ML320 BlueTec - Towing stability & Airmatic
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Joined: Aug 2009
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2002 Boxster S
ML320 BlueTec - Towing stability & Airmatic
First post...
I'm strongly considering the purchase of an ML BlueTec so that I can tow a 20' Featherlite enclosed trailer to classic car shows about 6x per year. A generous estimate of the loaded weight of the trailer is 6,500 lbs.
Can anyone comment on highway stability at 65-70mph? My old tow vehicle, a Dodge Durango 5.9 (may it R.I.P.), had a similar wheelbase and got a bit squirrely when I was passed by 18 wheelers or when there were strong sudden crosswinds.
I've read only a few towing-related posts that mention the optional Airmatic air suspension. Would you said this is nice to have or a must have?
Thanks,
Gary
I'm strongly considering the purchase of an ML BlueTec so that I can tow a 20' Featherlite enclosed trailer to classic car shows about 6x per year. A generous estimate of the loaded weight of the trailer is 6,500 lbs.
Can anyone comment on highway stability at 65-70mph? My old tow vehicle, a Dodge Durango 5.9 (may it R.I.P.), had a similar wheelbase and got a bit squirrely when I was passed by 18 wheelers or when there were strong sudden crosswinds.
I've read only a few towing-related posts that mention the optional Airmatic air suspension. Would you said this is nice to have or a must have?
Thanks,
Gary
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Joined: Mar 2008
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ML320CDI 2008 all options inc air suspension
I tow heavy all the time at around the speeds you indicate and use a weight distributing hitch. That with air suspension will give you the best possible towing experience. That type of hitch keeps wind effect etc to a minimum.Thats not to say that if the wind is strong enough you wont feel it but as i say, it will give you the best possible towing exp. keeping in mind that towing is never like solo driving no matter what vehicle and supsension you have.Also, if possible, buy one with the factory tow hitch and wiring.That will ensure you have access to all the features including auto tow haul mode and leveling etc.
Last edited by Vernl; Aug 22, 2009 at 10:32 AM.
Thread Starter
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2002 Boxster S
Thanks for the comments, Vernl.
Forgot to mention that I have 11 years experience towing similar loads. Probably no more the 5-7,000 miles total, but I feel totally comfortable handling most any situation.
I agree the weight distributing hitch is the way to go. Had one on the old Durango and 20' Haulmark trailer. Haven't gotten one yet to use with the Featherlite.
I've read about the factory hitch/wiring being a necessity.
Any idea how common an option the Airmatic suspension is? I may go CPO.
Gary
Forgot to mention that I have 11 years experience towing similar loads. Probably no more the 5-7,000 miles total, but I feel totally comfortable handling most any situation.
I agree the weight distributing hitch is the way to go. Had one on the old Durango and 20' Haulmark trailer. Haven't gotten one yet to use with the Featherlite.
I've read about the factory hitch/wiring being a necessity.
Any idea how common an option the Airmatic suspension is? I may go CPO.
Gary
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Joined: Jun 2009
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15 C300 Sport SOLD!!! :)
Our ML CDI does not have the air suspension but does have the factory tow hitch. We do not have a load distributing hitch. We pull a Trailex open trailer with a Porsche on board, tires and stuff plus pack the back of the ML. Probably nearing 5,000 pounds all in. The only issue was visibility - we bought some trailer mirrors (strap on style) at Camping World and now have the views we need. The tow is fine in rain, traffic, wind, etc. But we don't have any real hills here so can't help with climbing or holding the load steady on the way down.
I know this isn't exactly the OPs situation, but perhaps it will give you some other reference points.
I know this isn't exactly the OPs situation, but perhaps it will give you some other reference points.
