RE: [A/S] Mercedes ML 500 and a 34 foot Airstream

["Oliver Filippi" <ofilippi@xxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Rick,

You are right on in your critique of my comments about using a Mercedes ML
as a tow vehicle.

However, my point is still valid that the better suspension and road holding
ability of the ML will overcome SOME of the shortcomings of a short
wheelbase tow vehicle, as will a Hensley hitch.  Note that I did qualify
this by warning that the superior roadability of the tow vehicle's
suspension goes out the window when one gets on a slippery surface - then
the laws of physics and momentum and inertia become the dominant parameters.

So far as the directional stability system controling sway and slipery road
conditions, you are absolutely correct that it is not the total answer -
partly because of the short wheel base, and partly because it is not
controling the brakes on the trailer. Nevertheless, such a system will help
some.

he real issue here is that the short wheel base tow vehicle is working at a
disadvantage - which can become a serious safety issue under less than ideal
conditions.

One of these days the automakers (of serious tow vehicles) will install a
sway/directional stability control on the tow vehicle which will also work
with the trailer's brakes.  With Airstream again offering disc brakes on the
trailer (which would be faster acting than the magneticly actuated drum
brakes) such a system could be readily implemented. Ford woke up and
integrated the trailer brake controller into the braking system of their
full size pickups in 2005.  Sensors could be put on the trailer wheels (the
directional stability system has already been developed for 18 wheelers) -
and voila - a major advance in RV towing safety!

Airstream ought to persue this idea with the automakers. It would be a
phenomenal sales feature for both the trailer manufacturer and the
automaker.

So far as the Toureg's off road capability is concerned, I have to disagree
with you.  When VW designed the Toureg, they believed that superior off road
performance was an important capability for an SUV. So, they bought a Jeep,
as a benchmark; only to conclude that it was a mediocre off road performer,
and a poor touchstone. So they set out to design something better.

Don't ignore the fact that VW (which owns Audi) has had a lot of experience
and expertise with all wheel drive systems. For many years, Audi all wheel
drive station wagons have been the preferred European vehicle for driving to
the ski slopes in St. Moritz and elsewhere (by the beautiful people).  The
Toureg's four wheel drive system may well be the best offered on any
passenger vehicle.  I have personally talked to some folks who have driven
Touregs on severe off road conditions (and other four wheel drive vehicles,
too).  They were all very, very favorably impressed with the Toureg's off
road abilities.

Since most customers who bought SUVs probably weren't as serious about the
macho off road performance as the automakers were led to believe (or
promoted in their advertising - which trickled down to their engineers), the
modern incarnation of the SUV is becoming a slightly larger Station Wagon of
old.

Some time ago, while waiting for some service on my Chevy Silverado pickup,
several H2 Hummers pulled in for service.  In each case, a petite lady
driver climbed out!  I asked the service writer if this was common - tiny
drivers in big broad Hummers.  The answer was Yes, little people do tend to
go for big Hummers!

Oliver Filippi