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Has anyone had the dealer fitted electric brake controller fitted as part of the tow bar package?
I would like to know where the controller is usually located in RHD vehicles.
Have picked up one of the last GLE 350D's and currently reviewing tow bar options.
Yes, as chassis stated I've got some experience towing with my GLE 350. It's a gas 4matic version, but I would believe that MB pre-wired trailer hitches similarly. There are some differences between year models as to whether or not the 7-pin connectors are computer controlled or not. Long story short, it seems that, at least for my year model, the connector is pulse-width-modulated which means what is plugged into the connector has to agree with what the controller sends to it (I have a trailer observation camera that doesn't like the modulated voltage and won't work on the controlled trailer running light circuit).
There are no "dealer" controllers so you'll only work with aftermarket ones. You should find a small green connector behind the carpet that is directly behind the brake pedal. For me, no disassembly was required to access the connector, just pull the carpet down slightly and it should be there- on factory hitch installed vehicles.
Tekonsha was the brand of controller I went with and they make a harness that directly plugs into the factory connector and then connects to your brake controller.
Online, check out etrailer.com.
Yes, as chassis stated I've got some experience towing with my GLE 350. It's a gas 4matic version, but I would believe that MB pre-wired trailer hitches similarly. There are some differences between year models as to whether or not the 7-pin connectors are computer controlled or not. Long story short, it seems that, at least for my year model, the connector is pulse-width-modulated which means what is plugged into the connector has to agree with what the controller sends to it (I have a trailer observation camera that doesn't like the modulated voltage and won't work on the controlled trailer running light circuit).
There are no "dealer" controllers so you'll only work with aftermarket ones. You should find a small green connector behind the carpet that is directly behind the brake pedal. For me, no disassembly was required to access the connector, just pull the carpet down slightly and it should be there- on factory hitch installed vehicles.
Tekonsha was the brand of controller I went with and they make a harness that directly plugs into the factory connector and then connects to your brake controller.
Online, check out etrailer.com.
I looked this up and go this number from the Car Max website: https://www.carmax.com/research/mercedes-benz/ml250:
Max towing capacity 660/6600 lbs.
Assuming the first number is the hitch tounge weight it should be a max of 660 lbs.
Can anyone pls confirm?
Yes, the 660 would be the tongue weight and 6600 would be the towing capacity. Keep in mind that the numbers include all weight added to the car. From the weight of what you would tow, subtract the weight of all added cargo as well as occupants in the vehicle.
That is correct for the US, in other countries the numbers are higher for the GLE series. Towing speeds and liability here in the states results in more conservative numbers compare to the same vehicle in Europe where towing speed laws restrict / make safer towing. Nothing magical happens at 661 / 6601, it is all a matter of decreasing margins of safety and you liability if something goes wrong while you are towing. 10% - 15% on the hitch and an overall lighter towing load is always better, as is towing at a slower speed (than posted) and keeping more distance separation. Also maintenance of the trailer, tires especially (age and inflated to match the load) for both the trailer and GLE is another nod to safety. YMWV. Be safe out there, enjoy the tow, I have been very pleased with the GLE as a tow vehicle for my track car and enclosed trailer (~5000 lbs).
That is correct for the US, in other countries the numbers are higher for the GLE series. Towing speeds and liability here in the states results in more conservative numbers compare to the same vehicle in Europe where towing speed laws restrict / make safer towing. Nothing magical happens at 661 / 6601, it is all a matter of decreasing margins of safety and you liability if something goes wrong while you are towing. 10% - 15% on the hitch and an overall lighter towing load is always better, as is towing at a slower speed (than posted) and keeping more distance separation. Also maintenance of the trailer, tires especially (age and inflated to match the load) for both the trailer and GLE is another nod to safety. YMWV. Be safe out there, enjoy the tow, I have been very pleased with the GLE as a tow vehicle for my track car and enclosed trailer (~5000 lbs).
Thank you.
Very helpful. The GVWR ratings are mixed with the towing capacity numbers on some websites. One says 6750lbs GVWR.
Confusing.
Thanks for these real numbers.
I'm looking at a Outdoors Manufacturing 21RD with a dry weight of 4995lbs. I should have a buffer of 1605 lbs for a load, which I will keep way under.
The trailer can carry a lot more, but I'm keeping it lighter at about 1000lbs.
650lbs of water as part of that load. It is meant for extended dry camping at a max 78 gallons of H20.
Am I pushing it if I take it slow?
Thank you.
Very helpful. The GVWR ratings are mixed with the towing capacity numbers on some websites. One says 6750lbs GVWR.
Confusing.
Thanks for these real numbers.
I'm looking at a Outdoors Manufacturing 21RD with a dry weight of 4995lbs. I should have a buffer of 1605 lbs for a load, which I will keep way under.
The trailer can carry a lot more, but I'm keeping it lighter at about 1000lbs.
650lbs of water as part of that load. It is meant for extended dry camping at a max 78 gallons of H20.
Am I pushing it if I take it slow?
Find a Mercedes site or dealer that can confirm add-on hitch limits. You don't really want to risk serious damage or injury. Use gross weight of the camper to keep you within limits knowing that going to max cargo loading could put you over the towing limit. Put everything possible in the camper to keep from exceeding the tongue weight, within the cargo capacity of the camper while keeping proper load distribution in mind.
I'd suggest not towing with the added weight of water if you don't have to. For example, is it possible if you're dry camping to have water tanks available the you can fill and bring back to a campsite once you've dropped off the camper? When going to max tow limits, both for handling and mpg, food, supplies, cookware, and so on will add up. Otherwise, there may be camping apps to find out places that will let you fill water tanks.
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