marcus1249

Thanks guys this has been really helpful, it looks like an open trailer axle or ATC the way to go fully loaded I won't exceed 65 or 70% of the capacity which I think it should handle pretty easily

ExMB

Not trying to be a Debbi downer, but you better look at the numbers again. You said you'd be towing 6200 lbs (1st post enclosed trailer). The GVWR of your ML350 is 6500 lbs and the empty weight is 5000 lbs. If your max tow is 7200 lbs and your math says you'd be at 70% then you must have lightened your ML quite a bit.

Assuming that your GCWR is max tow (7200) + GVWR (6500) that equals to 13700 lbs. You are saying that you are at 70% max of that which equals to ~9600 lbs. Now your claim is that your enclosed total weight is 6200 lbs that leaves you 3400 lbs for the vehicle itself. But the empty weight of your ML is 5000 lbs. Therefore you somehow misplaced 1600 lbs that you are not accounting for.

I think the math major in your family will have to look at your numbers again.

marcus1249

The 6,200 was all in car, parts etc in a 2,500 enclosed trailer, the 65-70% of capacity is with an 900 lb. Trailex....

900 lb trailer, 3,200 car, spare wheels, gas etc 400 lb. +/-

Total weight being towed 4,500 lb.
4,500 / 7,200 = 62.5% assuming other stuff in the car (including my fat ***) I should still be under 80% of max towing capacity

ExMB

OK, was confused since you listed "or ATC" as well which is an enclosed you considered.
Just keep in mind that max towing is just one number in this equation chain. Look, find your GCWR and go from there.

marcus1249

Yeah I think everyone has thoroughly convinced me to stick with open until I get something more up to the job, I appreciate the advice and am planning on going through everything with the shop before I buy anything, thanks