Towing with a Sprinter

[BrianGarfield]

I've read several different tow ratings for Sprinters and I'm curious if anybody actually tows on a regular basis.
I've seen a Sprinter pulling a rather large travel trailer before and I was shocked as I didn't think that was possible/recommended (I know they're two different things).

Is the rating 3500lbs? or 5000lbs? Thoughts on pulling a trailer on a regular basis that's less than 4k lbs?

Thanks,
Brian

[jage]

I wonder if tow rating depends on the model (extra long vs. shorty). My brother flat towed his Jeep up and down the rockies, but he drives like a 90 year old woman so it doesn't necessarily say much. Did seem plenty capable though.

[saabman]

In Europe the Merc version can up to 3190 to 3500 kg according to the version.

[BrianGarfield]

Well, apparently that can't be too relevant as I've never seen anything over 5k, 3500lbs being the norm that I see, and you're talking about over 7000lbs (3190kgs).
Maybe it's just the liability in this country? Honestly though, it's not a whole lot of power from that motor.

I'm looking at a Ford Diesel, and have been for awhile, but I keep coming back to trying to make a Sprinter work since they have so many configurations and are more easily found.

Brian

[jage]

You can overcome power with gearing (and vice-versa )

My brother researched and researched before buying a Sprinter, but then he drives it at 45 in the mountains... sigh. He did stick with the 3.73s the Sprinter had on the lot, although he had originally planned to change over to the 4.10s if there wasn't enough power.

Don't forget the Ford vans are detuned, my 6.0 is nothing like my 7.3 simply because the former is in the van the latter in my pickup. I think I could out-tow my brother's Sprinter still, but I don't see it as a reason to not buy the Sprinter.

Have you found anything definitive that it won't work for you?

[saabman]

True could be different legislation in EU...
The other thing is not only the towing capacity but if your van is heavier due to cabinets and inside stuff it will two less in proportion...

Strange my Pajero (Dodge Raider) V6 3.0L with 140bhp is rated to tow up to 5000kg (11000 lbs)
That's way less power and torque the Sprinter can throw out...

[kmessinger]

The 2008 Sprinter 2500 can tow 5,000 pounds with a tongue weight of 500 pounds. It does not matter which wheelbase.

The 3500 can tow 7,500 pounds.

Regards,

Keith