Trailer towing
Newbie
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
"Limiting" /disabling sixth gear...
Also, by going down steep grades you can limit the transmission to first thereby taking advantage of "engine braking".
Lots of luck towing...
Super Member
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 537
Likes: 2
From: Land of Magnolias and Mint Juleps
Since the GL doesn't have a regular "gear selector" the use of the paddle shifters is the only way to downshift on long steep grades - where you would ordinarly shift to a lower gear in a standard car using the shifter.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 2,244
Likes: 1
From: Scottsdale, AZ
2004 RX330, 2008 Scion xB, 2001 Honda Insight Hybrid, 2010 Toyot Prius v ATP
Can you not set the cruise with a trailer hooked up, and doesn't the cruise use shifting and the stability control system to limit your downhill speed?
Newbie
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
Use your left hand button behind the steering wheel to downshift to 5th. You can see what gear you are in in the center display. Use your right hand button to up-shift. You can downshift sequentially with the left button, but you must use the right button to get back to whatever gear you want.
Super Member
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 537
Likes: 2
From: Land of Magnolias and Mint Juleps
Can you not set the cruise with a trailer hooked up, and doesn't the cruise use shifting and the stability control system to limit your downhill speed?
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 2,548
Likes: 3
From: LA LA Land
'07 GL 450, '02 S 80 T6
Originally Posted by boxboss
Since the GL doesn't have a regular "gear selector" the use of the paddle shifters is the only way to downshift on long steep grades - where you would ordinarly shift to a lower gear in a standard car using the shifter.
Junior Member
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 48
Likes: 0
From: California
07 GL450,
Hey LDH, does the weight dist. hitch just lessen the tongue weight. Also, have you tried towing without it? I'll probably be hooking up the boat this weekend and was wondering if I should get this and the sway control? It's about 6K lbs. Problem is I don't know the tongue weight.
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 405
Likes: 1
From: Scottsdale, AZ
2007 GL320 CDI, 2001 TJ Rockcrawler, 2005 Scoobie STI
For those of you that have mounted trailer brake controllers...
Where did you mount them up near the front of the vehicle?
LDH, I know that you struggled with the wiring back in the fall of 2006 and I beleive that MZB has updated the wiring a bit, so I don't think that it should be too terribly complicated to get my Prodigy wired up... but I am just wondering where you mounted the controller unit.
Where did you mount them up near the front of the vehicle?
LDH, I know that you struggled with the wiring back in the fall of 2006 and I beleive that MZB has updated the wiring a bit, so I don't think that it should be too terribly complicated to get my Prodigy wired up... but I am just wondering where you mounted the controller unit.
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Member
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 141
Likes: 0
From: LAS VEGAS
ML500
You guys are making me nervous.
I ordered an 08 GL320 to replace my ML500 as towing vehicle. I've never had any issues with my ML.
To the GL320 owners towing 5-6k's, is the vehicle powerful enough to go uphill 70-75mphs? What MPG's are you getting? My dealership doesn't let me test the truck with my trailer, but I'm trying to convinced them anyways. I need more opinions.
I also want to know about the Directv service, I'd like to get one, but don't know where to start. I've seen them in Suburbans, Excursions and Hummers, it will be nice to have one when at the race track.
I ordered an 08 GL320 to replace my ML500 as towing vehicle. I've never had any issues with my ML.
To the GL320 owners towing 5-6k's, is the vehicle powerful enough to go uphill 70-75mphs? What MPG's are you getting? My dealership doesn't let me test the truck with my trailer, but I'm trying to convinced them anyways. I need more opinions.
I also want to know about the Directv service, I'd like to get one, but don't know where to start. I've seen them in Suburbans, Excursions and Hummers, it will be nice to have one when at the race track.
Member
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 141
Likes: 0
From: LAS VEGAS
ML500
I have a 320cdi with brake controller.
My car hauler trailer is 1,950 pounds. All steel.
I put my R320cdi (for sale by the way) on the trailer and towed it for about 150 miles.
No issues, no drama. Got 22.5 mpg at an even speed of 55-60 without a/c.
Hills were no issue at all, the diesel having massive reserves of torque. I would never buy a GL450, 500, or any gas engine again. This 320cdi pulls just fine.
I also took the trailer with 3 quads on it (all 4x4 heavy quads) up the mountains on a dirt track. This old road was originally a switch back train track with rails removed, originally built by Chinese labor in the 1890's. It's not for the weak, if you are towing a trailer. It is 28 miles each way, elevation changes from 1400 to 6,500 in that 28 miles of dirt.
I got 18.5 mpg up and down. I averaged 18 miles per hour. I used A/C for half of the trip, the lower half up and down. VEEERRRYY glad I had trailer brakes. Anyone that tows without them deserves the inevitable wreck they are going to have.
Tows a boat without issue, even in wind. 21 mpg, 65 mph, A/C, 4 adults, 1 dog, lots of beer. Not one fish btw.
REMEMBER: You get what you pay for in a brake controller. UHAUL has a great unit that is digital. However, most 'installers' at UHAUL are not the highest paid engineers in the lot. Buy the unit at UHAUL, and have Mercedes install it. This unit compensates for sway.
SO IN SUMMARY: If towing is in your future, I would get a GL320cdi with a proper digital brake controller. I have a standing order for a GL420cdi V-8 when they come out next year in the US, this one with distronic and keyless go.
This is not the boat I towed, but very similar in weight and size.
My car hauler trailer is 1,950 pounds. All steel.
I put my R320cdi (for sale by the way) on the trailer and towed it for about 150 miles.
No issues, no drama. Got 22.5 mpg at an even speed of 55-60 without a/c.
Hills were no issue at all, the diesel having massive reserves of torque. I would never buy a GL450, 500, or any gas engine again. This 320cdi pulls just fine.
I also took the trailer with 3 quads on it (all 4x4 heavy quads) up the mountains on a dirt track. This old road was originally a switch back train track with rails removed, originally built by Chinese labor in the 1890's. It's not for the weak, if you are towing a trailer. It is 28 miles each way, elevation changes from 1400 to 6,500 in that 28 miles of dirt.
I got 18.5 mpg up and down. I averaged 18 miles per hour. I used A/C for half of the trip, the lower half up and down. VEEERRRYY glad I had trailer brakes. Anyone that tows without them deserves the inevitable wreck they are going to have.
Tows a boat without issue, even in wind. 21 mpg, 65 mph, A/C, 4 adults, 1 dog, lots of beer. Not one fish btw.
REMEMBER: You get what you pay for in a brake controller. UHAUL has a great unit that is digital. However, most 'installers' at UHAUL are not the highest paid engineers in the lot. Buy the unit at UHAUL, and have Mercedes install it. This unit compensates for sway.
SO IN SUMMARY: If towing is in your future, I would get a GL320cdi with a proper digital brake controller. I have a standing order for a GL420cdi V-8 when they come out next year in the US, this one with distronic and keyless go.
This is not the boat I towed, but very similar in weight and size.
I'd like to know more about your satellite dish on the roof.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 2,244
Likes: 1
From: Scottsdale, AZ
2004 RX330, 2008 Scion xB, 2001 Honda Insight Hybrid, 2010 Toyot Prius v ATP
From what I have heard and/or read, it's a fairly complicated act beyond putting it on the rear of the truck, involving a lot of wiring and electronics. That said, could a competent handy person do worse than an MB tech? I mean, I know these aren't British cars, but still ...
Member
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 141
Likes: 0
From: LAS VEGAS
ML500
You can do it, I've done it in my first ML, but I strongly recommend you to get the trailer hitch from the factory, even the techs screw up more than once.
Member
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 224
Likes: 1
F150,GL450, G63, Aprilia Tuono, Honda Cbx
You can do it, I've done it in my first ML, but I strongly recommend you to get the trailer hitch from the factory, even the techs screw up more than once
Truck is already here. I do feel sometimes that I need a trailer hitch especially when I am picking up loads of gardening stuff or other material for home improvement etc.. I could have just hooked up a small trailer without having to worry about messing up the truck. How hard it is to just install the hitch itself (not the electronics)
Almost a Member!
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 49
Likes: 0
From: Germantown, TN
2007 E 320, 2007 GL 320
I am pulling my 4200lb Cobalt and trailer which is about 1200lb with my GL 320 with no problems at all. Pulling on roads that have a lot of hills I am getting about 13mpg. If you are concerned with its pulling capabilities, dont worry yourself. It pulls just fine.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 2,244
Likes: 1
From: Scottsdale, AZ
2004 RX330, 2008 Scion xB, 2001 Honda Insight Hybrid, 2010 Toyot Prius v ATP
I wouldn't recommend it, there are too many advantages to having everything hooked up. I'd bite the bullet and put it on properly. There's something involving the stability control that if the trailer starts going squirrely on you, you tap the brakes and the stab cont regains control of the trailer. It's just a good idea to do it right on a vehicle like the GL.
Member
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 224
Likes: 1
F150,GL450, G63, Aprilia Tuono, Honda Cbx
Aby idea
Any idea how much they charge for labor ? I would recommend anyone looking to get a new Gl to have a trailer hitch. Much cheaper from factory and eventually you would need it
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 6,192
Likes: 242
From: Albuquerque
'10 CL550, '12 GL550
$500 factory installed.
$2200 dealer installed.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 2,244
Likes: 1
From: Scottsdale, AZ
2004 RX330, 2008 Scion xB, 2001 Honda Insight Hybrid, 2010 Toyot Prius v ATP
It can be purchased online for about $800, and at my dealer it can be purchased and installed for slightly less. I must suggest you find another dealer somewhere - that's total BS, that amount!
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 405
Likes: 1
From: Scottsdale, AZ
2007 GL320 CDI, 2001 TJ Rockcrawler, 2005 Scoobie STI
For those folks that are wondering just how well the GL 320 CDI diesel pulls a trailer, I just finished my first towing test tonight...
I loaded the Jeep onto a 14 foot car hauler, and towed it around for about 120 miles.
First I hit the truck scales just to see what the weights were.
GL without trailer: 5800 Lbs on the dot (with my 230 lb butt in the driver's seat)
Total Trailer Weight: 6340 lbs.
Total weight of the trailer and the GL: 12140 lbs.
Tongue weight of the loaded trailer: 650 lbs
Conclusion: IT PULLS LIKE A CHAMP! Not once did I feel that the engine did not have enough power. It pulled just fine up and down hills, and the trailer tracked nice and true. The Prodigy brake controller did its job well and worked quite nicely with the GL.
A few statistics:
Fuel mileage with cruise control set at 65 MPH: 17.1
Fuel mileage with cruise control set at 75 MPH: 13.4
One other observation: One of the trailer tail lights decided to burn out along the way. When this happened, the GL recognized the drop in voltage and displayed 2 messages in the driver's speedo console indicating that the trailer brake light was out and that the trailer right turn signal lamp was out. In addition the flasher flashed at double rate when using the right turn signal... I was able to swap the bulb immediately and get right back on the road. I was not expecting this feature!
I loaded the Jeep onto a 14 foot car hauler, and towed it around for about 120 miles.
First I hit the truck scales just to see what the weights were.
GL without trailer: 5800 Lbs on the dot (with my 230 lb butt in the driver's seat)
Total Trailer Weight: 6340 lbs.
Total weight of the trailer and the GL: 12140 lbs.
Tongue weight of the loaded trailer: 650 lbs
Conclusion: IT PULLS LIKE A CHAMP! Not once did I feel that the engine did not have enough power. It pulled just fine up and down hills, and the trailer tracked nice and true. The Prodigy brake controller did its job well and worked quite nicely with the GL.
A few statistics:
Fuel mileage with cruise control set at 65 MPH: 17.1
Fuel mileage with cruise control set at 75 MPH: 13.4
One other observation: One of the trailer tail lights decided to burn out along the way. When this happened, the GL recognized the drop in voltage and displayed 2 messages in the driver's speedo console indicating that the trailer brake light was out and that the trailer right turn signal lamp was out. In addition the flasher flashed at double rate when using the right turn signal... I was able to swap the bulb immediately and get right back on the road. I was not expecting this feature!
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 5,517
Likes: 20
From: Las Vegas, NV
2011 E350 Cabriolet..White and Almond Mocha
For those folks that are wondering just how well the GL 320 CDI diesel pulls a trailer, I just finished my first towing test tonight...
I loaded the Jeep onto a 14 foot car hauler, and towed it around for about 120 miles.
First I hit the truck scales just to see what the weights were.
GL without trailer: 5800 Lbs on the dot (with my 230 lb butt in the driver's seat)
Total Trailer Weight: 6340 lbs.
Total weight of the trailer and the GL: 12140 lbs.
Tongue weight of the loaded trailer: 650 lbs
Conclusion: IT PULLS LIKE A CHAMP! Not once did I feel that the engine did not have enough power. It pulled just fine up and down hills, and the trailer tracked nice and true. The Prodigy brake controller did its job well and worked quite nicely with the GL.
A few statistics:
Fuel mileage with cruise control set at 65 MPH: 17.1
Fuel mileage with cruise control set at 75 MPH: 13.4
One other observation: One of the trailer tail lights decided to burn out along the way. When this happened, the GL recognized the drop in voltage and displayed 2 messages in the driver's speedo console indicating that the trailer brake light was out and that the trailer right turn signal lamp was out. In addition the flasher flashed at double rate when using the right turn signal... I was able to swap the bulb immediately and get right back on the road. I was not expecting this feature!
I loaded the Jeep onto a 14 foot car hauler, and towed it around for about 120 miles.
First I hit the truck scales just to see what the weights were.
GL without trailer: 5800 Lbs on the dot (with my 230 lb butt in the driver's seat)
Total Trailer Weight: 6340 lbs.
Total weight of the trailer and the GL: 12140 lbs.
Tongue weight of the loaded trailer: 650 lbs
Conclusion: IT PULLS LIKE A CHAMP! Not once did I feel that the engine did not have enough power. It pulled just fine up and down hills, and the trailer tracked nice and true. The Prodigy brake controller did its job well and worked quite nicely with the GL.
A few statistics:
Fuel mileage with cruise control set at 65 MPH: 17.1
Fuel mileage with cruise control set at 75 MPH: 13.4
One other observation: One of the trailer tail lights decided to burn out along the way. When this happened, the GL recognized the drop in voltage and displayed 2 messages in the driver's speedo console indicating that the trailer brake light was out and that the trailer right turn signal lamp was out. In addition the flasher flashed at double rate when using the right turn signal... I was able to swap the bulb immediately and get right back on the road. I was not expecting this feature!
Good report Danno for others who want to know the trailing capabilities.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 2,244
Likes: 1
From: Scottsdale, AZ
2004 RX330, 2008 Scion xB, 2001 Honda Insight Hybrid, 2010 Toyot Prius v ATP
One other observation: One of the trailer tail lights decided to burn out along the way. When this happened, the GL recognized the drop in voltage and displayed 2 messages in the driver's speedo console indicating that the trailer brake light was out and that the trailer right turn signal lamp was out. In addition the flasher flashed at double rate when using the right turn signal... I was able to swap the bulb immediately and get right back on the road. I was not expecting this feature!
STP
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 405
Likes: 1
From: Scottsdale, AZ
2007 GL320 CDI, 2001 TJ Rockcrawler, 2005 Scoobie STI
The first long distance test will probably be in September... Phoenix to Moab, Utah, round trip.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 2,548
Likes: 3
From: LA LA Land
'07 GL 450, '02 S 80 T6
Originally Posted by Danno4x4
One other observation: One of the trailer tail lights decided to burn out along the way. When this happened, the GL recognized the drop in voltage and displayed 2 messages in the driver's speedo console indicating that the trailer brake light was out and that the trailer right turn signal lamp was out. In addition the flasher flashed at double rate when using the right turn signal... I was able to swap the bulb immediately and get right back on the road. I was not expecting this feature!
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 456
Likes: 3
From: East Coast
19 MB G63, '18 RR Dawn, '15 RR ATB LWB, '14/'08 MB GL550, '11 MB CL63 AMG, '11 X5 50i etc etc
Wow this is actually a real truck and not just a pretty faced MB.... I guess the extra HP in the GL550 won't hurt either...
