Towing with U-haul trailers (no brakes).
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 75
Likes: 25
From: Indianapolis
2016 GLE350 4matic
Towing with U-haul trailers (no brakes).
I have the GLE450 so quite a bit of towing capacity. I want to tow my 3000lb track car to some far away tracks instead of driving it there. I was thinking of renting the U-Haul trailer or the tow dolly (my car is FWD) and using them. However, neither of the U-Haul options have trailer brakes.
Has anyone done this? What was your experience?
Is it doable?
Thanks,
Has anyone done this? What was your experience?
Is it doable?
Thanks,
Super Member
Joined: Apr 2021
Posts: 645
Likes: 204
From: Central Indiana
2021 GLC 300 4Matic
I haven't towed yet with my 450 but I've towed with other vehicles with trailers without brakes. The best option is to keep the weight as low as possible. Of course you need to ensure your tongue weight is correct as well but I don't believe you should have any issues as long as you keep the weight below the max. As with all towing, keep in mind what you're towing and slow down earlier than you normally to.
*Edited to remove statement about U-Haul auto hauler as they have surge brakes
*Edited to remove statement about U-Haul auto hauler as they have surge brakes
Last edited by MBguy013; Aug 3, 2022 at 08:19 PM.
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Sep 2018
Posts: 14,694
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From: unbegrenzt
2017 GLE350 4MATIC
Tow with confidence up to the MB towing limit.
The answer to the question does not depend on model year for an MB SUV. All generations of the W/X16* platform are a solid towing platforms. And off-road platforms but that is a separate thread.
167 and 166 have a bit more than a 7k lb tow rating. 3k lbs is less than half of the rated towing weight.
I towed a 3500 lb boat last week, and have done with a 166 for the last 4 years. No trailer brakes. The system is solid as a rock.
Air suspension does not change the equation. The manufacturer rates the vehicle and gives instructions in the manual. If you tow under the rated weight and follow the owners’ manual you will be successful.
Avoid overthinking this.
There are dozens of threads and hundreds of posts on towing with 164 and 166 including with air suspension. 167 brings nothing new or different on this topic.
The answer to the question does not depend on model year for an MB SUV. All generations of the W/X16* platform are a solid towing platforms. And off-road platforms but that is a separate thread.
167 and 166 have a bit more than a 7k lb tow rating. 3k lbs is less than half of the rated towing weight.
I towed a 3500 lb boat last week, and have done with a 166 for the last 4 years. No trailer brakes. The system is solid as a rock.
Air suspension does not change the equation. The manufacturer rates the vehicle and gives instructions in the manual. If you tow under the rated weight and follow the owners’ manual you will be successful.
Avoid overthinking this.
There are dozens of threads and hundreds of posts on towing with 164 and 166 including with air suspension. 167 brings nothing new or different on this topic.
Last edited by chassis; Aug 3, 2022 at 12:57 PM.
Member
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 102
Likes: 58
From: Chicago
2020 GLE450 / 2003 BMW M5
U-Haul Car Haulers have surge brakes. So they are braked trailers. Frankly, they work very well.
I towed my E39 M5 at just over 4k lbs with my ML550, then my X5 45e, and now my GLE450 without issue.
Just make sure you test the trailer lights. MB electronics can sometimes not play nice with the LED lights U-Haul uses.
Edit: I avoid the tow dolly - I find the hauler to be more secure and less troublesome. Worth the added cost IMO.
I towed my E39 M5 at just over 4k lbs with my ML550, then my X5 45e, and now my GLE450 without issue.
Just make sure you test the trailer lights. MB electronics can sometimes not play nice with the LED lights U-Haul uses.
Edit: I avoid the tow dolly - I find the hauler to be more secure and less troublesome. Worth the added cost IMO.
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 75
Likes: 25
From: Indianapolis
2016 GLE350 4matic
U-Haul Car Haulers have surge brakes. So they are braked trailers. Frankly, they work very well.
I towed my E39 M5 at just over 4k lbs with my ML550, then my X5 45e, and now my GLE450 without issue.
Just make sure you test the trailer lights. MB electronics can sometimes not play nice with the LED lights U-Haul uses.
Edit: I avoid the tow dolly - I find the hauler to be more secure and less troublesome. Worth the added cost IMO.
I towed my E39 M5 at just over 4k lbs with my ML550, then my X5 45e, and now my GLE450 without issue.
Just make sure you test the trailer lights. MB electronics can sometimes not play nice with the LED lights U-Haul uses.
Edit: I avoid the tow dolly - I find the hauler to be more secure and less troublesome. Worth the added cost IMO.
Although the car hauler comes with the surge brakes whereas the tow dolly does not. So if I want the hauler, I have to borrow her car. I suppose I could take her along...
Last edited by Crispin; Aug 3, 2022 at 08:06 PM.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Oct 2009
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From: Colorado
'21 AMG53 wDPP & ARC, 19 GLC300 - Former-03 C240,2 ML BlueTecs,20 GLE450 E-ABC,15 Cayenne D,17 Macan
It's important to position the car so that you have at least 10% of the total trailer weight on the tongue, to prevent sway.
Depending upon the car, the trailer configuration and the tie down mechanisms, that might mean you have to back onto the trailer.
I've towed a 6,000 lb RV with the 164 and 166 ML's and I agree with @chassis that they are really capable tow vehicles.
Just balance the load and inflate to the gas cap pressures and you'll be fine.
I once towed an FJ45 on a U-Haul car hauler. Before they would rent it to me (I think I wasn't on the automatically approved list), I had to describe the Land Cruiser so they could get clearance from the home office for my ML and the loaded trailer. Home office said okay. Ask ahead.
I'm assuming you have the factory hitch.
Depending upon the car, the trailer configuration and the tie down mechanisms, that might mean you have to back onto the trailer.
I've towed a 6,000 lb RV with the 164 and 166 ML's and I agree with @chassis that they are really capable tow vehicles.
Just balance the load and inflate to the gas cap pressures and you'll be fine.
I once towed an FJ45 on a U-Haul car hauler. Before they would rent it to me (I think I wasn't on the automatically approved list), I had to describe the Land Cruiser so they could get clearance from the home office for my ML and the loaded trailer. Home office said okay. Ask ahead.
I'm assuming you have the factory hitch.
Super Member
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 872
Likes: 105
From: Pacific Northwest
2022 GLE450
Make sure you do the chains right. Helped a guy this week that had his trailer come loose and was saved by the chains.
Also, always check the tires on u-haul equipment. I have had bad ones more than once and refused the first trailer offered.
Also, always check the tires on u-haul equipment. I have had bad ones more than once and refused the first trailer offered.
