C270cdi Towing

[x332race]

I have a C270cdi Auto which I would like to use for the occasional short tow of a trailer about 1400kgs total laden weight. I know that the braked towing limit is 1500kgs and I know all about the 85% rule. I doubt if I will tow further than 10 miles on fairly flat roads at any one time

Comparing my car to an equvalent ML270, I have a more powerful engine and probably better brakes (I have sport option) although the ML is about 700kgs heavier. ML is 4x4 but I do not need that ability. Transmission box may differ?

So, am I likely to do any long term damage to the car or is it robust enough to cope....I am fairly certain that the engine is more than powerful enough and the brakes are more than adequate....I am not sure about transmission though.

Any thought?

 

[BTB 500]

I have a C270cdi Auto which I would like to use for the occasional short tow of a trailer about 1400kgs total laden weight. I know that the braked towing limit is 1500kgs and I know all about the 85% rule. I doubt if I will tow further than 10 miles on fairly flat roads at any one time

No problem at all.

 

[ukcodger]

Agree, I cannot imagine any damage would result from what you describe. I also have friends with a C Class 220 CDI who've pulled caravans hundreds of miles. It's just unusual to see a CLK with a tow bar, that's all. Probably because the body shape is not tremendously useful for caravaning.

 

[x332race]

Its a W203 C-class estate C270cdi

Thanks for replies.....just trying to find out if I am doing long term damage to the car or if it will cope adequately.

 

[Uberwagon]

The gearboxes have oil coolers.

The engine are strong well known units.

You wont do any damage at all, these cars will have been given far harder long term punishment than you will probably ever give it.

Dave!

 

[SilverSaloon]

it will be fine!!!

 

[ukcodger]

Agree, I cannot imagine any damage would result from what you describe. I also have friends with a C Class 220 CDI who've pulled caravans hundreds of miles. It's just unusual to see a CLK with a tow bar, that's all. Probably because the body shape is not tremendously useful for caravaning.

Sorry, it's not a CLK, read your post too quickly. But then hopefully C Class info is valid.

 

[x332race]

So why is the car limted to towing 1500kgs?

 

[Uberwagon]

So why is the car limted to towing 1500kgs?

Because although the trailer will need to be braked it still takes a lot of energy to stop using your cars braking system aswell.

Me and a friend once collected a 405 GTXi on a double axle braked trailer using a 205 UD van. It was a very obvious showing of why cars have tow limits

Dave!

 

[x332race]

Does that mean that the ML has better brakes than the upgraded vented sport discs fitted to my car then?

 

[Uberwagon]

It's not just the brakes, it's the stability under braking aswell.

Push a big weight against a little weight and the little weight is pushed around.

Dave!

 

[x332race]

Fair enough......just really wanted to know if I am harming my car towing about 1400kgs.....looks as if concensus is no I am not.

 

[BTB 500]

So why is the car limted to towing 1500kgs?

It's normally based on the car's ability to perform a hill start on a specified gradient (forget what), with that weight of trailer on the hitch.

 

[Uberwagon]

Fair enough......just really wanted to know if I am harming my car towing about 1400kgs.....looks as if concensus is no I am not.

I towed a boat with an old 405, the boat was over a ton and in thousands of miles of towing the car was never duly affected.

Dave!

 

[Bobby Dazzler]

It's normally based on the car's ability to perform a hill start on a specified gradient (forget what), with that weight of trailer on the hitch.

12% IIRC