Do you need the "Tow Package" with the GL 450 to have the 7,500 towing capacity? What is included in the "Tow Package"?

 

The factory installed tow package is 3 main components:

1) The structural hardware for the hitch receptacle

2) Wiring for trailer

3) Additional software for satiability control system

And yes, the factory package is certified for the full 7500lbs. Watch the tongue weight limit in addition to the total limit.

IMHO, if one is shopping for a used GL and wants to tow, hold out for a GL with the factory package. It will save tons of grief.

 

Thank you.

 

Perfect! These are the answers I’m looking for, thank you. I agree wholeheartedly with buying a used GL with a tow package already installed, as I’m dealing with “the grief” now…

 

I also believe the tow package includes increased cooling capacity

 

Some various notes about my 2013 GL450 with factory tow package: The brake controller wiring was tucked under the edge of the carpet behind the brake pedal in the drivers footwell. It was plenty long enough to mount my brake controller in the center console next to the cupholders. There is no "tow mode" manual setting like I've had in other vehicles, it recognizes that your trailer is plugged in and adjusts the software. It disables the blind spot monitoring, and tells you that every time you start the car with the trailer connected. I've towed close to the 7500 pound limit for thousands of miles with my GL450, even over the Rocky Mountains in the heat of August (the temp gauge got a little warm but no failures), it's a great tow vehicle. I am careful with the hitch weight, I adjust my travel trailer load to keep the weight over the trailer axles and also don't put much weight in the back of the GL. I use a weight distribution hitch and sway control, it's rock solid even with my 31 foot trailer passing semis on the freeway. I've also upgraded my tires to "extra load" rating so I can run higher PSI in them while towing. It firms up the ride slightly, taking away a little of the floatiness. I use strap-on side mirror extensions because my trailer is long, they really help. The GL has small mirrors and they aren't great for towing. I also added a cheap $30 TPMS system to my trailer tires and have the wireless monitor temporarily in the center console while towing. It works great, I didn't want to mount anything to the dashboard. Take your GL with trailer attached onto a trucking scale, to make sure the weight distribution is ok. Be prepared for people to ask you questions about how you are able to tow a large heavy trailer with a Mercedes, they think you need a Dodge 2500 dually diesel to tow anything larger than a utility trailer, lol.

 

I've towed a bit with my 2013 GL450 with an aftermarket hitch. It does bolt to the frame. Feels solid and safe when towing moderate weights, maybe 4000 lbs. It does get very gas hungry though, 8 to 9 mpg. Was hoping it would be over 10 mpg, but it is what it is.

 

I tow a decent size dog trailer with my GL550.. just added a brake package and brakes to the trailer. It was a pleasant surprise when I found out the GL had a pre wired connector under the dash.. made that job less than 60 minutes and works great. My mileage drops from 19-21 with no trailer to 14-17 mpg with the trailer .. the 550 has plenty of power.. also I highly recommend the Signature series Amsoil tranny fluid… 45k miles with 15k miles towing and fluid looked beautiful and zero metal in pan and the GL has 130k miles on it .