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I purchased this 2009 G 550 last year and this Oris tow hitch was already installed on the vehicle. I just assumed it was factory but I recently learned that the 2009 G 550 did not come with a hitch from factory.
Does anyone have any experience with towing +5000lbs with a G550? Any concerns I should have with this hitch?
My 2019 G550 is rated 7700 lbs tow weight, 4200 lbs. axle load and 500 lbs tongue weight, all ratings which are critical to observe with any vehicle. With an aftermarket hitch installation such as yours, the first step I would take is to have a trailer mechanic inspect it to ensure everything was done correctly, that its original integrity is intact and that all the bolts are torqued to spec. Keep in mind that the G's curb weight is somewhere between 5500 and 6000 lbs, and hitching up something behind you that weighs as much as your truck can quickly assume control of your driving experience in a matter of seconds. I'm never comfortable towing much more than 3500 lbs even with a large SUV. If I planned to haul a 40 ft. 7000 lb. RV, I'd probably be buying something in the F350+ class with a 5th-wheel hitch.
You are a lucky dog! Someone has gone through the trouble of nicely cutting the Pinto plate over the gas tank to gain access to the mounting points for a proper hitch. They have also installed a proper 7 pin electrical connector and presumably, the proper interface relays to the SAM. MB really screwed folks in ths regard from '09 to '12. I agree, you should have the installation checked for proper mounting before using (again, because there was some DIY involved). Even if that checks out, I would be cautious about the your tow weights, not because of fear of failure of the hitch, but because G is not the best handling of vehicles and towing something that weighs more than your truck could be a real adventure.
7000 lbs is safe if you drive at a reasonable speed and safe following distance. Too many drivers fail to appreciate the inertia that's behind them until it's too late. And when the load starts to sway, it's over.
QUOTE=Floobydust;8292975]You are a lucky dog! Someone has gone through the trouble of nicely cutting the Pinto plate over the gas tank to gain access to the mounting points for a proper hitch. They have also installed a proper 7 pin electrical connector and presumably, the proper interface relays to the SAM. MB really screwed folks in ths regard from '09 to '12. I agree, you should have the installation checked for proper mounting before using (again, because there was some DIY involved). Even if that checks out, I would be cautious about the your tow weights, not because of fear of failure of the hitch, but because G is not the best handling of vehicles and towing something that weighs more than your truck could be a real adventure.[/QUOTE]
Thanks! It looked so good that I thought it was factory.
Originally Posted by almostordinary
I towed my project pig of a scout with no issues.
International Scout II Traveler w/ 454 auto 4x4 ~5,000 lbs and a uhaul trailer ~2,000 lbs.
Nice looking combo!
Originally Posted by streborx
7000 lbs is safe if you drive at a reasonable speed and safe following distance. Too many drivers fail to appreciate the inertia that's behind them until it's too late. And when the load starts to sway, it's over.
I will likely play it pretty safe. This is not something I would be doing on a regular basis, but I would like to know it is there if needed.
Originally Posted by streborx
My 2019 G550 is rated 7700 lbs tow weight, 4200 lbs. axle load and 500 lbs tongue weight, all ratings which are critical to observe with any vehicle. With an aftermarket hitch installation such as yours, the first step I would take is to have a trailer mechanic inspect it to ensure everything was done correctly, that its original integrity is intact and that all the bolts are torqued to spec. Keep in mind that the G's curb weight is somewhere between 5500 and 6000 lbs, and hitching up something behind you that weighs as much as your truck can quickly assume control of your driving experience in a matter of seconds. I'm never comfortable towing much more than 3500 lbs even with a large SUV. If I planned to haul a 40 ft. 7000 lb. RV, I'd probably be buying something in the F350+ class with a 5th-wheel hitch.
My goal would be a small travel trailer a few times a year to take my small boys camping in nearby cities. Will keep this in mind. Thanks
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