byroncheung

Want to add a hitch to my 2013 gl450 the oem ones look pricey (> 800). I just want to haul bicycles and things like that not really planning to haul trailer so I guess I don't really care about wiring. Found these cheaper one http://www.hitchsource.com/class-iii...h-p-33439.html are they good / ok?

fabbrisd1

Many of the U-Haul retail outlets are now hitch-install-centers.

You want a Curt aftermarket hitch - and frankly U-Haul has national account with Curt - so cirrect Curt hitch installed - w/no wiring - "propably" about $300-$325 - let them handle the whole shebang - they get your correct hitch in and "boom" they install it !

byroncheung

thanks for your suggestion. although i looked at some review of their installation most of them wasn't too flattering... maybe i'll just DIY...

Mike450

I agree, but they installed mine when my truck had <1000 miles without issue.

Either way, it's no very complicated, but requires removal of rear bumper cover and dropping the exhaust tips.

byroncheung

i see. Good to know you had good experience. Which year was your GL? No need to cut heat shield?

fabbrisd1

If your research the Curt model# hitch for your rig - by MB year and MB model - that same Curt model# page "should" have a link to downloadable pdf straight forward install instructions.

That said - UHaul gets Curt hitches at a better price than anybody - and I do not personally know anyone who has had a problem with their install - especially when it's hitch-only/no-wiring - and frankly I have UHaul install hitch-only/no-wiring on my dealership stuff rather than than turning it over to my tech's.

Don't need to reinvent the wheel - easy to get it done - keep the beat !

byroncheung

Yes I'm aware of those instruction and have looked at it, seems not complicated but I don't have a lift/jack/jack stand that might make it a little difficult.

True that most horror stories I seems are related to wiring. You guys seem to have good experience with them I probably will give them a try! Will report back on result!

fabbrisd1

Again - UHaul takes all the pain away from learning curve...

DIY -with correct Curt# - check price on Amazon - often that ends up best price for the hitch

Mike450

I do not believe so, but as stated, uhaul did my install.

2015 GL 450

Keep in mind, if you have the active curve option, it's not possible to install these aftermarket kits.

byroncheung

actually for some reason the hitch on uhaul site is more expensive! uhaul is selling it for $229.95 while on etrailer site is only $153.68...

https://www.etrailer.com/p-C13102.html

uhaul installation is cheaper but with the price difference i could probably take it to my mechanics / bodyshop guys and come out to be about the same...

fabbrisd1

I guess some people need to take something straight forward and make it complex - this hitch could have already been done..

Mike450

That hitch has a rating of 3500lbs. The hitch uhaul installs is rated to 7500lbs.

Thats your price difference. The same 7500lb rated hitch is $223 on etrailers.

OctaviusChuck

My 2015 has the Active Curve System which I understand has a bar that interferes with the "deep" mounting point of Class III hitches. But shouldn't a Class I hitch fit?

BenzoPro

The OEM MB trailer hitches do cost more but i'll take genuine parts over aftermarket all day. I found a listing page showing OEM MB trailer hitch options based on OP's model. Here's the listing for reference https://www.mbpartsprime.com/accesso...nz~towing.html

Tirgoman

You also need to get the correct size receiver on the hitch, for a bike rack you may only need a 1&1/4 inch receiver. If you don't specify they'll put on a 2 inch and then you'll need an adapter which is a pain and really not safe. Some racks are made to fit both. Check the bike rack you want to use and make sure. In the end you want a good install, if the bike rack with the bike comes off at 50 mph you won't be happy. Plus it could do damage to the car. Get someone good to do it. And the Stealthhitch is great.