srfrboy

Looking for some direction on where to get a tranny cooler for my GL550. I am planning on towing my boat this summer and would like to be proactive when it comes to the transmission. The boat and trailer combined weight is around 5000 lbs. Thanks for the help.

KrustyKustom

It already has a cooler on it

srfrboy

I understand that there is a factory transmission cooler. However, it is pretty small and replacing it for towing with a larger one might make sense.

CBR Dude

Does anyone know what you actually get when you pay for the hitch package on the GL? IE: bigger rotors, bigger battery, bigger alternator and bigger cooler and electrics for the trailer?


Most trailering packages come with these items. Not so sure that Benz came with them?

KrustyKustom

The only thing I think you get when you have the factory tow bar is a trailer towing stabilizing module that works with the ABS that helps with trailer sway etc. I think they call it a SAM, signal acquisition module.

but, I have a lowly GL350...so maybe different on a high roller 550?

CBR Dude

I think you're on the right track. I suspect it activates when you plug something in the tow plug? Otherwise how would the vehicle know you're towing?


On some vehicles I know when you plugged anything into the outlet lots of stuff happens to help the driver know they are possible towing something behind the vehicle.


As far as what I've been reading that about all you get with the tow package on the Benz.


I've not towed anything yet with mine. This summer I will. My trailer is all LED I changed over as my bulbs were burning out hand over fist. I've seen some scuttle about the LED's but not tested that theory yet. I've not had any issues running the trailer on my Honda or Lexus.

KrustyKustom

I tow an Airstream travel trailer that has all led exterior lights with no problem. My 2011 has the led tailights so maybe the computer is dialed in for it?

CBR Dude

There is some cooler that sits in front of the radiator towards the bottom. Not sure it's a trans cooler or art of the A/C? One can only hope it's not intergraded into the radiator like the domestic stuff is.


I've seen some pretty stupid people on here pull way too much with the GL.


This vehicle is not set up to pull that kind of weight. An occasional tow here and there but not trekking cross country.


They see the 2" receiver and away they go! Asking for trouble!

CBR Dude

So the LEDs have not caused you any heartburn?


I saw someone having issues. Could have had a short too. Tripping the SAM?


I had nothing but issues with the traditional bulbs. I would start out working and by trips end dead in the water. Nothing worked. I had to get the trailer rep of load rite involved. They tore out the entire harness and started from scratch. They also converted everything over to LED. Have not had a problem since. I suspect it was a ground issue. The LED tail lights have their own ground where the bulbs used the mounting studs as the ground.


I'll report back this summer.