mikapen

I can't seem to find the Gross Combined Vehicle Weight Rating (GCVWR) for my 2010 Bluetec. That's the factory rating for the ML and its trailer.
I have found front and rear axle ratings, the GVWR and the factory hitch rating, but not the combined number.

u001elg

You can't find the gross combined vehicle weight because it is not published in the owners manual or on the the manufacturers label.

With that said, turn to page 228 of your 2010 M-Class Operator's Manual for a fairly detailed method for determining correct load limit for your ML. Combine the information on page 254 for max trailer weight and max tongue weight and you will get the value you need for your specific vehicle (i.e. gas vs diesel and with or without 4matic).

i.e. My 2010 ML350 Bluetec with 4matic lists a max vehicle weight of 6239 lbs (32 psi front/ 38 psi rear) and a max trailer weight of 7200 lbs and a max tongue weight of 576 lbs. Your values will differ unless it is identical to mine - get the information from the sticker. I have used a local feed dealer with a truck scale to determine my "normal" empty weight and subtracted that from the gross vehicle weight to yield my available load...

From there use the owners manual examples and you will generate the information your desire.

Hope this helps.

venchka

Proper scales are critical. Trailer brakes are also important.

Wayne

mikapen

Thanks, u001elg, I have those numbers, but I desire more....

For domestic trucks, the GCVWR is based on information that we can't calculate from numbers and visits to scales, such as brake capacity, engine and transmission cooling, axle ratios, etc. Usually the "combined" rating is less than those calculations would provide, giving a more conservative number for a trailer. Maybe M-B is super conservative already - do you think?

One thing I find interesting is that Europeans tend to have a different "rule of thumb" for hitch vs gross trailer weight, for tow stability and sway resistance. Our standard is 10-15% on the tongue, and theirs is 8%. Curiously, 8% of the 7200# max trailer weight gives 576, which is the hitch rating. Hmmmm - I wonder what that's all about.

u001elg

Now I understand what you are asking...

The European community, in general, when it comes to towing is uber conservative. They also like to state the actual capabilities of there vehicles, as opposed to inflating the numbers as you have discovered with other vehicles.

This is why you can tow an obscene amount with an American Pick-Up only to find out that the capacity is valid only with the vehicle empty and you walking next to it.

Why would you possibly want to load you vehicle with the family/gear AND tow the 28' camper? I liken this to several generator manufacturers that sell "peak" capacity instead of "full load" capacity (i.e. a 7500 watt generator can only maintain 6250 watt continuous).

So with respect to the original query, I believe that you can safely tow 7200 lbs and have a GVW of 6239lbs less the max tongue weight of 576lbs for a reasonable conservative gross combined vehicle weight of 12,863 lbs.

AWDman

Tongue weight should be 10 to 15 % of trailer weight, hence the maximum tow may be realistically 5000 lbs. I tow 3500 and try to get by with the least amount of tongue weight as possible due to concern on overloading the air shocks. I've towed with ML350 and ML63 of course the 63 makes easy work of it....I find the rear view camera and self levelling suspension useful. The 164 tight turning radius is often times appreciated as well.

mikapen

I guess it IS very American to walk long distances alongside an overloaded covered wagon....