Tow Package Install
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Newbie
Joined: Apr 2008
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GL
Tow Package Install
I am considering buying a used GL450 without the tow package, but would like to add the ability to tow. Does anyone know if the MB OEM hitch is a bolt on install. Would I also need a transmission cooler and power sterring cooler to get the full 7500 lb towing capacity or are these items already installed at the factory?
Thanks,
Shawn
Thanks,
Shawn
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 292
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From: Las Vegas, NV
GL450 (Alabaster White/Black Interior)
I ordered the tow hitch option on mine. Other than the hitch and the 7 pin connector I don't think anything else is included when you get this option. I may be wrong but I am pretty sure that mine does not have any additional transmission cooling or other tow related features.
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From: Scottsdale, AZ
2004 RX330, 2008 Scion xB, 2001 Honda Insight Hybrid, 2010 Toyot Prius v ATP
I am considering buying a used GL450 without the tow package, but would like to add the ability to tow. Does anyone know if the MB OEM hitch is a bolt on install. Would I also need a transmission cooler and power sterring cooler to get the full 7500 lb towing capacity or are these items already installed at the factory?
I've been threatening to put the tow hitch on my 320 for some time now and based on what investigations I've done, it's a dealer-installed option for me all the way. I'm not that handy, I'll break something important! (Possibly on me!)
STP
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From: Albuquerque
'10 CL550, '12 GL550
Mercedes comes with what you will need within specs listed in owners manual.
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From: Scottsdale, AZ
2007 GL320 CDI, 2001 TJ Rockcrawler, 2005 Scoobie STI
Well not quite... Try telling that to someone that had to spend a couple of grand to have their tow package installed at the dealer because the SAM (Signal Acquisition/Activation Module) unit did not include the proper functionality to work with a trailer brake controller.
Super Member
Joined: Apr 2008
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From: Cali
2011 GL450
My friend just had this done. He bolted on the hitch himself but had to have a control unit/module added and programed so the car would identify the trailer and also so the trailer lights would work.
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GL
Thanks for the feedback and information. I have called 2 dealers in the Altanta area and both service depts. have told me that a trailer hitch cannot be retrofitted. I guess I will try some more dealers. I used to be a Mechanical Engineer so I would do the mechnical bolt on myself, but would need the dealer to do the SAM programming. I just want to be sure that once complete, I get the full 7500lb towing capacity
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Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 292
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From: Las Vegas, NV
GL450 (Alabaster White/Black Interior)
Thanks for the feedback and information. I have called 2 dealers in the Altanta area and both service depts. have told me that a trailer hitch cannot be retrofitted. I guess I will try some more dealers. I used to be a Mechanical Engineer so I would do the mechnical bolt on myself, but would need the dealer to do the SAM programming. I just want to be sure that once complete, I get the full 7500lb towing capacity
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From: Spicewood, TX
2008 GL 320, 2007 Silverado LTZ C3500 Duramax Turbo Diesel
Believe it or not, installing a trailer hitch is not rocket science. Yes, I know there are electrical wiring considerations as well. There are many great aftermarket installers that do this for a living, and live off of their reputations. I would not hesitate to take my GL to the same people that install accessories to my Silverado. In fact, they may be more knowledgeable than the dealership in these matters, since they specialize in it.
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Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 297
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From: Bay Area CA
2014 GL 350 blue tec
Thanks for the feedback and information. I have called 2 dealers in the Altanta area and both service depts. have told me that a trailer hitch cannot be retrofitted. I guess I will try some more dealers. I used to be a Mechanical Engineer so I would do the mechnical bolt on myself, but would need the dealer to do the SAM programming. I just want to be sure that once complete, I get the full 7500lb towing capacity
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From: Overland Park, KS
‘24 BMW iX M60
I was recently told when shopping for our GL that the Trailer tow package can be retro-fitted at the dealer but can cost approximately $2K to install. Not sure if this is correct as it seems very high, but was told it had to do with the 'chip' and software package that had to be installed also.
Bish
Bish
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Joined: Nov 2007
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From: Kennewick, WA
GL 450 and X5
My local MB dealer installed the hitch and electrical component for $1200 total. It took them a day and half because they had problems with the computer recognizing the electrical component. I hitched my trailer,connected the electrical cable to the GL and it ran as it was promised.
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From: Albuquerque
'10 CL550, '12 GL550
I was recently told when shopping for our GL that the Trailer tow package can be retro-fitted at the dealer but can cost approximately $2K to install. Not sure if this is correct as it seems very high, but was told it had to do with the 'chip' and software package that had to be installed also.
It's typical for dealer retrofit of OE parts to cost up to four times what factory option costs. In the case of trailer hitch, the parts alone cost twice the option charge.
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From: Scottsdale, AZ
2004 RX330, 2008 Scion xB, 2001 Honda Insight Hybrid, 2010 Toyot Prius v ATP
STP
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From: Columbus, OH
2008 GL 320 CDI
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Sep 2005
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From: Albuquerque
'10 CL550, '12 GL550
For the gray plastic, hitch install instructions simply specify how to make a cutout in the plastic to clear.
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From: Scottsdale, AZ
2004 RX330, 2008 Scion xB, 2001 Honda Insight Hybrid, 2010 Toyot Prius v ATP
