Surveyor 247bhds & tow ability

[llporter]

Hello - We are in WA outside of Seattle. We are new to camping and are considering the purchase of the Surveyor 247bhds model. Our concern is towing this length and weight with my GL 450. Anyone have experience towing w/ this vehicle? We are getting mixed opinions. One dealer says no longer than 21, another says 24 maximum. Mercedes says 7500 lbs max and tongue weight max 600 lbs - all within the range for this trailer. Read that other folks have had sway issues even though limits are within the Mercedes guidelines. Any advice appreciated! Thanks.

[41ford]

Welcome from the other side of the state, South Eastern Washington.

I'm new to the RVing, so I'm afraid I can't answer your question, but the folks on here are awesome and should be able to answer your questions.

JR

[bikendan]

Welcome to FRF, from Camano Island!

Here's your problem:

1. The loaded hitch weight will exceed the GL's max of 600lbs
2. The 247bhds is almost 30' long and you have a short wheelbase vehicle.
3. The trailer's GVWR will exceed the GL's max towing capacity.

[geeman53]

Welcome from SW Ohio !

[aceinspp]

Welcome to the forum. Sound like to much trailer for your vehicle and the short wheel base of your tv does not help. Later RJD

[The_Rhino]

Unfortunately manufacturers do not include the weight of the battery or full propane tanks when listing "dry" tongue weights... The Surveyor 247bhds is 5800 empty, w/empty tongue of 580 so your tongue weight will be over your TV's TW limit of 600 as soon as you calculate the weight of your 12V battery & 2 full propane tanks - let-alone any gear you pack in the pass-through storage, under the master bed, or in the master bed closets...

For instance, our TT is 6400 empty, w/empty tongue of 640. However, ready-to-camp we're at 8000+ w/tongue weight of 1100... The tongue weight goes-up quickly because, like your TT, most of our storage is up-front & the dry weight doesn't even include the weight of the battery or 2 propane tanks. Our pass-through storage holds necessary camping gear like lightweight leveling blocks, 30A extension cord, and freshwater hoses. Under our (front) master bed we store all of our comfy camping chairs, and our (front) master closets hold the clothes we need for 7-10 days w/out washing... We also swapped-out the lightweight/thin mattress for a heavier comfy one... This all adds up.

IMO the Surveyor 247bhds @ 5800 empty is still 1/2 ton pickup towable & it might be OK for short trips behind a longer wheelbase SUV like the 1/2 ton Armada, Yukon XL, or Suburban. However, your Mercedes GL 450 should only be paired with shorter hybrid trailers. Crosswinds hitting a 30' TT will push you around too much even if you could keep the tongue weight within specs...