Re: [A/S] Pulling an Airstream trailer

[Rick Kunath <k9ao@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

Frankly... I wouldn't tow any Airstream travel trailer with your little SUV.

Regardless as to what the dealers you mentioned said, and according to 
published data on your SUV, you have an isolated sub-frame unibody 
construction. This is unsuitable for load-equalizing trailer hitches, 
needed even for the smallest travel trailer.

The wheelbase is also way too short to be safe.

I'd also suspect that the running gear and transmission, brakes, etc. 
isn't going to last long hauling a trailer. Your engine power is in the 
extremely marginal end for hauling too.

The smaller SUV-type vehicles these days really aren't what people are 
used to expecting in these type vehicles. They are light-duty 
high-mileage car-like vehicles. They aren't good tow vehicles. 
Basically, if it is cool and cute, forget using it as a tow vehicle.

In my opinion, the ML 350 isn't a suitable tow vehicle, nor is it safe. 
You may injure yourself, or others using something too light to tow with.

You trying to tow a 25 footer with that little SUV is akin to hitching a 
semi-trailer to a VW Beetle. It isn't gonna work.

I'd advise getting a proper tow vehicle (basically not a small so-called 
SUV.)

Search the list archives. There have been several lively discussions 
about tow vehicles. You can learn a lot by re-reading these.

Rick Kunath
WBCCI #3060