GLC 300 hitch install. What a PITA
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 1,124
Likes: 205
From: NW
2018 GLC 4MATIC
GLC 300 hitch install. What a PITA
Hello all,
Would like to share my experience if installing hitch receiver on GLC 300.
I bout Curt receiver from etrailer
https://www.etrailer.com/Trailer-Hitch/Curt/C13290.html
There guide was to remove just a bottom of the rear bumper, but knowing there a lot of clips, sensor wires I've decided to remove the whole bumper.
Jack the car and put it on stands
Remove plastic wheel covers a few tights a pins.
Very easy.
removing tail lights were easy steps, just two bolts under the covers from the trunk.
Remove bumper shell starting from the side
And 3 bolts from the trunk.
Follow the this video
https://www.etrailer.com/tv-install-...ss-c13290.aspx
Remove this part, it will go over the hitch
Install hitch and install all parts in revers order.
At the end all should look like this.
Its about 4-6 hours process.
Would like to share my experience if installing hitch receiver on GLC 300.
I bout Curt receiver from etrailer
https://www.etrailer.com/Trailer-Hitch/Curt/C13290.html
There guide was to remove just a bottom of the rear bumper, but knowing there a lot of clips, sensor wires I've decided to remove the whole bumper.
Jack the car and put it on stands
Remove plastic wheel covers a few tights a pins.
Very easy.
removing tail lights were easy steps, just two bolts under the covers from the trunk.
Remove bumper shell starting from the side
And 3 bolts from the trunk.
Follow the this video
https://www.etrailer.com/tv-install-...ss-c13290.aspx
Remove this part, it will go over the hitch
Install hitch and install all parts in revers order.
At the end all should look like this.
Its about 4-6 hours process.
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 1,124
Likes: 205
From: NW
2018 GLC 4MATIC
Originally Posted by pmark
Does your GLC have any of the parking assist or lift gate open sensors? Do they still work?
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 1,124
Likes: 205
From: NW
2018 GLC 4MATIC
Originally Posted by chillysyrup
lol, I know the RainX is just propping the exhaust system up a bit, but that one pic looks like its holding the hole car up! 
Junior Member
Joined: Sep 2019
Posts: 36
Likes: 4
glc 43 amg
Hey Dan, nice job! I'm considering a Draw-Tite bar myself and still debating whether to DIY or outsource. A few questions:
- Did you have to bend/fold/cut any heat shields?
- Did you install the towing wiring harness?
- In terms of DIY, what are one or two things that if someone doesn't have you'd recommend them to avoid DIY?
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 1,124
Likes: 205
From: NW
2018 GLC 4MATIC
Originally Posted by thisglc
Hey Dan, nice job! I'm considering a Draw-Tite bar myself and still debating whether to DIY or outsource. A few questions:
- Did you have to bend/fold/cut any heat shields?
- Did you install the towing wiring harness?
- In terms of DIY, what are one or two things that if someone doesn't have you'd recommend them to avoid DIY?
#2 No wires, just receiver.
#3 It was my first receiver install on GLC, all other were 30mins jobs. Im always recommend DIY, you will know its done right.
Unless you fully trusting the shop or person.
From tools prospective, plastic card, trim removal plastic tools, very long 10mm socket,
There are 3 or 4 nuts hidden so deep, mirror,
magnet, most important: pack of 6.
When bumper shell is of and disconnected, I would recommend to cover all inside sensors with dielectric grease, just to protect them from moisture and sold.
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Junior Member
Joined: Sep 2019
Posts: 36
Likes: 4
glc 43 amg
Thought I'd share my recent experience. I just had a Draw-Tite #76082 installed:
https://www.etrailer.com/Trailer-Hit...leID=201747501
For the Boston area people, I had it done at Palmer's Garage in Arlington. They were a recommended installer:
https://www.palmersgarageinc.com/
I got just the hitch (no cable). Including installation, it was just under $400. In my case, they gently bent the heat shield (no crease) instead of cutting. The kick trunk sensor still works.
https://www.etrailer.com/Trailer-Hit...leID=201747501
For the Boston area people, I had it done at Palmer's Garage in Arlington. They were a recommended installer:
https://www.palmersgarageinc.com/
I got just the hitch (no cable). Including installation, it was just under $400. In my case, they gently bent the heat shield (no crease) instead of cutting. The kick trunk sensor still works.
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Junior Member
Joined: Jan 2020
Posts: 20
Likes: 3
GLC
Thought I'd share my recent experience. I just had a Draw-Tite #76082 installed:
https://www.etrailer.com/Trailer-Hit...leID=201747501
For the Boston area people, I had it done at Palmer's Garage in Arlington. They were a recommended installer:
https://www.palmersgarageinc.com/
I got just the hitch (no cable). Including installation, it was just under $400. In my case, they gently bent the heat shield (no crease) instead of cutting. The kick trunk sensor still works.
https://www.etrailer.com/Trailer-Hit...leID=201747501
For the Boston area people, I had it done at Palmer's Garage in Arlington. They were a recommended installer:
https://www.palmersgarageinc.com/
I got just the hitch (no cable). Including installation, it was just under $400. In my case, they gently bent the heat shield (no crease) instead of cutting. The kick trunk sensor still works.
Junior Member
Joined: Sep 2019
Posts: 22
Likes: 1
GLC 300
Thought I'd share my recent experience. I just had a Draw-Tite #76082 installed:
https://www.etrailer.com/Trailer-Hit...leID=201747501
For the Boston area people, I had it done at Palmer's Garage in Arlington. They were a recommended installer:
https://www.palmersgarageinc.com/
I got just the hitch (no cable). Including installation, it was just under $400. In my case, they gently bent the heat shield (no crease) instead of cutting. The kick trunk sensor still works.
https://www.etrailer.com/Trailer-Hit...leID=201747501
For the Boston area people, I had it done at Palmer's Garage in Arlington. They were a recommended installer:
https://www.palmersgarageinc.com/
I got just the hitch (no cable). Including installation, it was just under $400. In my case, they gently bent the heat shield (no crease) instead of cutting. The kick trunk sensor still works.
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 1,124
Likes: 205
From: NW
2018 GLC 4MATIC
Originally Posted by tGs Wraith
What is the implication of an install with/without the receiver wires... I don't really understand the pros and cons.
Member
Joined: Oct 2019
Posts: 132
Likes: 26
2020 GLC 300
Member
Joined: Oct 2019
Posts: 132
Likes: 26
2020 GLC 300
Yup, it has its own lights on the bike trailer (as the bikes obstruct the indicators, less so the brakes). Ok, so I do need a wiring harness, and need to work out what the difference between the various types are. Thanks
Super Member
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 889
Likes: 148
From: Southern Illinois
, 2023 BMW X4, 1991 190E
you guys should look at the Stealth hitch, it has a clean look since the frame bracket is hidden behind the bumper and you just insert the tongue into the receiver when using it . Otherwise it is totally hidden. I know they make it for the GLC. I put one on my Outback and love it and is excellent quality
Junior Member
Joined: Jan 2020
Posts: 20
Likes: 3
GLC
you guys should look at the Stealth hitch, it has a clean look since the frame bracket is hidden behind the bumper and you just insert the tongue into the receiver when using it . Otherwise it is totally hidden. I know they make it for the GLC. I put one on my Outback and love it and is excellent quality
Newbie
Joined: Mar 2020
Posts: 3
Likes: 1
From: DFW, TX
2017 GLC 300
I recommend using the Curt Universal Modulator kit for 4 flat wiring.
This does not provide provision for trailer brakes, but it works well for lights and I did not have to reset and computer codes after installation.
Curt C56236 at ETrailer.
Curt C56236 at ETrailer.
Junior Member
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 65
Likes: 1
From: East Bay, California
2018 GLC 300 W / 2011 E350W, Luxury, P01, leather steering wheel
Job well done!! I want to install hitch receiver on my GLC300 as well but the video from eTrailer was kind of complicated. I DIY my previous SUVs like Isuzu Rodeo and Honda Pilot without any issues or headaches. Even I installed air lift system on my Honda Pilot easily. However the GLC300 wiring video made me nervous bit. Thanks
Last edited by will4iron; Jul 6, 2020 at 12:34 AM.
