Towing with 300D? - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

The Warden · #1 05-03-2002, 04:12 AM

You want proof that I'm a redneck truckin' Teamster wannabe, this is it

Has anyone ever tried towing a small utility trailer or something to that effect with a 5 cyl turbo engine? If so, how'd the engine handle the load? And what's the car capable of pulling?

I ask 'cause, last weekend, I had to take a bunch of tall plants down to L.A. and, since my pickup wasn't running, I wound up using the van with a 5x8' U-Haul POS trailer (worst thing is either no one saw the FS signs or didn't pay attention; I may wind up putting this beast on eBay; I still want Venkat's '85), and, out of curiosity, was wondering if a 300D would be up to the task if so needed. I'm not planning on making it a 5th wheel god (that's what my truck's for

), just as a just-in-case measure. I know the car's a great empty freeway cruiser (which is exactly what I plan to use it for 99.999% of the time).

Thanks in advance!

Ockman · #2 05-03-2002, 05:51 AM

I towed a U Haul 5X8 trailer cross country from Florida to Colorado a few years ago with my 83 300D and it performed well. Accelerating from a dead stop takes a little longer than usual but when at crusing speed I would just engage the cruise control and she would maintain it on all but the steepest grades. She still got 19-20 mpg towing about 2500lbs.

I recommend you service the transmission more often than the 30 mile "standard" if you do a lot of towing, but other than that and keeping a close eye on the brake system, it is no big deal.
Good luck.

#3 05-03-2002, 05:55 AM

You shouldn't have any problems towing. I have a 79 300D, with a bumper mounted hitch and I towed my jet-ski and my snowmobile downstate without any trouble, Ockman is right though, you definitley need to service your trans more often if you tow a lot.

The Warden · #4 05-03-2002, 06:52 AM

Thanks!

I assume you mean 30K miles, right?

And again, I have no intention of regularly towing with it...that's what my F-250's for. I was just interested in the performance if it ever became necesary...which may hapen but probably won't. I'll probably put a 1 1/4" receiver on the car and wire in a 4 flat plug or something to that effect...not as heavy as the 2" welded-on 10K lb receiver and 7-way RV plug that my truck has.

What's the max GVWR and GCWR? Or are they even listed on a passenger car? *lol* It's been quite a while since I've owned a vehicle that wasn't built with towing specifically in mind...so I'm a bit fuzzy on it all...

Thanks again!

Jim Anderson · #5 05-03-2002, 11:07 AM

I have a 190e 2.6 with a 5 speed and semi-regularly haul my 4x8 foot utility trailer around. The most I do is fill it with camping stuff and haul it up the freeway and into the mountains. Before That I had a Peugeot turbo diesel (2.5 liter 4 cylender) with a 5 speed and did the same with it. Both handled it predictibly, longer stops, longer starts, more fuel,etc (watch your temperature more). The 190e top gear is a little high, I have to drop out of fifth at the sign of any hill. And backing up is great with the radicle turning radius.

I think all passenger cars are rated for 200lb toung, 2000lb max. My trailer is rated for 1800lb.

mplafleur · #6 05-03-2002, 11:27 AM

I've hauled all kinds of crap with the 190E 2.6. Including a pop-up trailer, full trunk, bikes, kids, full trunk and wife. I'll be transfering the hitch from the 190E to the 190D for general hauling.

Jim Anderson · #7 05-03-2002, 12:57 PM

You towed a pop up? I thought one would be too heavy. How much did your's weigh?

#8 05-03-2002, 06:11 PM

If you do a lot of towing, I would change the interval to 15k miles on tranny fluid. No need to change the filter everytime, just remove the banjo fitting on the dipstick tube at the trans pan, and remove the hex plug from the torque converter and refill the tranny when done.

Most all passenger cars are only rated for 1000lbs without trailer brakes. And for the 123 MB, there is no frame hitch available for it, only a bumper hitch and I highly don't recommend towing much in excess of 1000lbs. I really don't think those rear bumpers are that strong!!!

JimSmith · #9 05-03-2002, 09:14 PM

Warden,

My Father-in-law has a 1980 240D with a manual transmission, about 185,000 miles and the original clutch, and he routinely tows a small trailer (4'x8'x3') with a lawn tractor or load of wood about 145 miles nearly every weekend from June through October. He has done this for several years now with no apparent ill effects on the car. A 300D should be able to handle it no problem. Jim

mikemover · #10 05-04-2002, 07:32 PM

A turbodiesel is the ideal engine for it! Plenty of torque. Tow away!

Mike