I would like to tow my quad out to the desert a few times a year. Round trip is 300 miles with one big hill to go up. the quad and trailer combined would weigh in at about 650 pounds. The max weight for the car is 930 pounds. Throw my 160 pound self into the equation and a full tank of gas and i think i would be pretty close to the limit. All my other camping equipment would be going with someone else . do you think this will be stressing the car too hard? It will have a brand new clutch before i attempt this.

__________________

1979 240D with a 617 turbo diesel.

As long as its under 200lbs tongue weight.

I would not hesitate to do that. On the hill, just keep an eye on the temp and if it goes up too much just back off your speed a bit.

Tom W

__________________
[SIGPIC] Diesel loving autocrossing grandpa Architect. 08 Dodge 3/4 ton with Cummins & six speed; I have had about 35 benzes. I have a 39 Studebaker Coupe Express pickup in which I have had installed a 617 turbo and a five speed manual.[SIGPIC]

..I also have a 427 Cobra replica with an aluminum chassis.

To increase speed on the hill, reverse the procedure. Hitch on quad, 240d on trailer.

__________________
1977 300d 70k--sold 08
1985 300TD 185k+
1984 307d 126k--sold 8/03
1985 409d 65k--sold 06
1984 300SD 315k--daughter's car
1979 300SD 122k--sold 2/11
1999 Fuso FG Expedition Camper
1993 GMC Sierra 6.5 TD 4x4
1982 Bluebird Wanderlodge CAT 3208--Sold 2/13

I do not think any damage to the car would ocur. As mentioned just not the fastest perhaps. You might consider tuning up the engine if it has not been done since who knows when.
With a 240d especially it should be done anyways as usually they live at maximum available torque and horsepower on too many occasions. Not good in my opinion to ignore peak performance potential.
If the present clutch is not slipping, grabbing etc. and feels normal why change it? It is not transfering that much power for its size. The additional load I feel is not that great at your quoted rates. Not much more than three good sized bodies in the car with you in fact.

__________________
82 300D....went to MB heaven
90 350 SDL....excercising con rods

"Can" it pull it?

The Model T pickup only had 20hp on the earlier versions, later updated to 40hp, so it's not horsepower. Look at cooling and structure, which are what tow ratings are based on.

__________________
Sam

84 300SD 350K+ miles ( Blue Belle )

Good to hear that this will not hurt the car I have driven the car up some pretty steep hills and mountains with a bunch of people in it. its definitely not the fastest but it has done it. I think the my most humbling moment was getting passed up the grade coming out of Primm by a fully loaded propane truck. I am one of those people who watch the gauges religiously.

__________________

1979 240D with a 617 turbo diesel.

I wouldn't worry about the clutch, unless as barry said, it is already slipping.

Tom W

__________________
[SIGPIC] Diesel loving autocrossing grandpa Architect. 08 Dodge 3/4 ton with Cummins & six speed; I have had about 35 benzes. I have a 39 Studebaker Coupe Express pickup in which I have had installed a 617 turbo and a five speed manual.[SIGPIC]

..I also have a 427 Cobra replica with an aluminum chassis.