xxaarraa

Hey guys,

I am mildly considering selling my Tacoma and just going the one car route for a while, as the sum total of what I seem to be using the truck is moving my bike around. If I do that, I would be installing a tow hitch on the C55 and setting it up to tow my motorcycle when needed.

My bike weighs about 400 lbs wet, a nice Kendon lightweight trailer weighs about 350 lbs, and all the track gear probably weighs another 100-150. So total load would be under 1000 lbs. I would be doing this about 6-8 times a year, if that.

I am not worried about finding a hitch that works, seem to be plenty of options online. I am wondering if there are any precautions I should take with the car itself - is there an additional transmission cooler needed? Should I put it in "C" mode as opposed to sport? Just how much wear does towing cause on the car?

PLEASE, I don't want to hear "its an AMG, don't tow with it" or "get a beater truck" etc. The C55 is 6 years old and depreciates like a rock anyway and I don't believe in garage queens. Hitches are pretty discrete these days, plenty of guys at the track towing their track bikes with M3s, volvos etc.

Viper98912

My opinion (because I haven't done any towing) is I don't think you would need any additional coolers, and the way the AMG is setup it's already made for higher abuse. I say go ahead and do it, the engine, trans, suspension, and brakes are already awesome on this car. Drive slow....

tw2

Its like a car full of very "heavy" people, no problem. The engine can take it and the transmission can take it. If you want to be safe then don't got WOT up a steep hill with the trailer on which I'm sure you really wanted to do.

Das_Stig

as someone who used to install hitches for a living, I would say you should be fine with the low tow weight. But just remember to drive like you are towing something and you will be fine. If you are truly worried about a transmission cooler go ahead and install one. I dont think you need it but they are a good idea even if you arent towing.

Sea55

Shouldn't have any issues and those cooling fins on the rear diff can only be to your benefit.. I would suggest to tow in "C" mode for a smoother pull with less stress on your engine/trans mounts.

splinter

Consider ditching the Tacoma, although AWD is useful in the NE.

Do ensure that the trailer’s tongue load and weight distribution are within customarily accepted guidelines. You'll hardly even notice it.
Certainly don’t need a GMC to tow a measly 1000 pounds.

xxaarraa

Thanks guys, appreciate the input. Will keep you posted.

Nachtsturm

Doesn't it say "Towing not recommended" in the Manual?

xxaarraa

In the manual, it probably also says "take to authorized dealer for service" I don't really trust the manual except for looking up specs (oil capacity, torque values etc.)

Nachtsturm

I hate to say it, but the thought of a C55 towing anything makes me cringe.

thtguy

Obviously never been to europe. just a few months ago (I should have taken a picture) I saw a SL65 pulling a small caravan on the E41 in the mountains just south of Villengendorf heading toward switzlerland.

Accidental L8 apex

From everything I know about towing this is the exact opposite of what you'd want to do. You need all of the gearing you can get when pulling from a stop. I plan on towing a small motorcycle trailer w/ my C55 as well and will probably put it in "M" and hold the shifts a bit longer. This is what the new transmissions in trucks with a towing package do. You want the torque of the engine and not the transmission to do the work. Starting in "C" is a recipe for a cooked or overheated transmission.