Tires on Mercedes ML350 Bluetec for towing?

[Sheas]

Wondering what the other Mercedes ML350 Bluetec haulers are using for tires? I am having a problem when I am towing with every time I run over a nail, my tire goes flat within 3 minutes and I have to pull over fast! Looking for ideas for something better. The weight of the trailer on the hitch just pushes the air out so looking for ideas! Thank you

[Keyair]

What tires do you currently have?

[Sheas]

I currently use Michelen 255/50R 19

[Sheas]

Michelin that is...

[joshjack]

Other then a true run-flat tire, I don’t know if you’ll do any better. Towing heavy wears out tires a lot faster too.

[slowmover]

Call Andy Thomson at Can Am RV. No one else knows better the answers to that.

[tatone]

I've used the Goodyear Triple Tread line of tires and no issues for 4 yrs.

[bono]

What pressure you are using?

[gator.bigfoot]

Originally Posted by Sheas

Wondering what the other Mercedes ML350 Bluetec haulers are using for tires? I am having a problem when I am towing with every time I run over a nail, my tire goes flat within 3 minutes and I have to pull over fast! Looking for ideas for something better. The weight of the trailer on the hitch just pushes the air out so looking for ideas! Thank you

I'm using the standard Michelin tires that MB recommends. I had a nail in the tire last year and the pressure went down to under 20 lbs and I didn't notice. The car kept complaining but since it didn't look flat I just reset it. I did eventually fill it up but the pressure dropped right down like before and stayed there. I towed all over the place like that. Then later in the year I saw something shiny in the tire. Oh well. In the future I guess I will believe the warning.

[PKI]

Are you running the Latitude run flats, the LTX or the Premier?

Andy is recommending the Pirelli Scorpion. The Pirelli is a new tire without much history, but it may well be the way to go. Worth a phone call to understand why he recommends.

We went with the Latitudes. They initially tracked rain grooves. After about 5K the tendancy reduced.

Tell us what you figure out. Pat

Edit - picture is a Premier - they are designed for ride comfort, not towing stability. Call Andy.

[jcl]

I had good performance on the OE Michelins on my previous BMW X5.

I have had very good luck with two sets of Pirelli Scorpions on our current BMW SUV, about 80,000 km on each set. Third set is on now. Mine are not 19" however, and Pirelli make a number of different models of the Scorpions. Mine are the STR. In the 19" they make the Verde and the Zero, but I don't know how those differ from the STR. Each model is tailored to a different priority, whether tread wear, dry weather handling, wet handling, or whatever.

[xrvr]

Tv tires should not lose air like that. Next time go to a tire place and have it checked. An ounce of prevention can prevent a pound of disaster caused by a low tire. Never tow with a tv tire that loses air. I would go with the michelins set at tha oroper pressure for towing. Did your Tpms not work?

[tatone]

I run 40 psi in my Goodyear Triple Treads, I have 50,000 miles on them and rotate them on a regular basis. I will be replacing these with the same tires.

[NY24]

Have you tried NOT running over nails?????

[Sheas]

Well, I have tried to swerve around the nails ;-) but here in TX there is so much construction everywhere it is impossible.

Thank you for everyone's feedback. This helped me tremendously as I can't seem to get help here. The tire people tell me my ML 350 is not meant to tow. So obviously they don't know anything, or I am the only person in TX who doesn't want a big diesel truck. And the dealership doesn't seem to be any help. It gets frustrating. I am now on the search for a different break controller as mine seems to work sometimes and not others. I appreciate the referral to Andy. I am going to give him a call asap! And most likely will be getting pirelli tires as that falls in line for the research I have been able to do as well.

Cheers!
Shea

[gator.bigfoot]

Originally Posted by Sheas

The tire people tell me my ML 350 is not meant to tow. So obviously they don't know anything, or I am the only person in TX who doesn't want a big diesel truck. And the dealership doesn't seem to be any help. It gets frustrating. I am now on the search for a different break controller as mine seems to work sometimes and not others. I appreciate the referral to Andy. I am going to give him a call asap!
Shea

Yes you are correct in "that they don't know anything". There are few people that don't want a big truck so give Andy call so you can be setup properly. Mine tows great and it's been coast to coast several times.