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1969 Model 250, 2003 SL500 (SOLD), 2009 CLK550 Cabriolet
I responded to this in another thread, but I have a 2015 GL63 AMG and the plate on my hitch
says 600 lb tongue weight. The same for all GL’s. Could this be a translation error?
Thank you. Yes, I created this duplicate thread because I had forgotten that I created the other thread a while ago. I spoke to Andy at Can-Am and to Mercedes-Benz. There is physically zero difference between the GL 63 and the GL550 with respect to anything that would affect towing. The difference lies in the speed rating for the vehicle and some of the silly European laws. Set up properly, as any vehicle should be, especially with air suspension, this SUV should out-tow anything in its class, and certainly at least as much as it's GL550, GL450, GL350 siblings.
When you talk about the bias of the transfer case. Could this account for some of the difference? If we're putting that much more load on the rear axles and that's the driving force, does that mean that you're putting that much more stress on those rear mechanical elements? I mean the 63 has incredible transmission cooling capacity, but perhaps that's it? In which case, just don't be an idiot and try to tow at 120kmh or beat the top 0-100km time.
I don't see "stress" as an issue if the trailer is at or below the rated weight.
Vehicle trailer ratings are governed by:
- drivetrain capability (transmission strength, fatigue and cooling; prop and CV shafts strength and fatigue, and differentials strength, fatigue and cooling)
- body/chassis (strength and fatigue of hitch receiver and attachments to body structure)
- suspension (strength and fatigue of springs, control arms, linkages, wheels, tires)
- steering and braking (stability, control, heat/fade and braking distance cold and hot)
It's multivariate calculus. I suggest not overthinking or second guessing the manufacturer, with the caveat that the rules of thumb in Europe are different than they are in the US. Transfer case torque bias in the 63 vs 550 does not impact towing in my view.
Tow with confidence at the manufacturer's rated trailer weight.
I don't see "stress" as an issue if the trailer is at or below the rated weight
....
Tow with confidence at the manufacturer's rated trailer weight.
That's exactly our issue at hand. The manufacturer specs the GL63 at 309lb tongue weight vs GL550 at over 600lbs. I am questioning the validity and reasoning because I want to tow a trailer with a 450lb tongue weight. If I go by the manual, I may as well forget towing anything but a 22ft bowrider or a 19ft ultralight camper. So....boohoo for me (laughing at myself, not you) if that's the reality. However, from responses I've seen here and responses I've gotten from Can Am who's dealt with a number of AMGs, the GL63 should handle the higher tongue with a well-set-up weight distributing hitch. I.e. don't just chuck that f*cker on and drive away.
Trouble with heavy towing in these SUVs is the tires available. Be sure to rotate frequently. I used my prior GL550 for towing my boat and the rear tires wore down in 12k miles.
Bought a Navigator we use to tow the boat now and just bought a 2015 GL63
Trouble with heavy towing in these SUVs is the tires available. Be sure to rotate frequently. I used my prior GL550 for towing my boat and the rear tires wore down in 12k miles.
Bought a Navigator we use to tow the boat now and just bought a 2015 GL63
GL and GLS are known to eat rear tires. 12k miles on rear tires for a GL is at the low end of the normal range for rear tire life on this platform. In my view, towing had nothing to do with your tire mileage/life results, but rather the factory alignment specifications from MB which includes excessive toe and negative camber.
GL and GLS are known to eat rear tires. 12k miles on rear tires for a GL is at the low end of the normal range for rear tire life on this platform. In my view, towing had nothing to do with your tire mileage/life results, but rather the factory alignment specifications from MB which includes excessive toe and negative camber.
Is there any way that I could change the camber and toe myself? With do-it-yourself tools? I'm about to embark on a 3000 km Journey towing 8,000 lb
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