First post. Looking to pick up a used 14 GL63. One that I'm looking at didn't come with a trailer hitch from the factory. Is this a big deal to have it dealer installed? Do they just charge the 575 dollars that the option would have cost or a bit more?

Thanks in advance,

Derek

 

It will be a great bit more than a just a bit more. Talk to your dealer for specifics but there is a reason why the factory installed hitch is one of the "cheapest " options to have factory installed.

 

That's what I was guessing. Anything can be done, just costs a lot of money. Might be better to just find an example that already has one installed.

 

To clarify - the factory trailer hitch option actually has: frame mounted hitch + rear trailer wiring hookup + front/dash hookup terminal for adding a proportional brake controller + + hooks up/appears in COMAND + different rear SAM module which I understand is the home that provides anti-seesaw - so yes, the $550 is a bargain - and gives you mondo A-to-Z towing capabilities.

That said - depending on what you want to do - you might not need all that capability - bike rack/rear cargo box maybe hitch only - most small/med boats/trailers hitch + rear wiring - most advanced applications the added hookup for controller can be added/done.

Curt #13190 hitch should fit - MSRP $535 - you do a google of your area for a local installer - and call around. Rear electrical is a added interface in the rear with power wire run to front battery or to terminal block under rear seat..

Hitch/wiring - my local contracotr who is methodical probably would charge me $750-$850 hitch/rear wiring installed



That said -

 

Fab - Great info as usual. Not to hijack the thread, but can you tell me where that wiring is located for the trailer-brake controller? I was thinking of getting a wireless one but would like to know where that wiring is. Thanks!

 

Curious - what are the GL63s selling for?

 

Two ways to go:

1) RF/wireless: You can easily add a RF/wireless brake controller to both a GL/ML with factory hitch option OR to any vehicle that has a aftermarket hitch that has trailer wiring properly installed:

RF/wireless does not require "hard wiring" the controller to the tow vehicle - the RF brake controller box gets mounted to the trailer - inline between the trailer and the harness connection to the tow vehicle - then that trailer mounted control box RF pairs to the head unit inside the vehicle - and that head unit can be cig-adapter/12V outlet powered - the controller stays with the trailer - and the head unit can be easily moved between whatever tow vehicle you choose to use (or change to) down the road as long as that tow vehcile has trailer wiring hookups. See this installation video on one of the more popular RF units. http://www.etrailer.com/Brake-Contro...sha/90250.html

2) If the GL/ML has the factory installed tow option - then yes there is a hard wire connector - wrapped up with extra lead - under the dash - near the firewall - in the area of the OBD port under the dash - usually "up" higher on the cabin firewall.

I have attached page 2/3 of a "older" X164/W164 tech bulletin - photo 2 shows that wrapped and ready connector. Best found a small flashlight - wrapped and up there - use a small diagonal cutter to the zip tie up there to bring that small harness connector down.

If you don't have the factory installed hitch package - then the connector is NOT there - no factory hitch package - repeat connector NOT there.

Don't blame your Service Department if they have no understanding of the hard-wire connector on the factory hitch option - engineering wise the specialty towing area very/very well in both the X166 and W166 SUV's - but MB properly so does not want added liability here in the US for brake controller installation/usage - brake controller are not part of the MB service menu's - and generally NOT done at a MB dealer due to the enhanced US liability issues.

That all said - me/my-guys have done a "few" for close customers - have not done a 2015 "yet" - but there is no reason to think 2015 has changed from the 2014's we have done.

If it was me - I would do a RF - but that's me.

Keep the beat !

 

My 2015 GL 550 had all the right options except trailer hitch installed. Negotiated with the dealer, 50/50 split for the parts and labor. They quoted me about $1400 (P&L) with about 4 hours of labor. It ended up taking 2 days removing seats and the center console to retrofit the factory kit. It is a lot more involved than the X164 that I had to do the same. Somehow the older models are pre-wired which makes the installation much easier. I don't know why they don't pre-wire X166. Whoever option these SUV's out without the hitch should be shot. It is a $575 options from the factory. My dealer ended up not charging me extra for the labor.

 

The original owner of the OP's 14 GL63 might have bought the car from dealer stock which was not ordered and optioned with the factory hitch. I know, just doesn't make sense.

 

I was quoted $1300, so about the same.

 

has anyone done this install on their own? I am contemplating taking on this task. I was quoted about $900 in OEM parts (hitch + wiring harness)

My question is this:
1) does the SAM definitely need replacing/upgrading? I see conflicting info on this
2) where/what does the OEM wiring harness connect to?
3) is my factory warranty voided if i install the hitch myself?

thanks

 

To install the factory wiring harness properly, all interior seats and rugs need to be removed. Per my research, you will need a Starscan tool for the new harness to be recognized.

There is a youtube vid that details the installation.

I bolted the hitch up without a harness as I changed my heavy tow plans. The hitch is used primarily as bike and luggage carrier.

 

dealer quoted $1600 for the hitch and wiring harness install. A bit much but worth if if they install it properly i guess... haven't made my decision yet if i will install. it would be nice to have but i can always tow the boat with my father in law's RAM pickup if needed.

 

I have a 2013 GL450. I was looking into getting a hitch installed as well. A mech from MB recommended me to look into Uhaul. They offer lifetime warranty and for the basics, it will run you about $325. That includes the hitch receiver and installation. If you don't mind them, I would check them out.

 

I'm not crazy about the Uhaul option. Sticks out too much. Also no rear SAM update so Trailer Stabilization system will not work. May not be a huge deal if you plan on towing small/light loads.

 

$1600 for the hitch and install? That's a steal. I was quoted something north of $2500.

If I'm not mistaken, hitch and wire harness alone is near $1k alone. Then 6-8 hours of labor, I can't recal exact specifics.

I did the uhaul hitch.

 

Same here, my wife just bought a 2013 GL 450 CPO and parts offered the harness and wiring for $855. I'm open to bolting the harness up to the frame- assuming the frame is predrilled for it. I'll get the truck on Wednesday and check it out.. My sales guy also recommended the uhaul option too...only need the hitch for bikes since the roof will be loaded with a box and paddle/surfboards...

 

Rear bumper cover and exhaust tips need to be removed. No drilling required, bolts right on.

Uhaul installed price was $280.

 

I wouldn't trust U-Haul with a bike rack. Just saying...

 

Why?

It's a class 3 7500lbs hitch. How big are your bikes? Mine are well under the limit.

It's a Curt Manufactoring hitch btw.


I'll question the sturdy nature of the Thule bike rack before I question this hitch.

 

I was just making a joke-ish comment about U-Haul's rather... variable levels of mechanical expertise amongst their many locations. "Tow hitch?! I wouldn't even trust them with a bike rack!"

I'm sure it's a strong hitch, but in no way would I expect it to reliably tow 7500 lbs in a typical aftermarket installation on a unibody vehicle.

 

Well, it turned out that we ended up taking home a 2014 tonight with 9,800 miles..It's crazy, its like new... it has hitch so i guess we're all set there....ask my kids get older, I'll consider a hitch mount bike rack for their bikes and keep my on the roof.. Here in Miami, I hear about too many bikes being stolen while on the back of a ride.

 

For those that need to consider this option, it towed a 6500lb dual axle dump trailer with a brake hookup more than adequately.

Would I use it as a dedicated 6500lb trailer hauler? No, but I don't think anyone would.

And the Curt Manufacturing installed hitch uses the OEM pickup and mounting points of the OEM hitch.

 

i just bought a brand new in the box hitch with a wire harness for my X166 on eBay for $400. not sure if i'll install it yet but for that price it's a steal so i bought it. I noticed that the hitch i bought does not come with those long, bar, support looking things (see pic below). Can anyone tell me what are those and where can i get them? do i need them?

 

Does Mercedes have a towing package? If so, I bet it includes a transmission cooler. I would NOT add a hitch to a vehicle and tow with it unless I could verify that it had the transmission cooler.