hoo

HI, Guys,
I paid 575 for a trailer hitch on GLC. I assumed that it had a 2 x2 hitch receiver since MBUSA.com said it was a Class III hitch.

However, when I measure the hitch, it was only 1.25 by 1.25. So, it can not be a Class III hitch. Is this a mistake from MB?

Can anyone ordered a hitch confirm?

Thanks





Actual Measurement

DBV

We assumed the same when we ordered the trailer hitch, as it was always 2x2 on our GL's. Disappointing that it was a smaller hitch and not sure why they went that way.

hoo

Thanks for your confirmation. I think it was a mistake from MB as they clearly said it would be a class III and it turned out to be class 2. I will call my salesman and try to get my money back.

fabbrisd1

I "think" MB went that way so that customer's will not "over load" - since weight capacity is 5200lbs or-so for GLC.

That said - once aftermarket hitches from good companies like Curt become available - which will be 2x2 - it would not be a hard thing to replace the OE hitch with the aftermarket hitch - and have the electronic safety systems from the factory installed hitch.

The "other" thing to check with GLC factory installed hitch - when someone has the chance - is the factory install "should" have provided open leads near front firewall in the cabin for plug-n-play connect for a wired brake controller ...

d1stance

Keep us posted! I ordered mine with the trailer hitch assuming it would be a CL III (since that is what was displayed/is still displayed on the website and what the salesman told me). Would be disappointed if mine turned up as a CL II, which it seems it probably will be now. Definitely would like to know MB's response to the fact that they are so far off here.

billjet

Here in Canada, the salesman told me while ordering that it would be a Class II and that the tailgate "foot opening" will defacto be deleted because the hitch install.

The electrical connector is the same as I was using on my 2012 ML.

As for the opening in the firewall for plug-n-play connect for a wired brake controller I don't know.

larrypmyers

My hitch measurement is identical to hoo's

The Operator's Manual specifies max. trailer weight is 3,500 lbs.

hoo

HI, Guys, I just heard from Department Manager, Product Management of MBUSA. I was told that it was a Class III hitch and the opening was just 1.25 x 1.25. The maximum tow weight is 3500 lbs.

From multiple online source , I read class III hitch always came with 2x2 receiver opening.

Do you believe what they said?

larrypmyers

The question is, is the GLC hitch capable of handling 3,500 lb. trailer weight?

hoo

Here is the email from MBUSA.

Hi XXXX,

I can confirm the hitch is a Class III and the towing capacity is 3500lbs.

I don’t have the spec / measurements of the trailer hitch but we will check on one of the vehicles we have here in Atlanta.

Thank you!

XXXX
Department Manager, Product Management
E / CLS / SUV
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC
303 Perimeter Center North
Atlanta, GA 30346

JEVA

Given that what you received was Class III I'd say yes. Given the size of the vehicle/engine this is probably the most appropriate receiver size.

JEVA

3500 is typical for Class III...you might ask what the max tongue capacity is.

larrypmyers

According to the manual, max. drawbar nose weight is 280 lbs.

d1stance

Did a little research - they are technically right about the CLIII standard. So the only standard here in the US is the SAE (Society of Automotive Engineers) standard J684_201405, which classified trailer hitches by tow capacity:

CL I: 0-2,000 lbs
CL II: 2,000-3,500 lbs
CL III: 3,500-5,000 lbs
CL IV: 5,000-10,000 lbs

Notice how the numbers overlap. A trailer hitch at 3500 lbs could very well be classified as either CL II or CL III. Also, the SAE standard does not mention the opening size, so what we're finding online about 2 inch couplings is just standard industry practice, but not a requirement to be classified CL III. There are some other nuances, but that is the biggest part.

It is a bit sneaky if you ask me, to be at the bottom of the CL III specification and call it that rather than CL II.

hoo

Do you think it will be ok to use an adaptor and carry 4 bike?
4 bikes will be like 160 lbs, plus the carrier 20 lbs, plus the longer arm.
Will it be damaging the vehicle?

JEVA

Should be fine IMO...these things are always over-engineered and that's well below the 'limit'.

larrypmyers

Agree. Your well below the weight limit. Load it up, take it for a short test drive to see how it handles.

larrypmyers

hoo, MB also sells a roof mounted bicycle rack. Looks like its capacity is two bikes.

fabbrisd1

The ! 1/4-to-2" adapter will work fine for a rear mounted bike rack.

NOTE - make sure with the bike rack mounted that the rear camera will still clear when it opens out of the tailgate going into reverse.

NOTE - for towing - 3500lbs - it's the 1 1/4 hitch that is the limiting factor.

NOTE: A 1 1/4"-to-2" adapter is NOT safe to use for towing - again adapter NOT safe for towing - the adapter is safe for hitch mounted racks/boxes/etc.

Keep the beat !

larrypmyers

Follow the guidance in the Operator's Manual.

Sailcamp

The owners manual shows 4800lb rating and 275lb tongue weight limit. But you need to dig for it. No place does MB actually list the specs on their site which I think is really poor form considering the GLC is playing in the SUV class.

The only bummer with a 1.25 reciever is that it limits your attatchment options (bike racks). From a towing stand point its not really a limitation.

larrypmyers

Would you be so kind to post what page of the manual the tow limit is detailed?

I've been perusing the manual about a week and a half but have been unsecessfull in finding the max. trailer tow weight.

Thanks.

Sailcamp

Page 416
They give load numbers.

JSandro

I bought this one. Can flip it up or down. Fits perfectly. Hitch, Ball and Clip.

dano0726

Don't you have to divide by 2 the tongue weight of your cargo carrier/rack when you use a 1.25" to 2" adapter?

I thought all Class III (and above) hitch receivers (here in the U.S.) are 2"?