1993 300 SE
Vehicle is in top mechancial condition with 121K.
I'm considering towing a small trailer (4 x 8, less than 200lbs) from New Jersey to Florida.
Anyone have thoughts, comments, opinions or experiences towing with this vehicle?

Thanks

 

Less than 200lbs? Seems kinda light. It won't hold much weight so you shouldn't have any problems. Before you leave, get an oil change, check the coolant level, check trans fluid level, and check tire pressure.

I'd be cautious at first at highway speeds. A trailer that light may have a tendency to bounce around and become gnarly. You don't want a wagging trailer at 70 mph. It won't have brakes so if it gets to waggin' it will be difficult to regain control of it. Check how it tracks over several miles and slowly work your way up to speed.

What are you doing for a hitch?

 

too light.

careful of jack-knife

 

Sorry for posting the wrong data,
Actually the towing weight should eb listed at 2000LBS

Mark

 

Lugnut,

Thanks for the replay,

I was going to have a class 1, 2500lb hitch installed along with the trailing lights.

Any precautions to take when hooking into the electrical system

thanks

Mark

 

Electrical shouldn't pose a problem at all. Any problems will most likely be overheating of coolant or transmission.

Is your car a V6 or I6 with an auto trans? It's going to be a little bit of a strain if so. If it were my car, I'd make sure it had a good transmission cooler. Most cars don't have them from the factory. The place that installs the hitch can do the trans cooler as well.

In addition to the oil change (if you haven't very recently done one), get a coolant system flush and fill if that hasn't been done recently. Tell the shop guys you plan to tow a trailer so they give you the proper anti-freeze/water mix. If you don't flush and fill, check the coolant level regardless and use one of those bubble things that tests the anti-freeze mixture so you know if you need to add any.

At that weight, having brakes on the trailer will really help to control it. If it doesn't have brakes, be careful when you slow down or stop. Any sudden braking and the trailer may pass on by you. Don't drive too fast--the life you save may be mine.

 

Lugnut,,

The car has a 3.2 inline with an automatic.
I've towed many small trailers and boats with autos before so I'm familiar with the limitations. Once towed a 17 foot Boston Whaler for 2 summers with a 900 S Saab.

Trailer weight is 750 lbs empty. Mostly boxed items, (household, clothes, same collection of tools ect). Doesn't seem that the combined weight would exceed 1500lbs.

I'll look into your suggestion regarding the trans cooler.

Thanks for taking the time to answer.

Mark

 

Your trans will always benefit from the trans cooler, so don't think it's just a one-time use thing. Your trans will last longer than it was designed to if it has a cooler, assuming all else is well-maintained and not defective. It should cost around $100 installed for a decent one. It's a good investment for towing.

 

i believe the "little bubble tester" lugnut is speaking of is a coolant hydrometer. they are relatively cheap at the local parts store and really easy to read. a good investment if you need to fool with your coolant mix at all.