Hello all,
I own a 1982 Benz diesel sedan (240D automatic, quite challenged when it comes to acceleration) and a 1992 Volvo 240 wagon (getting up in miles but still runs well and is solid). I drive the Benz in summer months (commuting and pleasure) and the Volvo the rest of the year (sacrifice to winter road salt demons).

I've been yearning to get out on the road and do some camping and road trips. I've been looking at the possibility of acquiring a more or less dedicated camping vehicle (eg. camper van), but find them expensive and cramped. Other option would be a truck camper (using an older diesel 3/4 ton pickup, for ex.). Both involve buying and maintaining a third vehicle, which I don't relish. I need the Volvo for winter driving, and would hesitate to get rid of my nice rust-free Benz. But the thought of licencing/insuring/maintaining 3 vehicles is daunting.

I had the idea that maybe I could equip either the Benz or the Volvo with a proper hitch, and acquire a used tent trailer (not very big), for camping excursions and the odd road trip. Until the time when I am more ready to move to a more suitable road trip/camping setup. People on the Benz lists disrecommend using the Benz 240D for towing (can barely push itself on the roads, let alone pull anything!), so I'm left with the Volvo.

So what do you think, would a 14 year old 320,000 kms Volvo wagon be up to the task of pulling a small tent trailer up and down the road? Any suggestions on how to best accomplish that (type of hitch, max size of trailer, etc.)?

Thanks!