cte430

Guys, need some help with regards to towing capabilities, or lack thereof. Recently bought a dedicated track car ('04 996 "koni" car) and need a trailer.

I will most likely be buying a trailex open trailer and wanted to use my wife's '05 ML500. I've gotten some very conflicting views on using the ML as a tow vehicle.

The trailer weighs 845lbs - let's call it 1,000 with tirerack, extra set of wheels, etc. Let's say the car weighs 3,000 lbs. That's 4,000 lbs. and I know the ML has a 5,000 capacity.

Some say it will tow this package fine, while others are skeptical. The real debate seems to be about the hitch. I've read that some people say the OEM hitch is the only way to go because it will work better with brakes/electronics of the car? These folks will say an aftermarket hitch will not be near as good as the MB hitch.

The naysayers will say the OEM hitch is very small (only 5,000 lbs capacity compared to 7K for some other comparable vehicles) and is only bolted to the bumper, and that a proper class III hitch welded (not bolted) is the only way to go.

Any input from someone that's actually used the ML to tow a race car or something similar would be greatly appreciated.

sweeper

I'm using a Hayman Reese towbar & hitch. With electric brakes on the trailer my ML320 will legally tow 2300kg so 5000lb is just on the limits, but within it's and the ML500 capabilities.
The issue will probably be the tow ball loading limit, mine is 130kg (286lb). I'm sure that the oem hitch is rated just as good or the limits will be clearly spelled out on the placard. Just don't forget to pack the plastic as i'm sure that your fuel consumption is about to go through the roof!

Have fun.

sweeper

I have personally towed about 1200kg. The car copes well, as well as any other vehicle that I have towed with, not forgetting that down under 6 cylinder sedans are the normal towing vehicle (g8 size) so a AWD BOF vehicle should be more capable.

gsfent

I use that setup to tow my 2002. Trailer weighs just under 1000 lbs, I carry 2 sets of wheels up top and tools in the front. 2 5 gallon jugs of fuel. Surge brakes. Car around 2400#. I use the factory setup, installed after the fact.

The truck tows fine. Of course, you do have to watch your tongue weight, but that is true with any tow setup. In Europe, the same setup is rated up to 7700#, although I do not know if it requires electric brakes for the higher rating.

You will notice the relatively short wheelbase of the ML, compared to say a Suburban or Expedition. And the ML will suck some serious fuel. About the only 2 negatives I have encountered so far.

Regards,
Jerry

cte430

thanks for the info. Jerry.

RCorney17

I use my ML430 to tow my ~4,000lb 18 foot boat with no problems. Fully loaded with gear and gas + the dog and the rest of the family we've travelled up into the mountains about 400 miles. I've got surge trailer brakes to help in the stopping power cause I think that's where you should really be concerned. I've never felt "controlled" from behind by my boat. I think our V8s are great for pulling.

RCorney17

Oh, yeah; we get about 13 mpg staying at 60mph when towing.

BETO

I towed my spec e30 race car from Vegas to SoCal many times with no issues. One thing I'd like to add is a trailer brake to reduce braking distance and wear on my ML pads. I replaced the rear shocks with HD shocks to prevent sogginess . I put most of the weight in the trailer towards the rear to prevent adding to much weight to the tongue. I'll tow any day on my ML500, then I got the GL320, but now I switched to a Ram 3500 dually. Still have the ML500. Tow without worries.