goes all-in on SAE J2807 tow ratings [w/video] - Autoblog
Last year Ford said they wouldn't comply because their tucks weren't entirely new, whatever that means. I forget Chevy's excuse.

Although the J2807 isn't prefect, it's a big step forward. I don't understand the reluctance from the Big 3, because Toyota's sales didn't plunge when they adopted the standard in 2010.

[mikapen]

I may have to take my previous post back. Although this article http://www.autonews.com/article/2014...for-tow-rating is an earlier date than above, it may be more correct. Maybe ALL truck manufacturers will come clean next year!
How about that!

[ciparis]

Thanks for the comments!

We ended up choosing an International 27 (Signature). Love the interior, and it'll work with the modifications we plan for later. I'm going to pick it up in a little over a week.

The dealer offers Equalizer WD + sway control hitches. It looks like that ought to work OK. I'm also expecting to need a brake controller... Prodigy I suppose.

I've seen it suggested that the OEM wheel & tire combinations are sub-optimal, so I may have those upgraded as well, to 16". Any comments about that?

[switz]

The Michelin LTX (P) 235/75R15 XL tires have adequate capacity for the 7,600 pound GVW of the Flying Cloud and International 27FB models (not the Classic 27FB at 9,000 pounds GVW). One can use the factory wheels. I used them on our 2013 25FB International Serenity. Click on the "images" below my avatar to see both the 15" and 16" Michelins beside the factor GYM ST 15" tire.

Tire Diameter
Goodyear 15" 28.3"
Michelin 15" 28.9"
Michelin 16" 29.2"

The 16" Michelins raise the the ground clearance nearly 0.5" over the Goodyear ST tires.

The Eddie Bauer models can be spec'd with Michelin LT225/75R16/E LTX M/S2 tires and that includes the SenDel T03-66655T wheels. They are standard (finally) on the 2015 31' Classic.

Those tires and wheels are what I installed on our Classic with a GVW of 10,000 pounds. Note that the factory recommends 125 to 130 foot pounds of torque on the SenDel wheel lugnuts.

I would also suggest the Centramatic wheel balancers.

Balancers - Centramatic Wheel Balancer, Tire Balancers for DFW Trucks

Model "200-221 Special" are the size for the 15" wheels and model "300-356 all 'A' plates" are the size for the 16" wheels. The smaller units would work on the 16" wheels as well but, per the factory, the larger size will not work on the 15" wheels. Either size is $199.00 plus UPS.

I use the Dill TPMS model 1506-453 which includes the improved #1900 display. It has 6 senders (one is a battle spare in case of a failure) and one is in the spare tire but not installed to prevent constant error messages since the spare would not be rotating unless installed.

I also upgraded the lug nuts and included a locking lug nut on each wheel.:

McGard 24138 Chrome Cone Seat Wheel Locks and McGard 64010 Chrome Bulge Cone Seat Style Lug Nuts (1/2" - 20 Thread Size) phone 800-444-5847

[dkottum]

ciparis, you've got top-quality equipment here but really skimping on the hitch. The Hensley/ProPride design is expensive but worth it to those of us who have it. Do some research and learn how it works.

[mefly2]

+1 for the Eddie Bauer 16" wheel / tire combos ...

[ciparis]

Originally Posted by dkottum

ciparis, you've got top-quality equipment here but really skimping on the hitch. The Hensley/ProPride design is expensive but worth it to those of us who have it. Do some research and learn how it works.

Hmm. I'm interested, but the dealer in Denver (Windish) we're getting the AS from doesn't stock them (or seem to know anything about them). They only offer the Equalizer hitches. I wonder if my stock class IV would be safe enough to tow the 27 someplace specializing in the Hensley hitches.

[dkottum]

Hensley is sold through dealers, ProPride only direct from the company (terrific price and customer service).

Does anyone in Bay area know of a shop that can install a ProPride or Hensley? Or take a look at their websites. The ProPride is heavy, but not a difficult install for most owners and ought to be basic for a decent hitch shop.

[switz]

Dealers like to sell items with the most margin for them, not what might be best for their customers.

I installed the heavy ProPride by myself. I did call Sean when I got stumped and he mad me a custom part for me to solve my issue.

Read each step twice and then pick and place the parts around you and have the right tools at hand. Then read the instructions again. Worked for me.

[Jim Flower]

Originally Posted by Rawn77

.....What he said !!!

Hi Rawn77
Your Solar recommendation is proving to be extremely useful. I did bump up to a 2000w inverter in order to run the electric coffee maker at the same time as the television. Sorry about the diversion but it's not everyday Rawn77 is around. Jim


Sent from my iPhone using Airstream Forums

[cory_can]

Originally Posted by Jim Flower

Hi Rawn77
Your Solar recommendation is proving to be extremely useful. I did bump up to a 2000w inverter in order to run the electric coffee maker at the same time as the television. Sorry about the diversion but it's not everyday Rawn77 is around. Jim


Sent from my iPhone using Airstream Forums

He was very helpful to me as well, saved me SOME money, cost me MUCH more

[Rawn77]

Originally Posted by cory_can

He was very helpful to me as well, saved me SOME money, cost me MUCH more

Glad I could share my experiences, especially my bad spending habits for expensive toys