maxdog

Folks,

Got a 2004 ML350, what is the safe towing capacity for this vehicle? Looking to purchase a pop up tent trailer that dry weighs in around 2500 lbs. for family camping.

Thanks

sosh

Believe the towing capacity for all ML's is 5000 lbs. Check your manual

Bluefin

5000 lbs is correct

mihir_d

I was once at an RV dealership, and the smallest travel trailer the dealer had, weighed in at about 4800 lbs...

I informed the dealer that the ML's towing capacity was 5000 lbs and that if I were to buy the trailer, I would be okay....he was hesitent to accept the ML as capable of towing that travel trailer.

He said, he didn't want my truck's transmission to fail/get damaged...

I never understood what he saw wrong with towing 4800 lbs?

jfinch

I have wondered about the transmission myself. When towing most manufacturers tell you not to tow in overdrive. You must use the gear with a 1:1 ratio. What happens is the transmission starts to shift in and out of overdrive a lot and the transmission overheats and burns up. Mercedes does not give any instructions on gear selection that I have seen. Those of you who tow trailers what has been your experience?

Bluefin

In europe the towing capicity is 7000 lbs on the ML's Different countries different towing capicities here in OZ its 5850 lbs. The transmission should be capable. I haven't heard of any bad reports

Wolfgang

Yes, in Europe it's over 7000 lbs. 3,500 kg.

http://www.whnet.com/4x4/towing.html

But occasionally one can tow something heavier as well. Like this 60 ton A319 Airbus on the Stuttgart airport, which MB used recently to test the new W164 Trailer Stability Assist.

mihir_d

Thanks wolfgang for sharing the pic. I'm impressed seeing to how far the ML can be pushed...I guess, my 2600 lb boat is after all a piece of cake for the ML...