Tow Hitch & Wiring DIY - Big Savings
Newbie
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 14
Likes: 0
From: Okatie, SC
2006 c230 mars red 2010 GLK 2007 Porsche C2S all gone 2007 CLK550 current
I finally called etrailer customer service and am waiting for a return authorization. While I was on the phone with them they called Curt and found out it takes 10.5 volts+ to switch the brake circuit in the module. Mine measured 12.7 on brake so the controller is bad. Not looking forward to remove and reinstall but worth it if it works.
Newbie
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 14
Likes: 0
From: Okatie, SC
2006 c230 mars red 2010 GLK 2007 Porsche C2S all gone 2007 CLK550 current
A followup to the Curt module problem. etrailer sent me a replacement module which I installed tonight and works fine on all lights. This confirms the defective module theory. They really are easy to install especially the second time 
.
.
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 128
Likes: 2
2011 GLK350
Super Member
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 861
Likes: 38
From: Philly area
350 GLK, C280
Did anyone have a problem with the Curtis Hitch touching either of the mufflers where the round cross bar comes close the the back of the muffler? Mine has 0 clearance and makes the exhaust resonate because of the interference. All the hangers are installed. Maybe just loosen the bolts and reposition?
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 128
Likes: 2
2011 GLK350
Did anyone have a problem with the Curtis Hitch touching either of the mufflers where the round cross bar comes close the the back of the muffler? Mine has 0 clearance and makes the exhaust resonate because of the interference. All the hangers are installed. Maybe just loosen the bolts and reposition?
Nope, zero clearance issues. I wonder what you've got going on there.
Super Member
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 861
Likes: 38
From: Philly area
350 GLK, C280
Looks like when MB installed the mufflers the driver side is further back then the passenger side. Maybe loosen clamp and push muffler forward. There does not seem to be any adjustment room for the hitch. It positions itself front to back by the tow bar in the middle connecting to the cross member.
Super Member
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 861
Likes: 38
From: Philly area
350 GLK, C280
The driver side muffler/tail pipe expands when hot and hits my Curt Hitch. Tried to move driver rear muffler forward, but the connection is a ball type with no room for adjustment. There is no connection on the passenger side. Had to remove about 1/2" from hitch plate with a die grinder. Would have been easier to do out of the vehicle. See mod drawing. The removal of this metal should have no effect on the strength of the hitch. Don't know why they made the plate curved.
If installing Curt hitch be sure you have at least 1/2" clearance to muffler lip when cold.
If installing Curt hitch be sure you have at least 1/2" clearance to muffler lip when cold.
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Super Member
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 527
Likes: 0
From: Old Dominion
2015 VW GTI.S4; 2016 Audi Q3 Prestige
The driver side muffler/tail pipe expands when hot and hits my Curt Hitch. Tried to move driver rear muffler forward, but the connection is a ball type with no room for adjustment. There is no connection on the passenger side. Had to remove about 1/2" from hitch plate with a die grinder. Would have been easier to do out of the vehicle. See mod drawing. The removal of this metal should have no effect on the strength of the hitch. Don't know why they made the plate curved.
If installing Curt hitch be sure you have at least 1/2" clearance to muffler lip when cold.
If installing Curt hitch be sure you have at least 1/2" clearance to muffler lip when cold.
Wonder if there was some design or installation change on MB or CURT's part year over year?
Seems like CJBROWN had no rubbing issue but you did...
Super Member
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 861
Likes: 38
From: Philly area
350 GLK, C280
Mine is an early 2010 vehicle. There quite possibly could be exhaust modifications which would have added clearance. Or they maybe they just have made this exhaust pipe 1/2 inch longer than normal.
Newbie
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
E350
I installed the Curt hitch this weekend. Here's a couple of things that I learned that may help someone else:
- The rubber exhaust hangers come off easier if you 1) give them a squirt with WD-40 first and then let it soak for a few minutes and 2) if the air temperature is warm. I was able to get them off by hand with no tools. Only disconnect the bottom side of the rubber mount and leave the top connected and just rotate them out of the way.
- The driver's side carriage bolt was a pain to get in. I could not find the access slot as shown in Curt's directions. Instead I installed it the same way as the passenger side, but with no access hole. A few tips on this procedure:
- use the used fish wire from the passenger side to first go through the enlarged hole to the hole at the end of the frame tube. Use some needle nose pliers to put a "hook" in the loose end of the fish wires, hook them together and then pull the wire back through the hole.
- do not join the carriage bolt plate and the carriage bolt and expect the assembly to squeeze and then fit through the hole between the facia and bumper. Slide the plate in first, followed by the bolt (Don't forget the thread the fish wire through the plate). Don't worry it'll all line up by itself in the frame tube.
It took me longer than average. I didn't lift the vehicle at all.
I haven't done the electrical yet, but it'll go just as well.
- The rubber exhaust hangers come off easier if you 1) give them a squirt with WD-40 first and then let it soak for a few minutes and 2) if the air temperature is warm. I was able to get them off by hand with no tools. Only disconnect the bottom side of the rubber mount and leave the top connected and just rotate them out of the way.
- The driver's side carriage bolt was a pain to get in. I could not find the access slot as shown in Curt's directions. Instead I installed it the same way as the passenger side, but with no access hole. A few tips on this procedure:
- use the used fish wire from the passenger side to first go through the enlarged hole to the hole at the end of the frame tube. Use some needle nose pliers to put a "hook" in the loose end of the fish wires, hook them together and then pull the wire back through the hole.
- do not join the carriage bolt plate and the carriage bolt and expect the assembly to squeeze and then fit through the hole between the facia and bumper. Slide the plate in first, followed by the bolt (Don't forget the thread the fish wire through the plate). Don't worry it'll all line up by itself in the frame tube.
It took me longer than average. I didn't lift the vehicle at all.
I haven't done the electrical yet, but it'll go just as well.
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 445
Likes: 8
From: Tucson AZ
2010 Mercedes GLK 350, 2001 BMW Z3 3.0 Roadster, 1997 Cherokee XJ
Jurassicdean, I believe the Execuhitch is closest in style to the OEM in aftermarket. Interesting in the install PDF of the OEM posted here earlier, it states an upgraded beam is no longer needed. The Execuhitch does include a different beam which is why the rear bumper cover has to be removed for installation. Difference in price between OEM & the Execuhitch is likely in the electronics.
Super Member
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 861
Likes: 38
From: Philly area
350 GLK, C280
You picked a good hitch. Although I had some clearance problems on the left side with the rear muffler,see prior thread, I have been quite happy with it.
As to strength,I got my GLK hung on a 12" high barrier with 3 wheels off the ground and had to get towed off. A friend with an Escalade hooked a chain to his tow hitch and a shackle to one of the safety chain loops on my Curt and pulled the GLK off. The shackle was distorted enough to make the pin very difficult to remove from the shackle but there was no damage or distortion to the hitch or rear frame.
As a side, when the GLK got up on the barrier and I tried to stop it, the anti-lock brakes / traction control system was so busy trying to stop the wheels that were in the air, the system would not apply the brakes to the wheel that was on the ground. To stop the car I had to shift to neutral and turn it off as the grounded wheel kept the GLK sliding along the barrier.
After being towed off I drove the truck to the dealer with no problem, however, they said I had bent a tie rod and destroyed one of the wheels and 2 tires, but the hitch still looks brand new.
Good Choice, thanks Curt you same me time and the cost of a tow.
As to strength,I got my GLK hung on a 12" high barrier with 3 wheels off the ground and had to get towed off. A friend with an Escalade hooked a chain to his tow hitch and a shackle to one of the safety chain loops on my Curt and pulled the GLK off. The shackle was distorted enough to make the pin very difficult to remove from the shackle but there was no damage or distortion to the hitch or rear frame.
As a side, when the GLK got up on the barrier and I tried to stop it, the anti-lock brakes / traction control system was so busy trying to stop the wheels that were in the air, the system would not apply the brakes to the wheel that was on the ground. To stop the car I had to shift to neutral and turn it off as the grounded wheel kept the GLK sliding along the barrier.
After being towed off I drove the truck to the dealer with no problem, however, they said I had bent a tie rod and destroyed one of the wheels and 2 tires, but the hitch still looks brand new.
Good Choice, thanks Curt you same me time and the cost of a tow.
Super Member
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 861
Likes: 38
From: Philly area
350 GLK, C280
One more point on my centering the GLK on a barrier.
Even though the truck was resting on the areas of the oil pan tranny, differential, they suffered no damage. NO damage to the mufflers. The under engine plastic pieces were replaced but the front and rear aprons were not even touched. I've driven over 3000 miles since then and except that the dealer didn't center the steering wheel exactly, could not tell it ever was high centered. It might be an "Off-Roaderr" at that!
Even though the truck was resting on the areas of the oil pan tranny, differential, they suffered no damage. NO damage to the mufflers. The under engine plastic pieces were replaced but the front and rear aprons were not even touched. I've driven over 3000 miles since then and except that the dealer didn't center the steering wheel exactly, could not tell it ever was high centered. It might be an "Off-Roaderr" at that!
Newbie
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
2012 GLK350
I just installed a Draw-Tite 75698 2" receiver hitch from Rigid Hitch on my 2012 GLK350. Absolutely fit perfectly, took about 30 minutes to install. They use a plate that bolts through the rear crossmember, no drilling needed. Thank you for this post, followed your directions on the trailer wiring, thanks for the great time saver!! Jeff
Newbie
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
2012 GLK350
Yes, I did have to snip off the two unused tabs on the bottom of the cover so the uprights would slide up without interference. And yes, rabbitguy, if you look at the directions for the draw tite hitch and lay every thing out, it is a 30 minute job. You don't have to screw with the exhaust or anything else. Goes on super smooth. I wouldn't ever consider any other hitch after listening to all the problems people are having on this forum with Curt & Execuhitch. Just my .02
Junior Member
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 40
Likes: 0
GLK350
I apologize for bringing up an old thread but I just installed the Draw Tite hitch on my 2010 GLK. It couldn't have been easier. It took less than an hour including jacking and blocking the car and cleaning up. It took longer to install the light controller because I had to determine which wires to use.
I never would have done it without this thread and it saved me some money. Thanks!
I never would have done it without this thread and it saved me some money. Thanks!
Last edited by HDRyder9; Nov 18, 2013 at 07:15 PM.
Newbie
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 11
Likes: 2
GLK250
I just had the Curt hitch installed on my 2014 GLK250 Bluetec at Uhaul, it also seems to make contact with the exhaust system too. So, no Curt hasn't fixed the problem. I'm kind of disappointed, now I have to grind the power coat off, this will be an area for rust to start. I think I'm going to do it myself, it took Uhaul over 3 hours to install the hitch, Curt says it's a 45 minute job. I think I will feel better knowing it's done right, so I'll do it when it warms up a bit.
Newbie
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
2013 GLK 350
Anyone know if the the Curt 56200 lighting module used by the OP will fit a 2013?
I checked with Curt and the tech did not know.
Another way of asking is the 2013 GLK 350 rear lighting system the same as the 2011 model year.
Thanks,
Bob
I checked with Curt and the tech did not know.
Another way of asking is the 2013 GLK 350 rear lighting system the same as the 2011 model year.
Thanks,
Bob
Last edited by ranger2013; Dec 31, 2013 at 10:07 AM. Reason: incorrect number
