Trailer Hitch and Weight Distribution Recommendation For 2007 Mercedes Benz ML350
Question:
Looking to tow TrailManor 2431 with our SUV and not sure about which hitch to get. I see your class III ones for this vehicle have a max towing capacity of 3500 or 4000 with distribution?. According to specs, Dry Weight lbs 3140, Load Capacity lbs 1595 for the newer models, so may be slightly different for the 2005 model I am looking to buy. Which hitch would you recomment? Thanks!
asked by: Cesar
Expert Reply:
Both hitches share the same basic design and the same capacity, but I'd personally choose the Curt # 13342 over the Draw-Tite # 75376 because I feel that Curt does a better job with their powder coat finish.
To realize the full capacity of the hitch, you'll want to use a weight distribution hitch, and because travel trailers are pretty vulnerable to trailer sway caused by crosswinds and oncoming and passing traffic, I'd recommend going with a system that includes an effective sway control component.
If you're towing it right at the 4000 limit of the hitch (which I don't recommend exceeding), your tongue weight will be between 10-15% of the trailer's loaded weight, or from 400-600 lbs. If your fully loaded tongue weight is greater than 500 lbs which it likely will be, I'd go with the Reese # RP66559 Steadi-Flex which is designed for trailers with tongue weights between 500-1000 lbs. This system provides proven weight distribution with an excellent sway control component. For a 2 inch trailer ball, you'll need part # A-90 or # 19286 for a 2-5/16 inch ball.
Products Referenced in This Question
Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class III - 2"
- Trailer Hitch
- Custom Fit Hitch
- Class III
- 350 lbs TW
- 3500 lbs GTW
- 4000 lbs WD GTW
- 2 Inch Hitch
- 400 lbs WD TW
- Concealed Cross Tube
- CURT
more information >
2-5/16" Hitch Ball - 1-1/4" Diameter x 2-3/4" Long Shank - Chrome - 12,000 lbs
- Trailer Hitch Ball
- Trailer Hitch Ball
- Standard Ball
- Chrome-Plated Steel
- 2-5/16 Inch Diameter Ball
- 2-3/4 Inch Shank Length
- 1-1/4 Inch Diameter Shank
- 12000 lbs GTW
- Class IV
- Class V
- Draw-Tite
more information >
2" Hitch Ball - 1-1/4" Diameter x 2-5/8" Long Shank - Chrome - 10,000
- Trailer Hitch Ball
- Trailer Hitch Ball
- Standard Ball
- Chrome-Plated Steel
- 2 Inch Diameter Ball
- 2-5/8 Inch Shank Length
- 1-1/4 Inch Diameter Shank
- 10000 lbs GTW
- Class IV
- Class V
- CURT
more information >
Reese Steadi-Flex Weight Distribution System w/ Sway Control - Trunnion - 10K GTW, 1K TW
- Weight Distribution Hitch
- WD With Sway Control
- Some Sway
- Includes Shank
- Electric Brake Compatible
- Surge Brake Compatible
- Fits 2 Inch Hitch
- Allows Backing Up
- 600 lbs
- 700 lbs
- 800 lbs
- 900 lbs
- Reese
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Ultra-Fab 2" Trailer Hitch Receiver for Trailer Frames
- RV and Camper Hitch
- Frame Mount Hitch
- 47 - 77 Inch Wide Frame
- 350 lbs TW
- 2 Inch Hitch
- Weld-On
- Ultra-Fab Products
more information >
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