Heavy Towing with GL320
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Joined: Jun 2007
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Heavy Towing with GL320
Does anyone have experience towing a heavy (7000+ lb) trailer with a GL320? I'm attracted by the fuel economy and range of the GL320, but it's a big step down in power from my Cayenne Turbo. I don't expect it to be zippy, but need it to tow the trailer up a mountain at a reasonable speed. Unfortunately, I can't wait for MB to get around to releasing the GL420, which would be perfect for my needs.
The Cayenne is great for power, but you need to keep a really close eye on the gas gauge when towing. I had to drop the trailer once and drive ahead for fuel near Nowhere, CO.
The Cayenne is great for power, but you need to keep a really close eye on the gas gauge when towing. I had to drop the trailer once and drive ahead for fuel near Nowhere, CO.
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Joined: May 2007
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From: Scottsdale, AZ
2004 RX330, 2008 Scion xB, 2001 Honda Insight Hybrid, 2010 Toyot Prius v ATP
Seriously, it sounds like the factory hitch and brain do wonders for towing stability, and a couple of people here have noted they don't even notice the trailer. How heavy are you planning on towing?
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Joined: Dec 2006
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From: Scottsdale, AZ
2007 GL320 CDI, 2001 TJ Rockcrawler, 2005 Scoobie STI
I will be wiring up my Prodigy Trailer Brake Controller this weekend and probably doing a few test tows next weekend. I am towing a 5000 Lb Jeep on a 1500 lb trailer so at 6500 it will be close to 7K.
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I'll be right at the limit (7500 lb) on towing. My travel trailer is just over 6800 lb empty, so I always had to be careful to stay under the Cayenne Turbo's 7700 lb limit. I'll have to be even more careful with the GL.
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From: Charlotte, NC
2002 S430, 2004 Cobra, 2004 Tahoe
The diesel is great for towing. The low end torque works wonders and the ESP for the trailer is a nice feature as well. I wouldnt worry too much if you're right at the 7500lb limit, but if you're planning on going over, why not just buy a F250 or Duramax truck?
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Joined: May 2007
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From: Scottsdale, AZ
2004 RX330, 2008 Scion xB, 2001 Honda Insight Hybrid, 2010 Toyot Prius v ATP
Ford are making a common-rail diesel for 2008, and thier F-550 (I think it was) will tow a zip code. (It really was some ridiculous numbers.)
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There's no question a big diesel truck would make a better tow vehicle, but I've really been spoiled by the Cayenne Turbo. In addition to being a great tow vehicle, it's a pleasure to drive when you're not towing. I test drove the GL (not towing), and I'm sure it would make a very competent and safe tow vehicle. Unfortunately, the wife is very spoiled, and she declared the GL underpowered. We'll be keeping the Turbo a while longer despite its drinking problem (12 mpg city).
I'm expecting the GL420 will fit us better, and hoping they just offer the engine as an upgrade without all the mandatory options like on the GL550. The oversized summer-only wheels and tires on the Cayenne kept us from going some places in an otherwise excellent off-road vehicle. I hope Mercedes doesn't make the same mistake with the GL420. They should leave the oversized wheels as an option for those who want them.
I'm expecting the GL420 will fit us better, and hoping they just offer the engine as an upgrade without all the mandatory options like on the GL550. The oversized summer-only wheels and tires on the Cayenne kept us from going some places in an otherwise excellent off-road vehicle. I hope Mercedes doesn't make the same mistake with the GL420. They should leave the oversized wheels as an option for those who want them.
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Joined: Dec 2002
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From: LAS VEGAS
ML500
when is the GL420 expected? I've been towing with my 03 ML500, and it's a breeze, but the rear gets too low to the ground for my taste. The loaded trailer is around 5,000lbs.
Is it easy to install a brake controller?
Is it easy to install a brake controller?
