Can Weight Distribution be Used with a 2014 Mercedes ML350 to Tow an Airstream Trailer
Question:
I have a Mercedes 2014 ML350 with a factory tow spec. of 6600 pounds and a Maxium hitch weight of 575 pounds. I want to buy an Airstream Flying Cloud 23D with a hitch weight of 720 with a GWV of 6000 pounds. Will this part hepl and do you install?
asked by: William R
Expert Reply:
First, you need to make sure that your 2014 Mercedes ML350 is rated for use with weight distribution. The trailer hitch should have a sticker on it and it should show 2 tongue weight capacity ratings if the hitch is rated for weight distribution. The max tongue weight capacity will have to exceed the tongue weight of the trailer when loaded and ready to tow.
If 575 pounds is the maximum then adding weight distribution will not help. Weight distribution does not increase the capacity of the hitch or vehicle, it only maximizes it. So if the hitch is only rated for a max of 575 pounds you cannot exceed that.
Next you will need to determine the total tongue weight of the trailer. This is calculated by taking the tongue weight of the trailer, when loaded and ready to tow, and adding to that the weight of anything loaded behind the rear axle of the tow vehicle. I have linked an FAQ article that should help.
If that total tongue weight is 720 pounds then you want a system rated up to 800 pounds. System # RP66130 that you referenced is rated for 800 to 1,500 pounds tongue weight and would be too high for your potential trailer. You would end up with a stiff ride and the system would not be effective.
A system rated for 400 to 800 pounds, # RP66083, or one rated for 600 to 1,200 pounds, # RP66084, would be the better options. You would need to add a properly sized ball to either system. Use # A-90 for a 2 inch or # 19286 for a 2-5/16 inch.
We do perform installations here at our headquarters in Wentzville, Missouri. The first step though is making sure the vehicle and hitch can be used with weight distribution and, if so, determining the tongue weight capacity when using weight distribution.
Products Referenced in This Question
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 >
Strait-Line Weight Distribution System w/ Sway Control - Trunnion Bar - 8,000 lbs GTW, 800 lbs TW
- Weight Distribution Hitch
- WD With Sway Control
- Some Sway
- Includes Shank
- Electric Brake Compatible
- Fits 2 Inch Hitch
- Allows Backing Up
- 500 lbs
- 600 lbs
- 700 lbs
- Reese
more information >
Strait-Line Weight Distribution System w/ Sway Control - Trunnion Bar - 12,000 lbs GTW, 1,200 lbs TW
- Weight Distribution Hitch
- WD With Sway Control
- Some Sway
- Includes Shank
- Electric Brake Compatible
- Fits 2 Inch Hitch
- Allows Backing Up
- 1000 lbs
- 1100 lbs
- 700 lbs
- 800 lbs
- 900 lbs
- Reese
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Strait-Line Weight Distribution w/ Sway Control - No Shank - Trunnion Bar - 15K GTW, 1,500 lbs TW
- Weight Distribution Hitch
- WD With Sway Control
- Some Sway
- Shank Not Included
- Electric Brake Compatible
- Fits 2 Inch Hitch
- Fits 2-1/2 Inch Hitch
- Allows Backing Up
- 1100 lbs
- 1200 lbs
- 1300 lbs
- 1400 lbs
- Reese
more information >
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on Weight Distribution Hitch
