Best transmission/model for towing

Submitted by mandhking on 24 March 2010 - 5:51am.

I have been using my 1980 300sd to pull a small enclosed trailer (w/ nosecone, 1000 - 1500 lbs). I have had no problems with the transmission whatsoever doing this for the past 80 thousand (163,000-241,000) miles running on veg, but this vehicle was just totaled by an suv so I am looking for a replacement.
I would like to have a wagon for the extra space but I'm worried about putting too much strain on the transmission. I'm also wondering if the SLS will be a good or bad thing. I was hoping it would be good as the 300sd tended to sag a little with 100lbs on the hitch.
I changed the transmission fluid/filter every 15,000-20,000 and used valvoline maxlife, but had always considered adding a temp gauge and an additional transmission cooler. I really love the Benz pulling trailer running on veg setup but I do not want to get into trouble with a new vehicle. Thanks in advance for the help on this.

Thoughts...

24 March 2010 - 12:27pm

admin

When it comes to older MBZ diesel automatics there are no specific transmissions that are better for towing. The age and condition of the transmission are more important. If you are towing with worn brake bands and clutches you can quickly overheat a worn tranny. How fast a transmission engages in gear from park to drive or reverse is one of the best tests for internal wear. Should be within 1 second. Having a wagon with PROPERLY WORKING SLS can be a great benefit in towing as it will reduce rear end sway and sag.