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Mercedes ML as a Toad

Yahoo Message Number: 11509
At the CC rally in Eugene, one fella was using a Mercedes "ML" SUV as a toad vehicle. Can anyone point me to this guy so that I can get some answers regarding use of this car as a Toad. My Mercedes dealer says "NO WAY",yet I was told at the rally that he had a "claan bill of health" from Mercedes on his configuration.

Appreciate any light that can be shed on this subject.

MAGNA6477

Re: Mercedes ML as a Toad

Reply #1 –
Yahoo Message Number: 11511
From: "bjorklund1395" alad1395@...>
Quote
At the CC rally in Eugene, one fella was using a Mercedes "ML" SUV as
a toad vehicle. Can anyone point me to this guy so that I can get some answers regarding use of this car as a Toad. My Mercedes dealer says "NO WAY",yet I was told at the rally that he had a "claan bill of health" from Mercedes on his configuration.
Appreciate any light that can be shed on this subject.
FWIW ... we were considering buying a Mini Cooper S to use as a third toad when an autocross was planned, but, BMW Corporation told me that there's no way the car can be towed four-down. Neither automatic (which I wouldn't have) nor stick-shift. However, I corresponded with someone on the 'net who's towing one four-down 'cause the *dealer* told him it'd be OK. He hasn't had a problem ... yet ... but, if/when he does, he'll surely wish he had cleared it with the manufacturer ... not the dealer.

Dick (& Geri) Campagna
'98 36' Intrigue #10571
Mfd: 11/97

Toads: Subaru Forester
Acura Integra

Re: Mercedes ML as a Toad

Reply #2 –
Yahoo Message Number: 11517
Hi:

I would have more confidence in the Mercedes dealer. I have an S Class and I would not tow it. I bought a Yukon to tow. The Yukon is great.

Bob

Re: Mercedes ML as a Toad

Reply #3 –
Yahoo Message Number: 11526
I just had a BlueBird shoot past me in Maine and he was towing a Mercedes station wagon...by pulling it backwards! The rear wheels were up on a dolly and the front wheels were on the road. Thought it was interesting as others have been asking about towing Benzes recently. FWIW. rvmike Allure 2000 98
CRV.

On Fri, 10 Sep 2004 01:15:26 -0000 "bjorklund1395" alad1395@...> writes:
 

Re: Mercedes ML as a Toad

Reply #4 –
Yahoo Message Number: 11527
Hello. I'm the guy at the CC - Eugene rally towing the Mercedes ML. Here's my story...

My wife and I have towed a Mercedes ML 500 for over one year now and have been happy and lucky with the experience. We were actually told my a Mercedes dealer in Salem, Oregon how to do it and the advice has worked well.

We had Roadmaster (manufacturers of "The World's Best Towbars) located in Portland, Oregon about 50 miles from our home, install a REMCO transmission lube pump on the Mercedes with a switch/alarm in the cockpit of the coach.
After the install we then had the system checked and rechecked at Mercedes dealers - both in Oregon and California - and thus far have had no problems whatsoever. Installation was a little tricky, especially because only a Mercedes dealer can add transmission fluid to the car, and all transmission fluid needed to be drained for the pump to be installed. Once done, though, we've been on a roll.

Sure - I'd prefer not needing to have a lube pump in order to tow the Mercedes. It's something else to potentially go wrong or fail and that's always a consideration in this RVing lifestyle. But the alarm system built into the REMCO unit gives me a feeling of confidence and we certainly enjoy the fun and ride of the ML 500 when we're on the road.
My advice then: to tow a Mercedes ML - install a REMCO transmission pump, and - most importantly - do NOT leave the key in the first position (which is usual for most cars) but leave the key IN the ignition but in the off position. Be certain to have a very qualified person do the install, and call REMCO for advice etc. if you have any questions. REMCO, like Roadmaster, is an excellent company that supports its products and recommends the pump for the ML series of Mercedes.

Best of luck
Tom

2002 Intrigue - 36' double slide - currently for sale to interested parties.
tsims@...