What Went Wrong When Towing a Ferrari and Mercedes With a VW Touareg?
Imagine cruising down a European highway and spotting a trailer carrying a Ferrari 488 and a Mercedes-Benz GLA—only to see it moments later, flipped upside down on a grassy embankment. That’s exactly what happened in Serbia when a VW Touareg, towing both cars, suffered a tire blowout. The trailer detached, rolled, and left both luxury vehicles dangling, still strapped in but now roof-down. It’s the kind of scene that makes car lovers wince and insurance agents reach for the headache pills.
Why Did the Trailer Flip? The Real Culprits Behind the Crash
So, how does a setup like this go so spectacularly wrong? According to eyewitnesses, the Touareg was already struggling, barely managing to pull the heavy load. The trailer was swaying—never a good sign. Then, disaster struck: a tire blew, the SUV lost control, and the trailer broke free. This isn’t just bad luck; it’s a textbook case of exceeding safe towing limits and possibly ignoring critical safety measures.
The numbers tell the story. The VW Touareg is rated to tow up to 3,500 kg (about 7,700 lbs). But a Ferrari 488 tips the scales at roughly 1,500 kg, and the Mercedes GLA is in the same ballpark. Add the weight of a dual-car trailer—often 500 kg or more—and you’re pushing, if not exceeding, the Touareg’s maximum. Overloading like this doesn’t just strain the engine; it puts enormous stress on tires, brakes, and the hitch itself.
How Overloading and Poor Weight Distribution Spell Disaster
It’s not just about the numbers on paper. Real-world towing is all about balance and distribution. Experts at the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) warn that improper weight distribution is a leading cause of trailer sway and accidents. If the load isn’t centered and balanced, the trailer can start oscillating, especially at highway speeds. That’s what witnesses saw: a trailer swaying left and right, a clear sign that something was off.
And there’s another layer. Safety chains are a must when towing heavy loads. They act as a backup if the hitch fails, keeping the trailer attached to the tow vehicle. In this incident, there’s no evidence that safety chains were used. Without them, a detached trailer becomes a runaway hazard.
What Happens to the Cars After a Crash Like This?
For the Ferrari and Mercedes, the outlook isn’t good. When a trailer flips and lands upside down, the roofs almost always take the brunt of the impact. Even with both vehicles still strapped in, the structural damage is likely severe. Insurance adjusters typically write off cars with crushed roofs, especially high-value models like these. And that’s assuming they were properly insured for transport—something that’s not always a given, especially with private haulers.
Lessons for Anyone Towing High-Value Vehicles
This crash isn’t just a cautionary tale for supercar owners. Anyone towing a heavy or valuable load should take a few lessons to heart:
– Know your vehicle’s towing limits. Never exceed the manufacturer’s rating.
– Distribute weight evenly on the trailer, with about 60% of the load ahead of the axle.
– Use safety chains—always.
– Check tire condition and pressure before every trip.
– If the trailer starts to sway, slow down gradually and avoid sudden steering.
According to a 2023 report from the European Transport Safety Council, improper towing setups contribute to thousands of accidents each year across the continent. Most are preventable with better preparation and a little patience.
The Big Takeaway? Towing Isn’t About Perfection—It’s About Smarter Adjustments
Nobody expects to end their road trip with two luxury cars upside down in a ditch. But the difference between a smooth haul and a disaster often comes down to small, smart choices. Start with one change this week—maybe double-check your trailer’s weight distribution or invest in new safety chains. Odds are, you’ll notice a safer, steadier ride by the end of the month. And your prized cargo? It’ll thank you for it.