Flat Towing a 350 SDL? (One Big Dingy!) - Page 2 - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

pawoSD · #16 10-22-2006, 10:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kerry edwards

I've seen motorhomes in Europe with a little garage in the back, into which a small car can be driven and carried. A SMART car would be ideal for this.

That would be incredibly awesome!

Probably makes access to a rear mounted coach engine fairly annoying....then again it could be like having the engine already in the garage to work on!!! wow! Even on the road you could say "I have to go out to the garage and work on the engine"

kerry · #17 10-22-2006, 10:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Brian Carlton

Actually, that's quite reasonable. I had figured that a custom device would be required. It's less costly than a proper trailer.

Something to consider.........

My 96 Suzuki only cost 2k. I get to go 4 wheeling, have something to drive in the snow, and can be sold if I want. It seemed like an all-round better deal since putting the disconnect in the TD would add virtually no value to it.

kerry · #18 10-22-2006, 10:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pawoSD

That would be incredibly awesome!

Probably makes access to a rear mounted coach engine fairly annoying....then again it could be like having the engine already in the garage to work on!!! wow! Even on the road you could say "I have to go out to the garage and work on the engine"

I just remembered that the last issue of FMCA magazine had an ad for a new front engine diesel with a garage in the back. It's really designed for 4-wheelers, dirtbikes and such, but I bet you could get a SMART in there.

#19 10-22-2006, 10:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TheDon

eww a towbar on a W126....

What do you mean "eww"? I used an A-Frame tow bar to move my 240D 30miles across town before I did the conversion. I removed the rubber strip on the bumper and drilled the bolt holes so that the rubber would cover them when the a-frame is off.

You would never know that I used one just by looking.

TheDon · #20 10-22-2006, 11:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kerry edwards

I've seen motorhomes in Europe with a little garage in the back, into which a small car can be driven and carried. A SMART car would be ideal for this.

SHAZAM

t walgamuth · #21 10-22-2006, 11:17 PM

technically i think you could tow bar your benz if you had the motor in the benz idling.

probably i would not do this though except in an emergency.

flat towing a stick is fine for the car being towed. i have done my stick 240s this way many times.

but for safety and convenience a trailer cannot be beat. you can back it up in a pinch which you cannot do with a tow bar. i think you could tow with a dolly with the rear up, but i wouldnt tow someone elses car that way not to mention mine.

it takes a little longer to take a car off a trailer than unhooking a tow bar and putting it away but not much i dont think.

i bought my 16' bed utility trailer in texas with no brakes for about $1100. i had brakes installed in indiana for about 550. it tows like a dream.

after towning cars for thirty five years with ropes and tow bars and on occasion a homemade trailer or two, this one is like dying and going to heaven.

i recommend a trailer with brakes. if you have money to spend an aluminum one would really be delux.

tom w

kerry · #22 10-22-2006, 11:34 PM

I think you're right on the engine running issue. I had my Wanderlodge with an Allison auto towed this summer and they avoided pulling the axles by idling the engine.
You can back up a flat towed vehicle if there's someone at the wheel of the dinghy.

t walgamuth · #23 10-22-2006, 11:44 PM

can you back up just straight or can you put it into a parking space?

i would think even with a person steering much more than a straight back up for a short distance would be dicey.

i have done a lot of flat towing and trailering. i have never been very enthusiastic about backing a vehicle on a tow bar.

tom w

JimmyL · #24 10-22-2006, 11:58 PM

Your choice is clear. Get a trailer for the bender, or find a manual 240D (my first choice).
BTW, my father-n-law also tows a sidekick, and is very pleased with it in all aspects......

t walgamuth · #25 10-23-2006, 12:02 AM

my favorite machinist loves those little sidekicks.

i wouldnt want to be in a two car collision with one though!

tom w

Hatterasguy · #26 10-23-2006, 12:15 AM

Read the manual. According to MB you can tow it for an extremly short distance at a slow speed, forget but its like a few miles at 25mph. Anything else and they say call a flat bed.

My Uncle purchased a VW cabrio to tow behind his motor home. Bought a dolly to take the front wheels off the ground, worked like a charm. Tow cars seem to be pretty beat, hence the VW.

However I think the solution Don's solution is the best! Under belly SLK compartment!