detroitdozer

So I am new to this forum because after extensive "Googling" and other searching there is a significant lack of detail on adding non-OEM towing components to a 2015 GLK 350. There are a few topics on the GLK 250 and a brief thread on the 350 but no real answer. Well, here is what I found:

1. etrailer.com will tell you that you have to use OEM wiring to make a trailer connection, that is not true! There is a Curt kit that will indeed work but it was on back order with them until April.

2. I went with U-Haul, their kit #14493, installed it was just over $100.00, and works perfectly. The part itself is $39.95 and the install is pretty basic but for $60 bucks the value to me was there to have it installed.

3. I purchased a Reese hitch, part #44690, from Amazon, $191.29 with free Prime shipping to my door. Took longer to to take it out of the packaging than it did to install. Very simple, no cutting or drilling, no dropping exhaust, have a helper to assist with the lining up of the holes.

I use mine to tow a 3 rail motorcycle trail and it works perfectly!

Cheers,

Dozer

bop11

Nice, Looks like you got the tongue weight just right. Surprised the rails hang that far out behind the lights. The way people tail gate around here, there will be some broken grills and head lights.
How much rise do you have on the ball mount?

Lazarus Long

A question about the hitch:

Is there a reason you didn't buy the hitch from UHaul?

Do they only install them, not supply them?

Is the Reese hitch better?

You just wanted to do it yourself?

I'm still trying to figure out the best route to take.

detroitdozer

I believe it is a 4" rise.

detroitdozer

U-Haul does supply them, just saving a few bucks by doing it myself. I believe the U-Haul hitch is a Reese hitch, the directions on the U-Haul website are the same that I got with my Reese.

The hitch was easy, it was the wiring that making me worried that I did not get the tow package as a factory option but all good now!

rostov

How fast can you safely go with this kind of trailers? I am debating on hauling vs shipping my motorcycle across the country...

detroitdozer

I cruise at 75 mph with no issue.....

rostov

Thanks!

Lazarus Long

Another stupid question:

How much butchery is required to install the hitch? The reason I ask is I also want to put a hitch on my Corvette (C5). I saw a YouTube video of an install (not on a vette) where the guy drilled huge holes in the frame so he could get the anchors in.

Made me a bit squeamish about doing that to my Vette.

I won't tow anything, it's just for a bike rack.

mjhawkins2346

No one will do a "lite" installation of a hitch to service a bike rack but not tow. Once the hitch is there someone can tow and the liability risk is off the chart.
I'm wondering if Reese, U Haul or Curt hitches tie into the stability links in the ECS system. I know the factory hitch makes a point of "knowing" there's a trailer in tow and assisting with yaw, wander and jack knifing.

Quiet12

I added one on my 2011 GLK, I did not bother with the wiring since I only added it for my bike rack. But you are correct in that it is super easy to install and the if you use some masking tape to hold the shims in place its a cake walk.

just my 2 cents

CERNICALO1

Hello Guys,

Has anyone experienced crackling noises coming from the hitch area when accelerating the car kind of hard in 1st and 2nd gear? I suspect the minor warping of the body which may occur in these circumstances may cause some rubbing with my aftermarket 3 point hitch. Any thoughts would be appreciated.

detroitdozer

I did notice a noise after the hitch was installed, as far as I could tell it was related to the exhaust system and resonance basically.

CERNICALO1

Many thanks for responding to my question. I actually have the Draw-Tite (75774) 3 point hitch, which I am pretty sure does not interfere with any part of the exhaust/suspension. I was just hoping someone had an answer for creaking noises due to minor warping of the car body, and the relative movement it causes with respect to the hitch (tied to the body of the car)./

Regards,