Hi we are thinking of buying a 2010 Mercedes S class and wonder if anybody has one and tows? We have a Twin Axle Swift Conqueror which is a heavy old boy! Before we commit to buying and discover we cannot tow would seek your advice. Thanks.
S-CLass should tip the scales at around 2050-2075kg?
Van is around 1850kg?? About 90% - only sure way is as explained above, you need the correct weights of car and van and what about noseweight??
A 2010 Merc S Class 350 CDI (Diesel) is 2000Kg, so the 85% rule says caravan of 1700Kg. Towing max is 2100Kg with enough torque to speed up the Earth, so pulling a heavy van won't be a problem.
------------- Camping Gear expands so as to fill the space available for its transportation.
I have no doubts the pulling side is sorted but when we were looking at big saloon/estate Mercs, albeit pre 2010, the issues I saw were the very long rear axle to ball overhang, and a low ball noseweight capacity. A general observation, not checked your target vehicle.
When did it drop to 80%? The recommendation is for someone new to towing that a towing ratio of 85% is a good starting point but that with experience up to 100% of kerbweight is perfectly acceptable.
------------- Bill
For a licence dated 1997 or later you must add together the plated max weight of the caravan and trailer, if the total is 3500 or less you can tow it. You may even tow a caravan with a MAM greater than the cars unladen mass the restriction was removed in 2013