larimer

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.

jurassicdean

anybody installed execuhitch system?

larimer

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 .

CJBROWN

bop11

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?

CJBROWN

Nope, zero clearance issues. I wonder what you've got going on there.

bop11

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.

bop11

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.

MBNA109

Thanks for the tip.

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...

bop11

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.

mooredan

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.

Sunbeam

Just got done by following these procedures and it works great. Thanks to CJBROWN for posting the details. Now to find some water for this new boat.
Doug
Monument, CO

Rascally Wabbit

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.

bop11

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.

bop11

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!

snow700r

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

HDRyder9

Snow700r,
Did you have to bend or cut the bumper tabs in your install?

Rascally Wabbit

I doubt it if it only took thirty minutes to install. Any feedback on the Execuhitch from anyone?

snow700r

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

snow700r

And also, the Draw-Tite 75698 was about $265.00 shipped in from Rigid Hitch direct.

HDRyder9

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!

snow700r

toogrumpy

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.

CJBROWN

Maybe the exhaust system is different for the diesel. My install went without a hitch.

I'm not sure I'd trust anyone at a u-haul shop. At least the one local to us here.

ranger2013

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