[A/S] Re: Mercedes ML500

["Pete Daniel" <pete@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Hi Paul, 

I had to chime in on this one. The 2006 ML500 is an excellent 
vehicle and is not just a SUV but a true off road vehicle as all the 
reviews have shown in the top 4WD Off Road mags. 

We have had ours for a few months and we take it off road every 
other weekend. SO far it has out performed our 02 Excursion V10 in  
off road abilities and performance. And the ride....well you can 
only imagine. 

On the towing aspect, it will tow 5K lbs and was designed to tow 5K 
of anything, boat trailer, etc. With the short wheel base, its 
really not the choice vehicle for towing long anythings, especially 
a 34! But.... a Bambi or something like a 22 ft or less would be 
excellent! 

We have a 69 23ft single axle Safari that we are towing with our 
2006 ML which has the factory hitch and towing package from 
Mercedes. On the 2006 models there is no aftermarket hitch 
available. You have to order it from Mercedes and it comes with the 
larger radiator, trans cooler and factory electronic brake 
controller and the custom hitch made to the frame of the vehicle. 
Mercedes has really done a fine job with the towing set up for this 
vehcile. We had dicsussed with one of the factory engineers before 
we ordered, the towing capability and the off-raod ability of 
this vehicle.We were amazed about the new design of the 2006 
compared to previoues years. 

We are on our 4th Airstream and the Excursion or the Suburban 2500 
are the best tow vehicle for safety and handling for a 34. We have 
had 2 Excursions and 1 Suburban for towing our 34 and all 3 have 
been fantastic.

Good Luck on your choice!

Pete
WBCCI 3592
WDCU # 170
* Celebrating 30 Years of Towing Airstreams *
88 Airstream 34
69 Airstream 23
02 Excursion V10 
06 Mercedes ML