A Few Towing Questions
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 3
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2002 ML320
A Few Towing Questions
I am going to be pulling a uhaul 6x12 trailer from california to iowa in about a week. Now I got most things covered I think but just in case I want some second opinions. 02 ML320 with only 62K on it all california highway miles. It has no hitch from the dealer and I could not find any original hitches I could get in time for my trip.
I am getting a set of blizzaks to deal with snow once I leave california. I also getting snow chains for all 4 tires just incase they come in handy. I ordered the hitch and wiring kit to get everything rolling.
My first question is that that kit bypasses the original plug for the hitch, does hooking directly into the wires create any computer issues? What I mean is that if the ML changes or adjust things when it detects a towing plug?
Second question is about low range issues, when we going to get to hills or snow conditions I will use it. My questions is can I activate it while driving or only when parked? I ask because its only good to about 50mph max so can I use low range to get up to speed on freeway and then switch it off for cruising? In town at much lower speeds I will just keep it on while towing.
Last question is how to correctly use 1,2,3,4 gears with low range option. Do i just put low range on and leave it in D all the time or should I also adjust the gears as needed?
Thanks for any help.
I am getting a set of blizzaks to deal with snow once I leave california. I also getting snow chains for all 4 tires just incase they come in handy. I ordered the hitch and wiring kit to get everything rolling.
My first question is that that kit bypasses the original plug for the hitch, does hooking directly into the wires create any computer issues? What I mean is that if the ML changes or adjust things when it detects a towing plug?
Second question is about low range issues, when we going to get to hills or snow conditions I will use it. My questions is can I activate it while driving or only when parked? I ask because its only good to about 50mph max so can I use low range to get up to speed on freeway and then switch it off for cruising? In town at much lower speeds I will just keep it on while towing.
Last question is how to correctly use 1,2,3,4 gears with low range option. Do i just put low range on and leave it in D all the time or should I also adjust the gears as needed?
Thanks for any help.
Junior Member
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 19
Likes: 3
From: colorado
2002 ml 320 500,500 miles 2017 and E550 20K miles
A few Towing Questions.
I have a 2002 320 with 150K miles on it. I have owned it since new. I have teh Dealer installed hitch. and a Trailer brake controller. I pull a Ultralight travle trailer at 4500 lbs wet. Since I live in Colorado , I watch what Passes I use. I have avoided Vail pass on I-70 as it is long and steep. I have used the Low range a few times. I have never used it to 50 mph. But to 40 Mph. I did have to stop, and place the vehicle in neutral. I did this at the bottom pull out of the pass (Where truckers chain up). I always use my Transmission to keep my speed controlled in a downhill. That leaves teh brakes cool and able to stop the vehicle.
Depending on where you are located in California, I would look at coming up I-25 from New Mexico. The pass Raton (Between Colorado and New Mexico) is rather tame.
I have used snows for winter and then all seasons for the remaining parts of the year. The Good year Fortera is a noisy tire, but is good in the slush and snow. Snow tires are designed to heat up. and towing will add extra pressure to the tires.
Watch out for the load rating of the tire, most are rated lower than the factory specifications. As for towing in the snow, I would recommend against it. Trailers can get away quickly. I would watch the weather and know which hotels you are willing use.
One last recommendation, Get several extra quarts of oil and a bottle of antifreeze. THe engine will be working hard and may consume some of the liquid. Also get the brakes checked. If they are less than half, I would consider having the pads changed.
Good luck .
Depending on where you are located in California, I would look at coming up I-25 from New Mexico. The pass Raton (Between Colorado and New Mexico) is rather tame.
I have used snows for winter and then all seasons for the remaining parts of the year. The Good year Fortera is a noisy tire, but is good in the slush and snow. Snow tires are designed to heat up. and towing will add extra pressure to the tires.
Watch out for the load rating of the tire, most are rated lower than the factory specifications. As for towing in the snow, I would recommend against it. Trailers can get away quickly. I would watch the weather and know which hotels you are willing use.
One last recommendation, Get several extra quarts of oil and a bottle of antifreeze. THe engine will be working hard and may consume some of the liquid. Also get the brakes checked. If they are less than half, I would consider having the pads changed.
Good luck .
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 3
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2002 ML320
Some Updates
I figured out most of the questions just by trial and error and some more research. I am mostly going to stay on major roads so snow wont be a real issue and there are no snow storms ahead during the trip. I would most likely just find a place to stay overnight if I have to drive through a snow storm.
I spent all day today checking everything on the car, got oil change and all fluids checked. Replaced front break pads as they were pretty low and got the new tires put on. Now just waiting to install that hitch and wiring and off I go. Even checked out the wipers to make sure they can handle some nasty weather.
I am going to make sure the trailer that they give me is going to have the best tires on the lot, last thing I need is that getting loose on me in traffic. I think that trailer has its own breaks as well which helps a little.
Low range can only be activated from a stop so I will have to use some strategy and plan ahead a bit like you suggest. The timing of the trip is not up to me so I have to do it asap.
I spent all day today checking everything on the car, got oil change and all fluids checked. Replaced front break pads as they were pretty low and got the new tires put on. Now just waiting to install that hitch and wiring and off I go. Even checked out the wipers to make sure they can handle some nasty weather.
I am going to make sure the trailer that they give me is going to have the best tires on the lot, last thing I need is that getting loose on me in traffic. I think that trailer has its own breaks as well which helps a little.
Low range can only be activated from a stop so I will have to use some strategy and plan ahead a bit like you suggest. The timing of the trip is not up to me so I have to do it asap.
