Towing Problems with a 1996 S280

[bazza2k]

I have a 1996 S280 saloon W140. This is the first time that i have towed my caravan with this vehicle and was wondering if anyone has had any experiences of the same. It is becoming increasingly apparent that if main dealers are not selling you a used car, they don't want to know your problems.
There is no question regarding the towing mass as that is all ok. My question is regarding the nose weight on the towball. I have spoken to the caravan manufacturer and they supply with a nose weight of 98kg. With weight distribution of contents i have reduced the nose weight to around 85 kg, which is what i have been told (rightly or wrongly ?) is what my vehicle will handle.
However when hitched up, the vehicle just sits down so low it is unbelieveable and quite frankly not safe to tow.
I wonder if anyone has any experience of this.....are my springs/shocks in need of attention.....do i/can i get uprated springs or whatever.
I am at my wits end on this one, so any help would be greatly appreciated.

 

[jules335500]

Mate..i have a 1998 c180 w202 with a bosal towbar ..nose weight 75kg and max towing of 2tonne tho car is max of 1500kg.
tows fine .i know might not be much help but has towbar been fitted correctly?
i go by the towbar instructions and just been outside to re check..

 

[bazza2k]

Jules,
Thanks for the reply. My towbar is also a Bosal with a detachable towball and has been fitted by one of the most proficient in my area, so i am happy that it has been fitted ok. My Merc just does not seem capable of handling around 85 kg nose weight and i am told it should.

 

[pascal]

85kg(nose) should not really be that difficult to tow. Their may be a problem with your back springs.
Brilliant silver, grey leather etc.There is no mention of any extras that would not allow you not to tow.
The max nose weight for my olld 300ce was 75kg, and I well exceeded this several times.
Have you actually weighed the nose weight of the caravan?
Is this a single axle caravan? If its twin there are issues with towbar height.

PS: Wouldn't publish my Vin No. You can edit post up to two hours from posting
Pascal

 

[bazza2k]

pascal,
Thanks for your response. Yes i actually measured the nose weight today. It is also a single axle van.
I was thinking springs myself at one point.

 

[jules335500]

must be springs as my car towed 3.5 tonne (range rover on car trailer ) only 1 mile to garage for mate at work. i checked before hand with gearbox garage and it was ok......hate to think wot nose weight was for tht day!!!!

 

[pascal]

Glad you edited out your VIN no. (within 2 hours)
VB would have done it after the time limit anyway.
Still think it's a prob. with your springs