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Old 01-06-2021, 10:05 PM   #1
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Mercedes Sprinter Tow Vehicle

We are not finding forum threads where ETI trailer owners discuss using a Mercedes Sprinter 2500 or 3500, short or long wheelbase, short or high profile, to tow their Escape trailer. Am using search for keywords "Sprinter" and "Mercedes Van". This coming weekend, we plan to have our first Sprinter and 19' trailer tow experience.

We have a 2010 Sprinter 2500 passenger van, 144-inch high model, with the V6 diesel engine. This image shows our Sprinter next to our ETI 19'. On this trip, we towed with our Infiniti QX80, and our Sprinter was with us to help move family members.



Sprinter owners manual or vehicle sticker specified weights are (lbs):
GCWR - 13,550
GVWR - 8850
GAWR (FA) - 3970
GAWR (RA) - 5630
Unladen - 6377
Max passengers and cargo - 2473
GTW - 5000
TWR - 500

Installed 2" hitch receiver labeled ratings are 5000 straight ball (500 TW) or 7500 (750 TW) WD capacity. Our 19' has a Hensley Arrow WD hitch.

Our van seats 12, but Mary, I, and our beagle will be the passengers. We usually have only the front two and one three passenger bench, with room in the back for a full size queen bed. We plan to have < 500 lbs cargo (e.g., EU2000i generator, 200W Lensun foldable solar system, air compressor, drinking water, food, toolbox, and household supplies).

if you know of a Sprinter tow vehicle thread, please point us to it. Would like to hear from other ETI 19' or 21' owners who are towing using any Mercedes Sprinter version - either here or via PM.

73/gus
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Old 01-06-2021, 10:28 PM   #2
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Quote:
Originally Posted by gklott View Post
If you know of a Sprinter tow vehicle thread, please point us to it. Would like to hear from other ETI 19' or 21' owners who are towing using any Mercedes Sprinter version - either here or via PM.
I believe TT tows with a Sprinter
https://www.escapeforum.org/forums/f...tml#post333577

https://www.escapeforum.org/forums/m...tin-12442.html

“My Tow Vehicle
2017 Sprinter 2500 Cargo, 144 High Roof, 3L V6, Factory Tow, Reese Towpower Brake Controller”
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Old 01-07-2021, 06:51 AM   #3
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Quote:
Originally Posted by rubicon327 View Post
I believe TT tows with a Sprinter
“My Tow Vehicle: 2017 Sprinter 2500 Cargo, 144 High Roof, 3L V6, Factory Tow, Reese Towpower Brake Controller”
Correct

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Quote:
Originally Posted by gklott View Post
Would like to hear from other ETI 19' or 21' owners who are towing using any Mercedes Sprinter version
Sprinter owners manual or vehicle sticker specified weights are (lbs):
GCWR - 13,550
GVWR - 8850
GAWR (FA) - 3970
GAWR (RA) - 5630
Unladen - 6377
Max passengers and cargo - 2473
GTW - 5000
TWR - 500
Based on those numbers you can load your Sprinter with 1,973 lbs of people and cargo, more if you've removed some of the rear seats* and still tow either an Escape 19 or 21.

What would you like to know?

* my 2017 2500 Sprinter cargo has a curb weight of 5313, and the same 8550 GVW giving it a total payload of 3237 lbs. Subtracting the 500 lb tongue weight that leave me with 2737 lbs for people and cargo.
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Old 01-07-2021, 08:30 AM   #4
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Good to see another Sprinter

Quote:
Originally Posted by TTMartin View Post
Correct
You can load your Sprinter with 1,973 lbs of people and cargo, more if you've removed some of the rear seats* and still tow either an Escape 19 or 21. What would you like to know?.
Nice looking combination, including the 144 wheelbase and high roof.

We had SportsMobile install the Valley trailer hitch and wiring, Fiamma awning, Fan-Tastic vent fan, and L-track on side walls of our Sprinter. We installed the Tekonsha Prodigy P3 brake controller.

We are interested in your experience with the pulling power, towing stability, fuel mileage, maintenance impact, etc.

73/gus
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Old 01-07-2021, 09:44 AM   #5
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Originally Posted by gklott View Post
We are interested in your experience with the pulling power, towing stability, fuel mileage, maintenance impact, etc.
I got about a 3 mpg hit towing the Escape. The 3L OM642 V6 reaches peak torque at 1400 rpms and maintains it to 2400 rpms. Typically you want to tow at peak torque. For my 2017 at 65 mph I'm just slightly over 2400 rpms, so that's the speed I've been towing.

Towing stability is fine. My vehicle has crosswind assist and with the factory tow package towing sway control. I've never had either system activate while towing. You do feel a push from trucks as they pass you. I've drove back from Sumas, WA on US2 with 25-35 mph gusting crosswinds in North Dakota. I certainly felt them especially coming out from behind obstructions, but, it wasn't a problem staying in the lane.
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Old 01-08-2021, 12:52 AM   #6
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Be interested to know .... what was your MPG towing your Escape and not towing? Sometimes I think about selling my Escape, buying a Sprinter or equivalent and towing a small sail boat. There are so many interesting bodies of water on the West Coast.

Tom
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Old 04-16-2021, 04:46 PM   #7
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Upgraded to 2020 VS30 Sprinter

There are a lot of good van towing options for anyone wanting to carry more than 5 passengers (3rd row SUV) or to have plenty of cargo space.

We've started towing with a 2020 Mercedes Benz Sprinter 2500, VS30 chassis, 144" (short) wheelbase, high roof, passenger van with 3.0L Turbodiesel V6 engine. Got it with the factory towing package. We configure seating for 8.



GVWR 9050
GCWR 13930
GAWRF 4100
GAWRR 5360
Max payload: 3441
Curb weight: 5609
Factory trailer hitch limits:



The Sprinter has ample cargo capacity, but it also has a low towing rating. We use a Henley WD hitch, and we added the Prodigy 3 brake controller.

We are finding the new Sprinter to be a nice towing and traveling vehicle. The Sprinter can't match our QX80 for power and towing capacity (8500), but the Sprinter has a LOT more space. You are high profile, with the Sprinter being taller than 19' Escape, so you can expect to feel some wind with or without a trailer. We really like all the latest Mercedes Benz safety features.

We traveled with this combo last week, and we averaged about 13 mpg.

73/gus
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