how best to tow euro TD? - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

vstech · #1 03-07-2007, 09:15 PM

I was going to put it on a trailer and haul it back with my astro... now the kids don't wanna go with me, so I was thinking of just driving the SD and installing a hitch and carrying a tow bar with me. I figure I can bolt on the tow bar, and disconnect the driveshaft from the Differential at the flex connector and have a safe vehicle to tow home.
the problem I have is I have no idea if the euro bumper bolt pattern is the same as the federal bolt pattern for the front bumper. I hope someone here has done this before and can illuminate for me.
I have less than a month to do this.
oh, and does anybody see a problem with towing the TD with an SD? the transmission was recently overhauled, so no problems anticipated there. and I have PLENTY of power with my 82SD. whatcha guys and gals think?
John

t walgamuth · #2 03-07-2007, 09:21 PM

i believe the front bumper mounts are the same on the euro but not on the back.

the td is an automatic? if a stick you can simply put it in neutral. unhooking the driveshaft on a benz makes me nervous. no place to hook it and easy to hook back up wrong. if you do this be sure to mark the position.

how far you towing?

you will probably be ok but you may not be legal. i dont think towing something so close to the same weight as the sd. also benz recommends a max trailer weight of 1500 wo brakes and 3000 with them irrc.

i have towed many, many miles with a tow bar. if you have a good trailer and truck available, i would recommend doing it that way especially if it is a good long trip. you will be much more relaxed due to being safe.

forgive me if i have told you a lot of things you already know. around here you can't be too sure.

good luck

tom w

vstech · #3 03-07-2007, 09:33 PM

from Florida to NC... good point about brakes. I hate to waste all that gas though. I guess I will drive down, rent a trailer there and tow back. my trailer is nearly 2000lbs by itself, gas mileage would suck! the astro barely gets 18 empty! I could use the suburban, it gets over 20... but it needs tons of brakes and tires and such...
John

bgkast · #4 03-07-2007, 10:04 PM

U-haul trailer (NOT tow dolly)

volare · #5 03-07-2007, 10:08 PM

If you want a good deal on a Auto Tranport from Uhual send me a pm with your Phone # and I will give you call when i'm working and give you a qutoe for one. The Auto tranport will be the best. Not the Tow Dolly.

Cervan · #6 03-07-2007, 10:33 PM

if your going to tow with a dolley make sure the rear wheels are up in the air.

volare · #7 03-07-2007, 10:34 PM

Tow Dolly will not work. As the Steering wheels have to be in the air.

Stevo · #8 03-08-2007, 12:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vstech

the problem I have is I have no idea if the euro bumper bolt pattern is the same as the federal bolt pattern for the front bumper. I hope someone here has done this before and can illuminate for me.
I have less than a month to do this.
John

I swapped a Euro "rear"bumper onto my 79 240D and the Euro bumper is no where near as strongly mounted as the US one, at least on the "rear"123 sedan.

#9 03-08-2007, 07:13 AM

If you're going to tow it, make sure you disconnect or remove the driveshaft to keep from toasting the transmission.