I forgot the trailer hitch - how screwed am I?
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GL550
I forgot the trailer hitch - how screwed am I?
I just purchased a CPO 2013 GL550 and realized it is missing the trailer hitch (really stupid these are not standard IMO) and will need to add one. How much damage $$ am I looking at? I don't need the controls up front as I won't be towing a boat or anything large. More for just a small trailer or to haul bikes.
Any advice would be welcome. Thanks everyone.
Any advice would be welcome. Thanks everyone.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Mar 2015
Posts: 57
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GL550
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Mar 2015
Posts: 57
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GL550
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A gaggle of MB's
Please understand that your "hitch install" depend entirely on what your towing needs are:
1) If you want a hitch for bike/accessory carrier, or for additional safety in the event of a rear-end collision - with no electrical hookups.
2) If you want a hitch with "normal" towing capability with electrical hookups
3) If you want a hitch for "heavy duty" or "long distance" towing - with electrical hookups, and in addition you want to have (a) MB anti-see/saw - requires different rear SAM module - and/or (b) to add a proportional brake controller - which is best for you to add wireless proportional brake controller to the trailer - with wireless controller which doesn't require anything more from MB
If the dealer is adding (1) only for $1200 - without electrical - you could have a trailer hitch shop add a Curt hitch for less - like $600-$700
If the dealer is adding (2) - MB hitch with wiring hookup - for $1200 - then they must be experienced since MB does not have a "hitch wiring kit" - and that wiring for the hitch has to be put in by a expert. Independent install of a Curt hitch, plus wiring and the small Curt or other wiring module, running that power connect up to the battery - a independent hitch guy would charge me $800-$900 for that.
On #3 - (a) a new/different SAM module I have not quoted recently - "guesstimate" MB SAM and install pricey, about $1200-$1600 - a "guesstimate only.for (b) a wireless proportional brake controller - $400 installed with cig lighter plug-in for the controller.
Hope this helps !
1) If you want a hitch for bike/accessory carrier, or for additional safety in the event of a rear-end collision - with no electrical hookups.
2) If you want a hitch with "normal" towing capability with electrical hookups
3) If you want a hitch for "heavy duty" or "long distance" towing - with electrical hookups, and in addition you want to have (a) MB anti-see/saw - requires different rear SAM module - and/or (b) to add a proportional brake controller - which is best for you to add wireless proportional brake controller to the trailer - with wireless controller which doesn't require anything more from MB
If the dealer is adding (1) only for $1200 - without electrical - you could have a trailer hitch shop add a Curt hitch for less - like $600-$700
If the dealer is adding (2) - MB hitch with wiring hookup - for $1200 - then they must be experienced since MB does not have a "hitch wiring kit" - and that wiring for the hitch has to be put in by a expert. Independent install of a Curt hitch, plus wiring and the small Curt or other wiring module, running that power connect up to the battery - a independent hitch guy would charge me $800-$900 for that.
On #3 - (a) a new/different SAM module I have not quoted recently - "guesstimate" MB SAM and install pricey, about $1200-$1600 - a "guesstimate only.for (b) a wireless proportional brake controller - $400 installed with cig lighter plug-in for the controller.
Hope this helps !
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Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Mar 2015
Posts: 57
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GL550
Please understand that your "hitch install" depend entirely on what your towing needs are:
1) If you want a hitch for bike/accessory carrier, or for additional safety in the event of a rear-end collision - with no electrical hookups.
2) If you want a hitch with "normal" towing capability with electrical hookups
3) If you want a hitch for "heavy duty" or "long distance" towing - with electrical hookups, and in addition you want to have (a) MB anti-see/saw - requires different rear SAM module - and/or (b) to add a proportional brake controller - which is best for you to add wireless proportional brake controller to the trailer - with wireless controller which doesn't require anything more from MB
If the dealer is adding (1) only for $1200 - without electrical - you could have a trailer hitch shop add a Curt hitch for less - like $600-$700
If the dealer is adding (2) - MB hitch with wiring hookup - for $1200 - then they must be experienced since MB does not have a "hitch wiring kit" - and that wiring for the hitch has to be put in by a expert. Independent install of a Curt hitch, plus wiring and the small Curt or other wiring module, running that power connect up to the battery - a independent hitch guy would charge me $800-$900 for that.
On #3 - (a) a new/different SAM module I have not quoted recently - "guesstimate" MB SAM and install pricey, about $1200-$1600 - a "guesstimate only.for (b) a wireless proportional brake controller - $400 installed with cig lighter plug-in for the controller.
Hope this helps !
1) If you want a hitch for bike/accessory carrier, or for additional safety in the event of a rear-end collision - with no electrical hookups.
2) If you want a hitch with "normal" towing capability with electrical hookups
3) If you want a hitch for "heavy duty" or "long distance" towing - with electrical hookups, and in addition you want to have (a) MB anti-see/saw - requires different rear SAM module - and/or (b) to add a proportional brake controller - which is best for you to add wireless proportional brake controller to the trailer - with wireless controller which doesn't require anything more from MB
If the dealer is adding (1) only for $1200 - without electrical - you could have a trailer hitch shop add a Curt hitch for less - like $600-$700
If the dealer is adding (2) - MB hitch with wiring hookup - for $1200 - then they must be experienced since MB does not have a "hitch wiring kit" - and that wiring for the hitch has to be put in by a expert. Independent install of a Curt hitch, plus wiring and the small Curt or other wiring module, running that power connect up to the battery - a independent hitch guy would charge me $800-$900 for that.
On #3 - (a) a new/different SAM module I have not quoted recently - "guesstimate" MB SAM and install pricey, about $1200-$1600 - a "guesstimate only.for (b) a wireless proportional brake controller - $400 installed with cig lighter plug-in for the controller.
Hope this helps !
I might have a local guy look at it once the car gets delivered.
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