Trailer Hitch Option - Worth It Despite Potential (?) Risk?
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Joined: Feb 2022
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Trailer Hitch Option - Worth It Despite Potential (?) Risk?
All set to order my new 2022 GLE 350 4matic, and my final decision is whether or not to add the "trailer hitch". I have zero anticipated use case for this (no plans to tow), but many threads exist on this forum about people later regretting not having it. And so I figured I'd add it, despite it potentially hurting the rear bumper aesthetic a bit (although maybe an SUV should looked rugged in ways?), but came across this - http://alerts.nationalsafetycommissi...-rear-end.html - and scared me off of it a bit. BUT the author is clearly biased, if you read his bio and see what he's selling.
Any thoughts? Thanks!
Any thoughts? Thanks!
Member
Joined: Jun 2020
Posts: 157
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From: Oro Valley (Tucson Area) AZ
2021 53 AMG SUV, 2021 GMC Denali, 2015 Bentley Speed convertable
I never ordered the trailer hitch on my 53AMG, my 43AMG, my 450GLE and going back to many vehicles. Since I never plan to use it, it never affected my trade in value at all.
Last edited by Was Ferrari Guy; Mar 8, 2022 at 12:57 PM. Reason: typo
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 6,772
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From: Lake Oswego, OR
2020 GLE 450; 2023 BMW M2 Coupe
To hitch or not?
All set to order my new 2022 GLE 350 4matic, and my final decision is whether or not to add the "trailer hitch". I have zero anticipated use case for this (no plans to tow), but many threads exist on this forum about people later regretting not having it. And so I figured I'd add it, despite it potentially hurting the rear bumper aesthetic a bit (although maybe an SUV should looked rugged in ways?), but came across this - http://alerts.nationalsafetycommissi...-rear-end.html - and scared me off of it a bit. BUT the author is clearly biased, if you read his bio and see what he's selling.
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Joined: Dec 2020
Posts: 79
Likes: 28
2021 GLE 450
I have never heard of that organization, but as you mentioned the author "Jeff is CEO of Mohr Mfg and is an expert in rear end collisions - especially those associated with ball mounts and receiver hitches. His company manufacturers patented, portable, crash tested, energy absorbing rear safety guards for vehicles equipped with receiver hitches. These spare bumpers, ball mounts, hitch steps, and bumper shields soften the “crash pulse” to prevent whiplash and reduce rear end collision damage..." Maybe he is a little biased?
Also, this would seem to be relevant only to body-on-frame vehicles?
We have the hitch for the occasional bike rack use, but would never worry about safety.
Also, this would seem to be relevant only to body-on-frame vehicles?
We have the hitch for the occasional bike rack use, but would never worry about safety.
Last edited by MarkerVB; Mar 8, 2022 at 01:49 PM.
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Joined: May 2018
Posts: 3,391
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From: Boise
2024 GMC Canyon Denali..... 2018 Audi SQ5
You don’t show your location and I’m guessing that hitch popularity varies by area and location. In a large Metro area a hitch is probably no big deal. In a lot of the West it’s a must have. Towing a trailer or RV’s is one factor but there are a lot of bike owners and even people that add a tray to the hitch. I’ve thought about getting a hitch tray so that I don’t need to carry lawn mower gas inside my car.
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MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jun 2011
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'13 GLK350 4matic,'10 C207,'15 GLA250,'07 Honda Odyssey, '18 GLE 43, '24 EQS 580
Get the trailer hitch as it will be a very expensive situation for you when your lifestyle changes. It also don't look bad at all. It is something you will wish you had on that very special occasion.
Member
Joined: Sep 2021
Posts: 208
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From: SoCal
2021 GLE 350, 2020 911 C2S MT, 2023 Polestar 2, '73 Alfa GTV
Fitting a hitch after the fact involves more than just the hardware; there are also changes to the vehicles stability management systems. In the old days I'd happily get an aftermarket one, heck I even fitted a couple at home, but I'm not sure I'd want to do that now.
Super Member
Joined: Sep 2015
Posts: 526
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From: Texas
2021 GLE 53 AMG Coupe
^^^ This ^^^
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Joined: Oct 2009
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From: Colorado
'21 AMG53 wDPP & ARC, 19 GLC300 - Former-03 C240,2 ML BlueTecs,20 GLE450 E-ABC,15 Cayenne D,17 Macan
That's IF you had the Rear SAM, which was extra on W164 and early W166. (Same on X- chassis, GLS) Otherwise the SAM was extra, and in either case the SAM had to be "flashed" to get the trailer recognition, automatically activating the trailer sway control, shift patterns when the 7-pin is plugged in (like "trailering mode" on pickups). The factory hitch attachment points are reinforced on either configuration - aftermarket hitches that don't use those points are suspicious.
The $750 then or $550 now was a bargain.
BTW I bought a CPO Cayenne and needed a hitch installed - it cost $2600, and the entire rear cross-member (HEAVY!!!) was replaced - so it's not just an M-B thing.
I don't know about internal structures in the V / X167, but I do know that you can't buy an OE hitch from M-B any more, for later installation.
