|
SeanIT72
Date registered: Dec 1899
Location:
Vehicle(s):
| Towing/Brakes
Guys,
I wanted everyones opinion on this. Will my 280GE LWB tow a 17 foot ski boat easily? Do I need a trailer with brakes?
Also, are there any parts out there to upgrade the front brakes?
Thanks,
Sean P.
 |
|
| |
|
Johann
Veteran
Date registered: May 2006
Location: Centurion, South Africa
Vehicle(s): 1999 LWB 290GDT 1981 SWB 240GD+ Cabrio 2015 G63
Posts: 259
| RE: Towing/Brakes
Hi Sean
I can't see why not. Are you looking at about 1650 lbs? It should tow easily with 226Nm torque but I don't want to see your fuel bill! It will be an energy crisis on its own 
In South Africa we have legislation that when you tow over a certain weight it must be braked.
You'll have to check your country's laws.
My 290GDT tows another gwagen with an A-frame without any problems. Cruising 100-110km\h on the highway falling down to 80 on long steep hills. Although I have 280Nm torque available.
|
|
| |
|
Fenalaar
Elite Veteran
Date registered: May 2006
Location: Narvik, Norway
Vehicle(s): 2001 ML270CDI, Polaris 400L Big Boss
Posts: 826
| Re: Towing/Brakes
My 300GD is sertified for towing up to 2000Kg with brakes and 750Kg without brakes. The car can be certified for 2800Kg, but then I need new papers for the towing hook and an inspection by the road authorities. I can't see why the 280GE should fare any worse.
Just as a side note - Trailers for normal cars here in Norway, excepting the wheelbarrow-sized 750Kg ones, are equiped with run-on brakes. They work so that when you brake the car, the trailer will push onto the trailer tow hook and a brake cylinder in the trailer will be pressed in and apply pressure to the brakes. Purely mechanical/hydraulic in function, without any need for complex brake harnesses and so on. Of course, they're a bit less functional than an electric system which is common in the states...
(2000Kg and 750Kg are 4400 lbs and 1650 lbs, respectively)
Johan-Kr
Edited by Fenalaar 6/13/2006 2:19 PM
|
|
| |
|
bwillie
Date registered: Dec 1899
Location:
Vehicle(s):
| RE: Towing/Brakes
I tow a 24' boat behind mine with out issues. You must plan ahead for braking, but I do not tow it very ofter or too far. I have the OE MB trailor hitch but no brakes. I have not gotten around to getting the brakes wired.
Is your trailor wired for brakes? This will usually tell you if the laws require brakes due to weight. |
|
| |
|
SeanIT72
Date registered: Dec 1899
Location:
Vehicle(s):
| RE: Towing/Brakes
We are looking at purchasing a ski boat this year and I just wanted some info on what I need to get in regards to a trailer. |
|
| |
