Siesta Sprinter problem getting towed in for service

[FL-AR]

We have a brake issue on our new motorhome. Called Thor and they said to call Mercedes Sprinter division. They have sent 3 different types of tow trucks out. All have said they can't tow it. It's low to the ground. Would drag in back if front is lifted much. Too tall for flatbed. So, has anyone been towed? ?? What method? This was certainly an unexpected problem. Any advice appreciated.

[FL-AR]

Just an update on our towing issue:
We had 4 different trucks sent to tow our little motorhome in for service. The first three said it was going to be impossible to tow it without damage. The motorhome sits so low to the ground, making the rear drag if the front is lifted even a foot. They expressed concern that the back lacked a way to support the weight of the coach if lifted from the rear.

The 4th truck to come was another flatbed. They felt they could probably lift the rear slowly to get it on the truck, but it made the height about 15ft. Questions about clearances on bridges, powerlines, and lots of tress that hang over the roads in the area. We were really concerned about potential damages to our new motorhome! It would have been hit by lots of low tree limbs at best.

Since the coach was still driveable (but not the safest), we decided to attempt the drive to the service center 30 miles away. Went super early in the morning before traffic, drove 25-30mph, and MADE IT safely!

Hopefully we will not have to be in a situation needing towing again. Surely there is a way to safely tow these small sprinter motorhomes? ??

[stvdman]

Glad you made it safely. And what a terrible thing to have to learn about "on the fly". I wouldn't have even thought to myself "wonder if this thing can be towed or not".

[mountainsam]

What did Mercedes have to say about this? I think I will pose this question tomorrow to my dealer. Wouldn't even have thought about that unless the issue arose. Then its too late. Thanks for this post.

[airforceret]

You can tow your low clearance RV with one of these tow trucks. Problem might be availability in the area where you are broke down. Most big rig towing companies can provide this service.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=riqHNGU4mkg

[Chance]

Originally Posted by airforceret

You can tow your low clearance RV with one of these tow trucks. Problem might be availability in the area where you are broke down. Most big rig towing companies can provide this service.

I think he made reference to this kind of wrecker wouldn't work because if front wheels are lifted even one foot, the rear end could drag. Looking at pictures of 24SV it can be seen that is a justified concern. The drain lines, or other parts, look fairly low, and could hit the ground on a dip, railroad crossing, etc.

[Chance]

If needing to tow, motorhomes may require a low profile trailer like this one; which may also need an oversized permit due to height. In case of smaller and lower Sprinter it may stay below 13'-6" or whatever the height cutoff is.

[Chance]

Or like this one, also used to move heavy equipment to job sites.


Another reason to like small and low-profile motorhomes.

[FL-AR]

Thanks SO MUCH for all the helpful information!

We never anticipated being in this situation with our brand new motorhome. Lots of lessons have been learned through this experience. If we should be in a situation again, we will definitely request a low profile trailer!

When we called Mercedes Sprinter for roadside service, we gave them full info on model, specs of the coach. We felt confident that they would send the appropriate tow vehicle. Apparently this info was not passed along to the tow companies. The first truck sent thought he was picking up a Sprinter van!

Thankfully, we were in a safe place and not on the side of a busy road.

The first three companies were very professional and very concerned about potential damage to the RV. The last one was more interested in collecting a fee than anything else! They had a flatbed truck and felt they "probably" could get it on ok! The height would have been almost 15 feet tall. Permits- "it'll be ok". Bridges and overpasses - "We PROBABLY can get under them!" PROBABLY???? And what happens if you can't?

Just grateful were finally able to get it in for service. These are the things you just don't think about when buying your motorhome. Thanks again for the helpful information!

[Chance]

Originally Posted by FL-AR

....cut....

Just grateful were finally able to get it in for service. These are the things you just don't think about when buying your motorhome. Thanks again for the helpful information!

Thank you for bringing this subject up. I honestly hadn't thought at all about possible towing issues that could depend on motorhome geometry/design. I'll certainly consider it now. This is a great place to learn new things.

While searching, out of curiosity, for what equipment was available for smaller motorhomes like your Sprinter, I also saw that some tow companies have smaller low-profile trailers that "may" be able to handle the Siesta's size and weight, but it appears that the tilt bed may not allow your Siesta to drive up (or be pulled up) without dragging at back end (unless they had long loading ramps to reduce tilt angle).

Just mentioning this because it seems to me that requesting a low-profile trailer for a 10,000-pound (more or less) MH may not be enough. They also need to be made aware of long and low rear overhang.

[Durango4]

Yes, please post your findings. We also have a Gemini on a sprinter chassis. It will be interesting to hear what happened or what Mercedes says.
Thank You

[FL-AR]

We got our RV back yesterday. Repairs were done under warranty. All seems good right now!

As to the towing issue, Thor said they generally use a rollback trailer, but said on a Sprinter, Mercedes would be the ones to decide on what type of truck to use. I think one of the main lessons learned is to be very specific in requesting a low rollback trailer when the motorhome has a very low clearance like ours. The Mercedes Road Service reps were very friendly and seemed to want to help.

Thanks everyone for all the great info!