jmorik

Has anyone attempted to install the 2014 spec'd Curt Hitch on a 2015? Have there been any changes to the body style that would effect this install? I've checked with Curt and eTrailer, both can't confirm that it'll fit. I checked with MB parts department on part numbers for a 2014 hitch and 2015 hitch. The gentleman on the phone seemed a bit confused and said that they were the same part number, however I'm not 100% confident.

davatk

I'm not sure, but I do have one that fits a 2013/2014 along with the wiring kit that I will be selling very soon. Less than 6 months old. I have it on a leased vehicle and want to take it off before I turn it in. I will make you a good deal on it if you are interested.

Thanks,

Dave

MRGLK

I too would love this information. Seems like there's bits and pieces everywhere but nothing concrete.

Does it fit properly... Yes or No?
Are things being modded .... Yes or No?

Someone has to have installed one.

smith.paul.866

I have attempted to install the 2014 hitch on the 2015. The hitch goes on the vehicle but does not sit centre. The cutouts on the trailer hitch are not in the right place and caused the hitch to sit off centre and higher on the right side

Hope this helps

jmorik

Well I went for it with the 2014 Curt hitch. Although it was incredibly difficult, it installed without any modifications. Mine sits dead center. I measured from the floor to the bottom of the cross tube, at a distance of 8" from the sides of the receiver, and have a 2 millimeter difference. The right side being higher. I can live with it though. If your going to do it yourself, invest in some exhaust removal pliers. I got Lisle #38350 from Amazon for around $17. Impossible to do otherwise. However getting them back on is incredibly easy, no lube required. I will probably hold off on towing anything until Curt signs off on the hitch. Hopefully that won't be long. Maybe if enough of us harass them they"ll hurry it along. I haven't done anything with electrical yet. Hope this helps and ask away on addition questions.

MRGLK

Any recent developments with the hitch? Have you tried towing as of yet? I personally dont think a 2mm variance is going to be an issue.

jmorik

Haven't towed as I don't have the electrical cut in yet. I wish these hitch manufacturers would get a move on already. I have used the receiver bike racks with great success.

MRGLK

Any thoughts of using the MB wiring harness? I am currently waiting to hear if its a plug n play harness or if they need to splice in as well

CBR Dude

The aftermarket ones hang below the rear facia. You won't like it if you like a clean install. Check out etrailer.com for all the specs, ect.

CBR Dude

You might also get check if the harness requires a SAM reprogram as you are drawing more power and the SAM picks this up!!

MRGLK

Not to concerned with clean install, bought the glk to tow a small boat. What is this SAM that you are referring to?

CBR Dude

SAM, signal acquisition module


I'm not sure where it's located within the vehicle. Mercedes controls it with the STAR (Their version of reading and programing the vehicle)


It's part of the brains for the vehicle. For example if the bulb burns out it sends a signal to the dash to let you know, hey there's a bulb burned out.


If you have purchased an adapter wiring kit, you should be OK. It's when you tap/splice into the wiring harness is where the trouble starts.


I have a GL550 with the factory hitch. I've not towed anything yet with it. I bought it last fall and pretty much boating season was done by then. My trailer is also 100% LED. It had been the traditional incandescent bulbs when I bought it. Long story short, Load-rite replaced the harness and all the lights to LED. There was a short in the line someplace and they were not able to locate it after replacing light by light. I've also read where some of LED lights have caused issues as they don't draw as much current and the SAM thinks there's a problem even with the factory set up. That may have been just one person as several others that I've spoken with have the LED's and have had no issues.


On my wife's Lexus LX570 when you plug the trailer in to the factory socket under the bumper several things happen. The rear hatch becomes manual vs. electric to keep you from opening it into what ever you are pulling. A trailer image pops up on the back up camera to remind you that you are pulling a trailer. Also it activates something within the transmission so you don't burn it up. Lock-up? Runs the cooling fan 100%. I'm not sure what happens on a Benz.


etrailer is where I got my hitch for my Honda and also the harness too. Both were plug and play, meaning nothing was cut in the process of installation. The Honda had a dedicated plug inside behind the trim panel where the harness plugged right into. Nothing to my knowledge happens when you plug in the trailer on the Honda. Also etrailer provides PDF's and video of most installations.


Also neither of my trailers have brakes which are a separate issue and requires even more technical advice than what's listed here in this thread. If your intent is to pull a trailer with brakes you should consult a professional shop vs. this forum.

HONDO250

I made a similar inquiry a year ago concerning a Curt receiver.After market
The process of installing requires detaching (temporary )supports of the exhaust system,jacking up & the altering wires (clipping ** possible)
attachment of the altered electrical system will void your warranty.
Gross Tongue Weight :GTW
the OEM hitch is a class two receiver 1 1/4 opening (max) GTW 350 maximum.
The GLK 250 BT has some limits
There are some sites on the web that explain the modification of the suspension system.
There is a process involved that is not simple , there are stories of off-roading GLK 250 BT *( MB types from others country on the Dakar) Lifts/special tires /shocks

It is a personal decision concerning as to your motoring pleasure

jmorik

The receiver is now listed on Curt for the 2015, and is the same model as the previous years. I ordered mine through Amazon, as well as the highly recommended tool for the exhaust hangers. Only thing left now is the electrical for the 15' Montauk to hit the water.

HONDO250

I investigated a Curt & if your vehicle is a MB GLK Class receiver: can not exceed 350 Tongue weight GLK has a OEM Class two receiver is 1& 1/4 .
If you have a receiver with a 2 inch ,the tongue weight cannot exceed 350LBS .
After market are available but suspension sag will be noticed at 350 LBS
A four bicycle carrier rack is 150 LBS .
The question about wiring was answered & warranty is always factor if you clip wires.

How much weight you carry on roof & in the space behind back seat...If you carrying a Spare tire in that area...it's weight.
There is no room for any kind of spare where the Jack & tools are located...Weight is the reason for run Flat tires/no spare.
I am sure that others on the MB Forum that can assist you with a safe application...installation advice.

MRGLK

Any info regarding wiring?

CBR Dude

DO NOT cut or splice into the wiring in the vehicle. Otherwise you will drive the SAM completely nuts! Mercedes sells the harness that plugs into the OEM wiring.
























I know there is an aftermarket kit available.


try www.etrailer.com

MRGLK

Do you have any info regarding the mb harness? I have been contacting various dealerships with no prevail. Do you have a part # or an ide on the install process?

Any info would be a huge help.

jmorik

I went to the local MB dealership today and was told that the wiring harness is part of the whole kit, and can't be ordered separately. Kit would include the receiver. Also told kit is $1000+labor. Desperately in need of a wiring harness as well.

jmorik

Forum member davatk was selling the hitch and wiring assembly a short while back. His post lists Curt Trailer Wiring Kit # 56190, as the wiring assembly used.

CBR Dude

The aftermarket kit will work! It's all plug and play no cutting of the OEM wires. You will need to run a wire up to the battery for the added draw on the electrics.


I'm sure it's a 10th of the cost of what Mercedes wants.


What are you guys thinking of pulling? I can only hope it's not a 21ft Air Stream!


If you're going aftermarket hitch too. Remember the weight limit of the vehicle not the 2" receiver that you think pulls 12K!


Also The OEM set up does not employ any added cooling, battery, alternator, brakes, ect. These keep the transmission and the electrics happy when pulling the added weight! I've seen some pretty stupid guys on this site and others thinking with the wrong head. The occasional tow and utility trailer is fine. Anything else and you're asking for trouble and will burn up the trans.

MRGLK

I have been in contact with mb about the harness only which is available here in canada for $250 but they say theres 7 hours of labour to install. Making it a $1200 harness. I only plan on towing a small aluminum boat approx. 1500lbs total weight. Any idea if installing the curt 56190 will void warranty?

jmorik

According to the install instructions it looks like a piggy back onto the wires and a power feed to the battery. Maybe davatk will weigh in on any pitfalls/hazards.

For me the heaviest tow would be a 15ft Montauk. Other than that its a bike rack or a 4x8 aluminum trailer. Although that airstream would be nice!

MRGLK

With the curt 56190 wiring set up. Do i have to wire direct to the batter or and i pull the 12v from my rear aux power plug in the trunk?

fabbrisd1

ALWAYS run electrical direct to either battery (GLK in front) or their "might" be a GLK electrical junction around/under 2nd row seat area - note on ML/GL the Mercedes rear factory tow package also changes the SAM - which takes care of advanced tow stuff like anti-see/saw - but GLK does not have that control ability.

You can check the Curt site for video install instructions (that video was done by my local installer for Curt) and/or just have U-Haul quote the whole damn install/wire hookup.

For wiring into the rear there is a Curt recommended rear electronic wiring module - common for post-factory installs..