Towing Capacity - Tongue Weight only 309lb?
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Jun 2018
Posts: 37
Likes: 3
2012 S550
Towing Capacity - Tongue Weight only 309lb?
Good morning,
We have a 2015 GL64 with factory hitch and wiring (7-pin). I'm trying to get an better idea of the towing capacity with respect to the tongue weight. The owner's manual states that the GL550 has a 600lb tongue weight capacity and 7500lb capacity, but the GL63 only has 309lb tongue weight with the same 7500lb capacity.
Can someone clarify why the 1/2 tongue weight? I called MB and they don't have answers. I'd like to tow a modest camper (24 feet), but the tongue weights in that size class are around the 550lb mark.
Thanks.
We have a 2015 GL64 with factory hitch and wiring (7-pin). I'm trying to get an better idea of the towing capacity with respect to the tongue weight. The owner's manual states that the GL550 has a 600lb tongue weight capacity and 7500lb capacity, but the GL63 only has 309lb tongue weight with the same 7500lb capacity.
Can someone clarify why the 1/2 tongue weight? I called MB and they don't have answers. I'd like to tow a modest camper (24 feet), but the tongue weights in that size class are around the 550lb mark.
Thanks.
Super Member
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 630
Likes: 177
From: SW Ontario Canada
2020 GLS580, 2023 Corvette Z06
Good morning,
We have a 2015 GL64 with factory hitch and wiring (7-pin). I'm trying to get an better idea of the towing capacity with respect to the tongue weight. The owner's manual states that the GL550 has a 600lb tongue weight capacity and 7500lb capacity, but the GL63 only has 309lb tongue weight with the same 7500lb capacity.
Can someone clarify why the 1/2 tongue weight? I called MB and they don't have answers. I'd like to tow a modest camper (24 feet), but the tongue weights in that size class are around the 550lb mark.
Thanks.
We have a 2015 GL64 with factory hitch and wiring (7-pin). I'm trying to get an better idea of the towing capacity with respect to the tongue weight. The owner's manual states that the GL550 has a 600lb tongue weight capacity and 7500lb capacity, but the GL63 only has 309lb tongue weight with the same 7500lb capacity.
Can someone clarify why the 1/2 tongue weight? I called MB and they don't have answers. I'd like to tow a modest camper (24 feet), but the tongue weights in that size class are around the 550lb mark.
Thanks.
Newbie
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 7
Likes: 2
2015 GL63 AMG, 2008 R350 4matic, 2007 Passat Wagon VR6/4mo, 2015 Odyssey, 1985 IROC
I'm looking into buying a 2015 GL63 and came across the low tongue weight rating for this model.
I looked at different model year operator manuals and thay are not consistent. The 2013 manual has one table for all models, 2014 through 2016 manuals show a separate table with lower values for the GL63. The 2017 GLS manual has a separate table for the 63 but the table is empty. The 2018 and 2019 GLS manuals again only have a single table for all models.
Does your hitch frame have a type plate/sticker with the ratings? What does it say?
I wonder why there is a lower rating for the AMG model in some years. Is it just a mistake or is it real? What's different about the AMG version of this vehicle? Other than the engine and transmission all relevant options on the 63 are also available on the other models (like the adaptive suspension or active curve system) but there is no lower tongue weight rating called out of those vehicles when equipped with certain options. Also, the rear axle load rating is 100kg higher on the GL63 compared to 3/4/550.
I looked at different model year operator manuals and thay are not consistent. The 2013 manual has one table for all models, 2014 through 2016 manuals show a separate table with lower values for the GL63. The 2017 GLS manual has a separate table for the 63 but the table is empty. The 2018 and 2019 GLS manuals again only have a single table for all models.
Does your hitch frame have a type plate/sticker with the ratings? What does it say?
I wonder why there is a lower rating for the AMG model in some years. Is it just a mistake or is it real? What's different about the AMG version of this vehicle? Other than the engine and transmission all relevant options on the 63 are also available on the other models (like the adaptive suspension or active curve system) but there is no lower tongue weight rating called out of those vehicles when equipped with certain options. Also, the rear axle load rating is 100kg higher on the GL63 compared to 3/4/550.
Last edited by IndyR; May 10, 2021 at 09:25 PM.
Super Member
Joined: Aug 2018
Posts: 697
Likes: 172
From: Seattle, WA
2019 M5 Comp, 2005 Ariel Atom 2
I would bet this is just a reporting error by MB. People in Europe rarely tow things larger than a small caravan, so it may be something they don't put as much effort into getting right on paper. Our 2013 GL63 has a stamp on the hitch for 600lb tongue capacity, and I see no reason that would be any different for a 2014 (although it should have the same hitch stamp, so if you can view the car just look next to the 7 pin connector).
I just moved a few tons of rock in a dump trailer with this beast, it didn't even feel like it was there! Happy camping.
I just moved a few tons of rock in a dump trailer with this beast, it didn't even feel like it was there! Happy camping.
Newbie
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 7
Likes: 2
2015 GL63 AMG, 2008 R350 4matic, 2007 Passat Wagon VR6/4mo, 2015 Odyssey, 1985 IROC
Newbie
Joined: May 2023
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
mercedes
Apologies for reviving a months-old thread, but I couldn't help but chime in as I'm currently hunting for similar information on towing capacities. It can be quite a challenge to navigate through the various specifications and inconsistencies in the manuals.
