Can Weight Distribution be Used with a 2014 Mercedes ML350 to Tow an Airstream Trailer

Updated 10/31/2013 | Published 10/29/2013

Products Featured in This Question

Strait-Line Weight Distribution w/ Sway Control - No Shank - Trunnion Bar - 15K GTW, 1,500 lbs TW

(70)

$864.41

2-5/16" Hitch Ball - 1-1/4" Diameter x 2-3/4" Long Shank - Chrome - 12,000 lbs

(2626)

$23.25

2" Hitch Ball - 1-1/4" Diameter x 2-5/8" Long Shank - Chrome - 10,000

(3881)

$20.93

Question:

I have a Mercedes 2014 ML350 with a factory tow spec. of 6600 pounds and a Maxium hitch weight of 575 pounds. I want to buy an Airstream Flying Cloud 23D with a hitch weight of 720 with a GWV of 6000 pounds. Will this part hepl and do you install?

asked by: William R

Expert Reply:

First, you need to make sure that your 2014 Mercedes ML350 is rated for use with weight distribution. The trailer hitch should have a sticker on it and it should show 2 tongue weight capacity ratings if the hitch is rated for weight distribution. The max tongue weight capacity will have to exceed the tongue weight of the trailer when loaded and ready to tow.

If 575 pounds is the maximum then adding weight distribution will not help. Weight distribution does not increase the capacity of the hitch or vehicle, it only maximizes it. So if the hitch is only rated for a max of 575 pounds you cannot exceed that.

Next you will need to determine the total tongue weight of the trailer. This is calculated by taking the tongue weight of the trailer, when loaded and ready to tow, and adding to that the weight of anything loaded behind the rear axle of the tow vehicle. I have linked an FAQ article that should help.

If that total tongue weight is 720 pounds then you want a system rated up to 800 pounds. System # RP66130 that you referenced is rated for 800 to 1,500 pounds tongue weight and would be too high for your potential trailer. You would end up with a stiff ride and the system would not be effective.

A system rated for 400 to 800 pounds, # RP66083, or one rated for 600 to 1,200 pounds, # RP66084, would be the better options. You would need to add a properly sized ball to either system. Use # A-90 for a 2 inch or # 19286 for a 2-5/16 inch.

We do perform installations here at our headquarters in Wentzville, Missouri. The first step though is making sure the vehicle and hitch can be used with weight distribution and, if so, determining the tongue weight capacity when using weight distribution.