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Did you test this with the trailer connected via the hitch ball? I know it is simple but trailers use the chassis ground, it has to connect and sometimes has to move a bit if corroded hitch.
I was just about to order the $165 hitch (says it fits '07 GL 450) from Ebay. Have any of you tried this unit out?
Update 4/30/15: I received my new $166, including shipping, Curt 13102 trailer hitch from Ebay today and installed it in about two hours . I am very happy with it as it appears to be good quality and the install was pretty easy.
The $55 luggage rack cross bars seem to get good reviews too.
Is the rear bumper different than the one that comes with the non-tow hitch GL450's? I've looked on my bumper and I can't see anyplace to "cut" for the tow hitch.
Originally Posted by jimmyp
I did my install on a 2010 they forgot to give you the rear bumper that connects to the hitch, also my frame rails were cast iron peices yours look different. Maybe its a early year thats why
On my 2007 GL450 the Curt hitch (13102) bolts to the frame and it sits just below the bumper so no cutting is required. Later models may be different but I would the Ebay ads to reflect that.
Okay, I just installed a salvaged 2007 set onto my 2007 GL450. Liked the Execuhitch, but my extended warranty has a clause about "no aftermarket parts).
Everything installed pretty well. MY $64 question is that the strengtheners/frame rails (2, one on each side) appear to bolt onto sheet metal - and not especially thick sheet metal. I'm concerned about strength. Am I missing something?
Originally Posted by parkpaul67
I’m trying to order hitch kit for my 2008 gl450 just got all parts number from getmercedesparts.com with trailer hitch & cable kit it came out close To $665 . but Do I also need to buy lower shield ? IT’S another $ 330 for the parts. Also where exactly SAM s located so I can hook up the wire . Thanks
Doesn't installing the replacement bumper leave the bumper cover a bit weak?
Originally Posted by MercedesGL_ftw
Today, I got the tow hitch from LKQ auto parts from a 2007 GL450 and that's the one I have as well.
This was everything that came with it. Heavy duty beam for each side, including wiring. I thought it was going to be different, since on other peoples' posts I did not see exact one and the extra parts. Questions...
1. Anyone have ideas on the extra items?
2. Do I need to disconnect battery when connecting to rear SAM? (Per dealer's checking VIN, I was told that I did not need new SAM. It does have a spare plug space).
3. Are there detailed instructions, with illustrations?
4. When I take the bumper off, do I need to disable the sensors? I want to make sure that nothing gets messed up. Thank you!
5. One of the wires is ground, another plug goes to rear SAM and two fuses. I am not sure what slots the fuses go into go into? There are many different colors.
Is the rear bumper different than the one that comes with the non-tow hitch GL450's? I've looked on my bumper and I can't see anyplace to "cut" for the tow hitch.
for the oem hitch its just a little off the center of the lower curtain part. about 2 feet wide and 6" deep on the flat underside portion
Reinforced or new recalled hitch advice? Please help.
I purchased an Airstream Excella 32' that has a curb weight of 6800. The plan is to pull with my 2008 GL320 CDI. I have a CURT hitch currently but after research realize it is only rated for 3000lbs. I am doing the research to get a factory hitch second hand to install and need a little guidance. I see a lot that have the round bar and hitch mount with a small amount of welding available. Then I see a few that look redesigned and have a square cross tube and a lot more welding and material contact on the hitch part. I am wondering is this a better option and or the recalled upgraded hitch people mention? Also I am curious about the parts that go into the frame. Are the ones that are tapered better of the squared off ones? Will both or only one style fit my GL? Any advice is much appreciated. Here are some pics of what I am referring to as what I believe to be the reinforced version of the hitch. Also do I need additional reinforcement on this design too?
I wanna say Dennis has a CDI as a tow rig and would be a great resource here.
I have a gasser; but I’d be a bit hell to the no towards towing something with a high 6k weight (it’ll be much more when loaded) behind a GL.
Not that it’s any kind of comparison, but my GL 450 felt very unsettled and pushy when towing a 5k camper trailer, something my 3/4 Chevy wouldn’t bat an eyelash at.
But that’s what you have and you make do - and make better. Do your research on which rear air bags can withstand that kind of load as well.
Anyone have installation experience for trailer hitch on 2008 GL450? I picked one up from salvage yard.
I have installed GL450 trailer hitches purchased on Amazon several times and while it’s a PIA it’s doable and since you removed one in a salvage yard it should pose no problem. If it is a factory installation I can’t comment.
I know this is very late, but is it any chance that you still have pictures of your brake controller setup?
If so, can You email some to me, please? Thank You
Glenn glennlindh@hotmail.com
"While coding, the dealer needs to add vehicle code "550" to the data card, then SCN code the entire vehicle to allow for the new data code. This code is for the Trailer Hitch, which is required to exist during coding so that any necessary ECU's are receiving the proper info from the Rear-SAM. This allows the car to look for, and expect, the extra load from the brake/turn lights and relay that info to the rest of the control modules on the vehicle (ABS/Traction, Front-SAM, Instrument Cluster, Gateway, etc). We have been manually coding the Rear-SAM to expect code 550, but that only codes the Rear-SAM, not the rest of the control modules.
I use DataMB.com to find the entire data code list for the cars, if you wanted to take a look yourself. I think it's pretty cold to see all the different build codes/factory options/etc.
I have attached a .PDF our software company sent to us, a TSB from Mercedes-Benz that illustrates the necessary steps that must be taken to get the factory harness to work on a car that was not originally equipped with the Trailer option (550). Please note that it does want a new electric fan installed that is compatible with the trailer. I assume this is to increase fan output while towing, to make sure engine temps stay low. The required vehicle documentation updates start on line 19 of the PDF."
Unfortunately, I had taken to one MB dealer who said they would program and figure it out. They did not and still charged me.
I just had to take to another MB for proper programming and they followed the instructions and it worked. Hope it helps.
When the trailer wiring is installed in same fashion as OE Mercedes, the vehicle can ...
Detect presence of trailer when it's electrically connected.
Provide bulb out warning for trailer bulbs
Connect to and operate electric trailer brakes assuming you've added an aftermarket brake controller (only solution)
The vehicle normally lowers the suspension (Airmatic feature) at highway speed to provide better aero/fuel economy. ... this process doesn't occur when trailer connection is detected
If your X164 is very early production, you require replacement rear SAM. Later models not.
06-05-2014, 02:07 AM
