GL Class (X166) 2013-2015 after facelift became GLS (X166)

Modded for camping and overland

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Old Sep 3, 2023 | 12:57 AM
  #1  
will tang's Avatar
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2014 GL450
Modded for camping and overland

Here is where it is at right now, I’m planning on reinforcing the front crash bar to add two front towing points, and a making a custom 2 inch lift kit.






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Old Sep 4, 2023 | 01:01 PM
  #2  
Mr MMG's Avatar
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GL500

GL doing some camping
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Old Sep 5, 2023 | 05:45 PM
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Yeffsy's Avatar
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2015 GL350 Bluetec
I'd love more details about your setup.

We have the 23Zero 180 degree awning attached to a Rhino Rack Pioneer platform (PN 52101F & SX100). Do you have the same platform? For those, like me, who watch their fuel economy we see a 10% drop in on the freeway with this rack installed. With some chairs, a popup tent, etc. straped on the platform that stick up 6-8", we saw another 5-6% drop. We get 29-30 (33 is my record) mpg without, 26-27 with the platform & awning, and 24-25 with small stuff strapped on top. We take it off when we're not using it.


Can you tell me about all of your lights? Model numbers, how you ran the wiring, switches, etc.

I too would feel better with more recovery points in the front. Do you have a plan for how you're going to do it?

Did you see the post describing using a 2" lift kit designed for a Jeep Grand Cherokee? I don't know the details and don't have the time to search now, but it seems like a good place to start.

Jeff
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Old Sep 5, 2023 | 07:17 PM
  #4  
hai00's Avatar
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From: bay area, CA
2011 e350 bluetec, 2016 gl350
On my GL350, Thule XL roof box drop mpg by 6-8% cruising around 80 mile per hour. Drop from 24 mpg, to 22.xx mpg. As fun factor, down hill grade 4-5% seems to equal to drag at around 70mph.

you guys make me want to get 18" wheels, put on K2O, and a 2 inch lift

Last edited by hai00; Sep 5, 2023 at 07:20 PM.
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Old Sep 6, 2023 | 12:47 AM
  #5  
will tang's Avatar
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2014 GL450
Originally Posted by Yeffsy
I'd love more details about your setup.

We have the 23Zero 180 degree awning attached to a Rhino Rack Pioneer platform (PN 52101F & SX100). Do you have the same platform? For those, like me, who watch their fuel economy we see a 10% drop in on the freeway with this rack installed. With some chairs, a popup tent, etc. straped on the platform that stick up 6-8", we saw another 5-6% drop. We get 29-30 (33 is my record) mpg without, 26-27 with the platform & awning, and 24-25 with small stuff strapped on top. We take it off when we're not using it.


Can you tell me about all of your lights? Model numbers, how you ran the wiring, switches, etc.

I too would feel better with more recovery points in the front. Do you have a plan for how you're going to do it?

Did you see the post describing using a 2" lift kit designed for a Jeep Grand Cherokee? I don't know the details and don't have the time to search now, but it seems like a good place to start.

Jeff
mine is a 2014 v8, if I get 19mpg stock, rn it’s about 17.5mpg. I got a universal roof rack, about 51”x 63” almost the same size as the smallest yamaka rack.

all my lights are from Amazon, tbh they perform well for their price. It lighted up trails at night really well. Throw lights very far ahead.

For recovery points, I’m planning on just welding on some to the front crash bar. It’s about 3/16 steel bumper, it should have enough strength since oem recovery points is also there.

I 3D printed some rear spring spacers, it’s in testing phase right now.
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Old May 29, 2025 | 08:23 PM
  #6  
yovenim's Avatar
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just looking
Originally Posted by Yeffsy
I'd love more details about your setup.

We have the 23Zero 180 degree awning attached to a Rhino Rack Pioneer platform (PN 52101F & SX100). Do you have the same platform? For those, like me, who watch their fuel economy we see a 10% drop in on the freeway with this rack installed. With some chairs, a popup tent, etc. straped on the platform that stick up 6-8", we saw another 5-6% drop. We get 29-30 (33 is my record) mpg without, 26-27 with the platform & awning, and 24-25 with small stuff strapped on top. We take it off when we're not using it.


Can you tell me about all of your lights? Model numbers, how you ran the wiring, switches, etc.

I too would feel better with more recovery points in the front 270 awning. Do you have a plan for how you're going to do it?

Did you see the post describing using a 2" lift kit designed for a Jeep Grand Cherokee? I don't know the details and don't have the time to search now, but it seems like a good place to start.

Jeff
Sounds like a good approach. Reinforcing the front crash bar for towing points will add durability, and a custom 2-inch lift should improve clearance. Just ensure everything is properly secured and aligned for safety and performance.
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Old May 30, 2025 | 03:19 AM
  #7  
L&N Caravan's Avatar
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2003 E320 4matic wagon
Does your GL have the off-road “vehicle rising” package?
why the 2” lift out of curiosity - why not more?
Believe if vehicle equipped w/ off-road package height goes up by 3-4” via air suspension. Mine a 2014 550.
Family takes her to Death Valley every year and Mahagony Flat at 8500’ is a favorite up the goat trail. Been thinking about off-road tires but just airing down enables so much access - hard pack and soft sand but no deep mud or water crossings.
agreed, gotta have something on front for recovery or self-winching out. Thanks for posting about this topic.
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Old Aug 17, 2025 | 03:18 PM
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2015 GL350
Originally Posted by will tang
Here is where it is at right now, I’m planning on reinforcing the front crash bar to add two front towing points, and a making a custom 2 inch lift kit.





This all looks awesome! How did you achieve the updated look on the grille? Is it individual vinyl?
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