240D as a TOAD - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

funola · #1 01-26-2008, 11:21 AM

Hey, haven't been here for a while. I searched but found very little on setting up a Mercedes as a towed vehicle (TOAD), like behind a RV. Since my 240D is a 4 spd manual which I do not have to worry about the transmission, all I need is set up a base plate for it to hook a tow bar to. The RV already has a class III 2" receiver hitch with a 2" ball and a 1" shaft. That's good to 6,000 lbs I believe and will handle the 240D no problemo. I have a basic tow bar. All I need is the base plate I think. Where can I get a ready made base plate made specifically for the 240D new or used? Or do I need to go custom? Any info appreciated.

kerry · #2 01-26-2008, 11:26 AM

Did you try Remco? Some people think that even with a standard transmission, the 240d should not be towed long distances.

funola · #3 01-26-2008, 11:35 AM

I did call Remco and they did not have base plates for the 240D. Why should a 240D not be towed long distance?

kerry · #4 01-26-2008, 11:47 AM

Something about not getting adequate lubrication if input shaft is not turning
Did you try giving Remco other year and models of the 123 chassis to see if a baseplate turned up in their database? It's odd they don't have a baseplate because they do sell a driveshaft disconnect for the 123's.
Try Roadmaster.

t walgamuth · #5 01-26-2008, 11:47 AM

I have towed my 73 220d behind a motor home with a tow bar. We went to Tennessee and back with no tranny issues. WE did tear off my first mounting bracket though. The struts that held the bumper on the 220 were not heavy enough for a long trip.

I have towed 123 240s around the state on tow bars too with no problems. I removed the bumper and attached the tow bar to one of the bumper shock bolts. This I do NOT recommend for long distances.

For long distance towing I would fashon a piece of 3/16" steel plate to connect both shock mount bases and I would also attach to that a strut that went down and bolted to the cross member or somethiing stout. I would make it all so that the bumper could be placed permanently over it all and finally I would make it so the tow bar could easily be detached when driving the TOAD around.

All in all if you have professionals do it you will probably have nearly as much in it as the 240.

Better yet, I would recommend for full time towing a lightweight trailer. That way, you have everything up to snuff without butchering the 240 and when you are done using it, you can sell off the trailer with little loss. Also you can back a trailer a lot further than a toad.

Good luck.....but don't worry about the tranny, IMHO.

Tom W

yellowbenz · #6 01-26-2008, 12:29 PM

[QUOTE=t walgamuth;1743955]I have towed my 73 220d behind a motor home with a tow bar. We went to Tennessee and back with no tranny issues. WE did tear off my first mounting bracket though.

Is there a good story that goes along with that statement about tearing off the mounting bracket? Reminds me of that scene from the movie "Fandango" where they try to pull a cadillac with some cable snared by a moving train. Amazing how fast that front clip came off that car, LOL.

Kevin
1978 300D
1979 240D

Mistel · #7 01-26-2008, 01:35 PM

If it were me, I would look into one of the dollies that lift the wheels off the ground, and tow it backwards. I think the 240d is a unibody so there is no frame to get a good connection to. Same problem with putting a hitch on the car.

kerry · #8 01-26-2008, 01:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mistel

If it were me, I would look into one of the dollies that lift the wheels off the ground, and tow it backwards. I think the 240d is a unibody so there is no frame to get a good connection to. Same problem with putting a hitch on the car.

No dolly manufacturer will approve using their dollies with the steering wheels on the ground.

Stevo · #9 01-26-2008, 01:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kerry

Did you try Remco? Some people think that even with a standard transmission, the 240d should not be towed long distances.

I had a reputable MB mechanic tell not to tow a manual, W123 with the rear wheels on the road. However I have towed many of them many miles with my tow dolly. Never had a problem. I have towed them stern first but its a little scary with the weight of the engine aft.

t walgamuth · #10 01-26-2008, 02:39 PM

I have used a tow dolley at least once. IMHO they are a horrible abortion of a way to tow a vehicle. I would never use one to tow any vehicle that I cared anything about.

Tom W

t walgamuth · #11 01-26-2008, 02:48 PM

[QUOTE=yellowbenz;1743988]

Quote:

Originally Posted by t walgamuth

I have towed my 73 220d behind a motor home with a tow bar. We went to Tennessee and back with no tranny issues. WE did tear off my first mounting bracket though.

Is there a good story that goes along with that statement about tearing off the mounting bracket? Reminds me of that scene from the movie "Fandango" where they try to pull a cadillac with some cable snared by a moving train. Amazing how fast that front clip came off that car, LOL.

Kevin
1978 300D
1979 240D

Ahhhhhhhh. My reputation preceeds me.

There are two stories about towing my 220d. On the trip I mentioned I discovered my problem when the car started wagging back and forth when one side started to break loose. So it was fixed by unhooking it from the bumper mounts and removing the large nut on the front a arm of the 115 and bolting the tow bar directly there.

On an earlier trip I sent my benz along with my favorite machinist to take to florida behind his motor home. He was suspect of the attachment to the bumper. ( I have since learned to trust his judgment in these matters more than my own) I said "Oh, don't worry, that is bolted to good german steel!".

Famous last words.

He made it to florida and back to Lafayette with no problem, and about six blocks from his home he was pulling up to a stop light and the benz came around the side of the motor home and tried to pass him. Unfortunately it was still attached on one side of the tow bar so it kindof swung around and ran into the rear side of the motor home.

The damage was superficial and not too hard to repair.

My incident was using an improved system of attachment......it was too light too!

That must have been nearly 20 years ago.

I still own my tow bar but have not used it for a good long while.

Tom W

funola · #12 01-26-2008, 04:19 PM

Anyone with a 240D owners manual nearby (I don't)? What does it say regarding towing a 4 spd manual on all 4?

#13 01-26-2008, 06:14 PM

Flat towing a manual is fine, automatics cant have the rear wheels on the ground.

Stevo · #14 01-26-2008, 07:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by funola

Anyone with a 240D owners manual nearby (I don't)? What does it say regarding towing a 4 spd manual on all 4?

My owners manual doesn't say anything about towing a manual tranny W123.

Stevo · #15 01-26-2008, 07:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by t walgamuth

I have used a tow dolley at least once. IMHO they are a horrible abortion of a way to tow a vehicle. I would never use one to tow any vehicle that I cared anything about.

Tom W

Towing a 240D on a dolly with my Dodge/Cummins, you dont even know anythings back there, actually towing with my old F250 was a piece of cake also. A flat bed is nice but i consider the dolly a close "next best thing"