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A few important caveats. The above instructions are for the 463 chassis which should be applicable with the MY '09 changes as the overall vehicle structure remains the same. What has altered significantly are the towing capacities. These are taken from the German spec sheet:
G550 unbraked 750kg/ braked 2850 kg
G55 unbraked 750kg/ braked 3500 kg
In either case the factory spec tongue weight is 12%
I've towed using an aftermarket hitch with a 2005 G500 in the past. I'm currently looking to obtain a G55 with the intent of towing an approx 4500 lb load also. Hope this helps!
A few important caveats. The above instructions are for the 463 chassis which should be applicable with the MY '09 changes as the overall vehicle structure remains the same.
All well and good, except that the vehicle structure has not remained the same. The mounting plate on the frame is no longer present on 2009-2010 MBUSA G500's. There's not any place to mount the hitch.
I know of a guy who sold a 2009 MBUSA G500 with less than 1,000 miles on the clock, because it could not be set up to tow.
All well and good, except that the vehicle structure has not remained the same. The mounting plate on the frame is no longer present on 2009-2010 MBUSA G500's. There's not any place to mount the hitch.
I know of a guy who sold a 2009 MBUSA G500 with less than 1,000 miles on the clock, because it could not be set up to tow.
Very interesting feedback, thanks. I'm surpised to hear the US G500s structurally are different than the rest of the world. Dosen't make sense economically or otherwise. I do know for a fact that the hitch can be installed on current G55s. I'm wondering if there are any motivated G550 owners out there willing to post some pics of the rear undercarriage? We should be able to then see what the possibilities are.
Very interesting feedback, thanks. I'm surpised to hear the US G500s structurally are different than the rest of the world. Dosen't make sense economically or otherwise. I do know for a fact that the hitch can be installed on current G55s. I'm wondering if there are any motivated G550 owners out there willing to post some pics of the rear undercarriage? We should be able to then see what the possibilities are.
I guess it depends on your definition of "current". Call a dealer to ask them.
This has been discussed at length on the forum where G-Class enthusiasts congregate; and is old news..
You are correct, though while this may be old news for some, there will always be those looking for detailed answers. Hence this forum and the original poster's question. Below is a link with visual proof as to why a hitch cannot be installed on the MY 2009+ G550. Turns out the fuel tank configuration is different for the US, necessitating removal of the mounting plate. I will try to reconfirm in the next few days as to whether this applies to the G55 as well.
You are correct, though while this may be old news for some, there will always be those looking for detailed answers. Hence this forum and the original poster's question. Below is a link with visual proof as to why a hitch cannot be installed on the MY 2009+ G550. Turns out the fuel tank configuration is different for the US, necessitating removal of the mounting plate. I will try to reconfirm in the next few days as to whether this applies to the G55 as well.
It's not the fuel tank configuration itself that is different in the US. It's the same as the ROW.
It is the US NHTSA/DOT requirement for puncture resistance in a rear end collision that's different from the ROW; thereby necessitating a different protection plate and the elimination of the hitch as a possible puncture causing implement.
PS - the reason for my response about "old news" was the fact that a newbie was questioning 25+ years of experience with the G.
PPS - The main differences between the G550 and the G55 are the engine and the transmission and some minor differences in brakes and suspension. I think you'll find the fuel tank located in the same puncture potential location.
Forgive me for inquiring about a more detailed explanation for your inital response. I didn't realize that a "newbie" (of 3 years and 6 MBs) wasn't entitled to further discussion about a particular topic of interest to us all. In this instance, I hope you can see fit to realize that some of the confusion stems from the fact that the US MB site currently states that the MY '10 G550 is capable of towing 3500 lbs.
Your (eventual) detailed explanation is perfectly logical. Given the potential of these vehicles, one has to wonder if a workaround will ultimately be developed.
Given the potential of these vehicles, one has to wonder if a workaround will ultimately be developed.
If it is, it will probably not be done by MBUSA. They have never wanted this vehicle in their lineup; and still don't. They would have been happy to see it end with the Grand Edition; but were told by Stuttgart that they would continue to market the vehicle.
As an aside, the MBUSA Vice President for Marketing does not even know the proper spelling of the vehicle. That doesn't portent for a very favorable future for it in the US. I, personally, think it's part of MBUSA's plan. Because it won't tow, it cuts down the number of sales. They can then go to Stuttgart and say: "Listen to what we told you. This vehicle just won't sell in the US."
Can it Possibly be that the G55 can tow because it does not have the 7-speed tranny that the G550 has?
Nope. The newer G's cannot tow because of the location of the gasoline tank and its susceptibility to puncture from a rear end collision. The hitch is looked upon as a puncture instrument.
I know of a guy who sold a 2009 MBUSA G500 with less than 1,000 miles on the clock, because it could not be set up to tow.
Thx for the info dutch
Good for him, wow bet he was p!ssed when he found out...total joke from Benz, this thing's meant to be a truck...no excuse not to be able to tow at least 5k when japanese and euro rivals are rated to tow 8,000-9,000 pounds...
Dutch is absolutely correct with his prior statements.
For clarification, the G55 is rated to tow 3500kg (2850 kg for the G550) and does so everywhere else except the US. The issue in this country is the fact that the hitch assembly was not approved due to fuel tank puncture risk.
As noted in a previous post, Renntech has nicely devised a solution to this problem. That said, it is weird that MB didn't rectify the problem as the solution doesn't appear to be costly.
'06 clk55 : '18 Canyon Duramax: :91 325i : #33 So Cal Spec E30
Sorry to ressurect a thread from the dead, but I've been researching Gs for tow vehicles. I saw a G550 with a tow hitch on it yesterday. Has anything changed? Or maybe he changed the badge? It looked pretty new, and the hitch looked to be a standard "never been used" factory unit with the cover still on it. But it was definitely a class 4 receiver.
i just bought a new 2016 g550 (i'm states-side), and it does have a tow *provision* as you can see in the photo below; however, it requires an ("approved") after-market hitch. according to the 2016 brochure, the rig has "trailer stability assist" that provides for yaw control and states that it can tow up to 7,000lbs.
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren
Slideshow: A one-of-one U.S.-spec Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Roadster became even rarer after a factory-backed transformation at McLaren's headquarters.
...no excuse not to be able to tow at least 5k when japanese and euro rivals are rated to tow 8,000-9,000 pounds...
