mercedes sl and caravans
Discussion
I am prepared for the derision and scorn that is going to be heaped on me for this suggestion. Here goes, I am thinking of getting an SL or possibly a 55 AMG and fitting a towbar and towing a small caravan. I have always been a fast car fan, having owned amongst others a BMW Z4, TVR S2, TVR Chimaera. Trouble is I also like caravans, currently towing with a 280CDI. When I am on holiday I miss my real car so had this idea of combining the two, taking the caravan to a good driving area and having fun in a real car. I might mention that I am retired which gives me the advantage of being away for longish periods. Obviously the weight ratio and engine power would be more than adequate and I can cope with the increase in fuel consumption. My concerns would be the effect on the chassis and adverse effects on the engine due to the unusual loading. Constructive comments please.
Firstly, can you actually source a towbar for an SL? If so then check your owners manual as it should give you safe towing weights/loads that shouldn't be unsafe.
I love the idea of an SL55 towing a caravan, you'd get a thumbs up from me if I saw you on the road (as long as you weren't holding me up for 25 miles of winding A or B roads!)
I love the idea of an SL55 towing a caravan, you'd get a thumbs up from me if I saw you on the road (as long as you weren't holding me up for 25 miles of winding A or B roads!)
OK, got it from my local towbar specialist, no can do. Well it was a good idea at the time. If anyone knows any different please let me know. Meanwhile I will carry on tearing up the tarmac in my TVR Chimaera and having mercy on SL's as I still have a soft spot for them. Maybe one day.
Gone and done it. Got myself a beauty 57,00 mile, two owner, last one 16 years, 1992 500SL, fsh, with every available extra except rear seats, towbar going on in a couple of weeks after some difficulty locating one. Meanwhile am revelling in the amazing performance of the car, so impressed with the versatility I am thinking I might have found my perfect car, the 280 Cdi might have to go so that I can use it more.
pollawyn said:
Gone and done it. Got myself a beauty 57,00 mile, two owner, last one 16 years, 1992 500SL, fsh, with every available extra except rear seats, towbar going on in a couple of weeks after some difficulty locating one. Meanwhile am revelling in the amazing performance of the car, so impressed with the versatility I am thinking I might have found my perfect car, the 280 Cdi might have to go so that I can use it more.
That sounds great. You can't really beat the Mercs from that eraThere's plenty of rubber in the suspension and it all wears over time. If you feel it needs tightening up at all tackle all the bushes, steering arm joints, balljoints & etc before looking at springs & shocks
If the ones fitted are old, a set of new tyres makes a huge difference to the ride
Nick Froome
bolide said:
There's plenty of rubber in the suspension and it all wears over time. If you feel it needs tightening up at all tackle all the bushes, steering arm joints, balljoints & etc before looking at springs & shocks
If the ones fitted are old, a set of new tyres makes a huge difference to the ride
Nick Froome
Very good advice. I have just had the rear axle in my 1999 SL500 completely overhauled (new sub frame mounting bushes and new arms all round) and it has transformed the car's handling. Tyres make a huge difference; my experience is that Michelin Pilot Sport PS2s are worth their substantial cost.If the ones fitted are old, a set of new tyres makes a huge difference to the ride
Nick Froome
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