Penn

Boat hooked up and ready to go

Have finally tried out the GLC towing a decent load.

The verdict is yes it is a ML's smaller & lighter brother, but it performed better than I expected.

The boat fuelled up and loaded weighs approx the same as the GLC and the round trip was about 290km. With 4 in the vehicle plus the boat, the fuel consumption was certainly the highest I have recorded at approx twice the usual highway consumption.

Interestingly sports plus mode was more economical that any other mode maybe due to the fact that it kept the revs higher.

Would be interested in other members views on the GLC as a tow vehicle.

Teckno

Penn,
Great photo. Your "Beast" same colour as mine. Did you fit the MB tow bar or after market like Reece ?
Interesting observation re economy when using sports+.
Many thanks for your info and photo.

Penn

Hi Teckno

I have the Westfalia dealer fitted hitch.

Although I dislike the chain mounting points on the Westfalia, the system does have some advantages over a Hayman Reece type hitch, in particular, it is much quieter as it does not rattle.

Witch

Your GLC isn't equipped with the air suspension, correct?

Penn

Correct, I have the standard steel springs.

Witch

Not bad. Unless my vision is bad, it looks as if the rear suspension is barely breaking a sweat pulling something of that size and weight.

tiger_x

Does anyone know if the factory fitted towbar comes with upgraded transmission oil cooler and larger radiator fan? I heard this mentioned before, but for the life of me cant find the thread..

larrypmyers

My 16 came optioned with the oem hitch. There was not however, options for gearbox oil cooler or heavy duty fan.

Teckno

Same here.
My 16 came optioned with the oem hitch. There was not however, options for gearbox oil cooler or heavy duty fan.
I will check however the detailed 4 page sheet I got from dealer that listed everything put into our car at factory, incl items marked for Australia and hot climates, etc. I'll get back to you.

tiger_x

Hi guys, was the factory hitch you have installed the electric fold-away one?

larrypmyers

No.

Teckno

No, Westfalin one with narrow goose neck.
It seems Oz has the toughest tow regulations and design laws in the world. Lots of approved OEM bars from overseas do not comply. I think that is the main reason we miss out on the folding version. Not many cars out there with narrow goose neck, majority have standard thick tongue type.

tiger_x

Teckno,

was your Westfalin towbar fitted at the factory or at the dealer? Is it detachable?

My order was to include the factory fitted electric towbar, which ive run by the dealer twice to be sure. He assures me this can be added.. So im not sure now given that both yourself and Larry have different tow hitches

Teckno

Orderd with car, but fitted by dealer.
The Kiev site that lists all,VIN data even id the fact has tow bar, but fitted by dealer !
We assumed it would be fitted at feacory, maybe they just ensured wiring loom and and wire loom work was compliant to allow bar fitted later ?

Axel B

Your on OZ mate....around my parts we have things called mountains.....not sure if I would use my GLC43 to haul my trailer around....some of out passes are 8000ft....

tiger_x

Yeah, its strange 'cause the official from my dealer is that they dont fit aftermarket towbars / hitches.. *Scratching head*

hahahaha, not too many mountains where I am, Axel B!

The factory towbars / tow hitches are supposedly integrated with the ESP features and Trailer Stability Assist. TSA is enabled when the trailer is detected.

Penn

In Oz there is no option for oil coolers etc as Mercedes fit all Oz delivered vehicles with the same heavy duty cooling systems that they use for the middle east market.

tiger_x

So, thought i'd contact the dealer again today to clarify. Now they are saying that the tow hitch is a genuine mercedes hitch, but it is fitted at the dealership, and it is not the electric one. Folding hitch not available for reasons Teckno stated earlier - doesnt meet ADR, etc.

The dealer mentioned that the hitch can be removed and put in the boot. I'll have to see this hitch before i give them the go ahead. My concern is it will look tacky on the back ( when detached ). I wanted something more concealed.

Penn

The most noticeable part of the Westfalia hitch when removed is the electrical connection.

tiger_x

Penn, do you have a pic of the hitch removed?

tiger_x

Guys, has the tow hitch interfered with the automatic opening of the tail gate when waving foot underneath?

Penn

You loose the foot wave feature with the tow bar.

larrypmyers

As Penn says above, you can have one or the other, but not both.

decorily

Apparently not true that you cannot have hitch and hands free opening. See thread on the subject on page 4.

Philamg

It is in the UK, from the ebrochure:

"Tow bar, fully electric – includes 13-pin socket
When ordering, please discuss with your Retailer any specific electrical
towing requirements
AMG Line: in conjunction with Premium or Premium Plus
equipment line (code DP0 or DP1), hands-free access (code 871)
is removed"