marcus1249

Hey guys, I have a 2013 Mercedes ML350 with the tow package and am considering purchasing a trailer for the longer trips to the track. I am considering either an open Trailex or a 20' atc enclosed (atc trailer, car, spares, etc would be around 6,200 lbs) the stated towing capacity for the ML is 7,200 (but is 7,716 in Europe for the same car) does anyone have any experience towing with one of these? I would really like an enclosed but is the atc too much for this set up?

linzman

I would say it's too much for the Mercedes. How about an enclosed trailex?

marcus1249

Enclosed Trailex is a second choice if the atc doesn't work out, would like the extra storage and full height if possible

ExMB

Rance trailers, on their spec page, seem to be about the same weight as a trailex while at the same time being taller.

marcus1249

Thanks I'll check those out!

DHI

Open Trailex a breeze with ml550.
I can't imagine that it would be much different with a 350.

Tom W

I towed an open trailer with an ML450 for a few years without issue. Load distributing hitch helped.

When I went to an enclosed 24' trailer I switched to a Chevy 2500HD diesel.

Viperbob1

Open trailex would be piece of cake. Enclosed Trailex is still 2000 lbs so with car and stuff you are getting up there plus the wind resistance of even the v-nose will probably not make for a happy towing experience.

marcus1249

I'm getting the feeling that an open aluminum or maybe at most an enclosed trailex is the safest bet here, or maybe I just bite the bullet and buy a used F150 or Silverado if I feel like I need to tow something bigger! thanks for all of the advice I think I know what will work for me

Trailers of the East Coast

An open aluminum ATC would be a great match -- I've got several customers towing with similarly sized tow vehicles (X5/6, Cayenne/Touareg, etc.) with no complaints. A 20ft enclosed may fit the bill from a weight standpoint, but the combination of frontal area and overall size is going to result in a pretty noticeable effect on performance, especially without a weight distributing hitch.

We can, however, work with ATC to build a lower profile trailer to minimize that effect, if you choose to go enclosed.

If you'd like more info, feel free to give me a shout @ (336)753-6411 or mplaster@trailerseast.com. We're located in Mocksville, NC, but we deliver nationwide and also offer factory pickup options with ATC in Indiana.

- Matt @ TOEC

Gary R.

I tow an open trailex with an ML63 loaded to the gills and I have to look back to know anything is behind me. I have more power and brakes than the normal ML's but I can't see you having an issue with any open trailer.

drive418

I towed an open Trailex with a 2009 ML 350 for five years. No issues at all.

Dr911

Open trailex is no problemo. If it were me though, I would not go the enclosed option on an ML350. If it were a 550 I'd go ahead. The general rule AFAIK is to not exceed 70% of the truck's tow capacity.

Is your 350 a 4 matic? If so, Isuggest getting transfer case fluid and transmission service every 60K miles. I tow with a diesel (R320CDI 4matic) and did not realize this was important until I had the pleasure of paying 6K for a new transfer case.

ExMB

In that case a lot of full size pickups may be in trouble even with an open trailer. I think a lot of people forget the GVWR & GCWR ratings as well as those will have an affect on how much is left to tow.
Lets look at these #s for an example.
a) Truck empty weight is 4500 lbs.
b) Truck tow rating is 7500 lbs
c) GVWR is 6300 lbs (empty + max payload which includes tongue weight)
d) GCWR is 12500 lbs

GCWR - GVWR = allowable tow weight. In this case you are left with 6200 lbs instead of 7500 lbs

HTH

Trailers of the East Coast

People also forget to factor in payload on the truck when they calculate towing capacity. If the truck can tow 7,000# safely but you add an additional 800# in people, luggage, parts, and other gear in the truck, you're reducing the towing capacity by that much. A good set of scales is your best friend.

To follow up the 70% statement, I tell folks as a rule of thumb that you don't want to exceed 80% of your max towing capacity on a regular basis. If you are consistently pulling that much, it's a good idea to look at stepping up a class. Running at the max towing capacity day in and day out will shorten the life of major components significantly.