GLK350 Trailer Hitch
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 1,522
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From: East Texas
2004 Volvo XC70; 2012 GLK 350 4matic
GLK350 Trailer Hitch
OK, so this is my 3rd dealer/factory installed hitch. The first two installtions were complete and ready to tow including connecting the trailer lights to the vehicle.
Today we took delivery of factory installed hitch #3 on a GLK350. Was the installtion tow ready? Not even close.
My question, for GLK, ML, GL, etc. owners: What is included in the M-B factory trailer hitch installation? Right now all I have are the towbar bits attached to the GLK and an empty socket where the lighting pigtail goes to connect to the trailer socket. No ball, no lighting connector from GLK to trailer, not even the plastic cap mentioned in the owner's manual.
Thanks for your help.
Wayne
Today we took delivery of factory installed hitch #3 on a GLK350. Was the installtion tow ready? Not even close.
My question, for GLK, ML, GL, etc. owners: What is included in the M-B factory trailer hitch installation? Right now all I have are the towbar bits attached to the GLK and an empty socket where the lighting pigtail goes to connect to the trailer socket. No ball, no lighting connector from GLK to trailer, not even the plastic cap mentioned in the owner's manual.
Thanks for your help.
Wayne
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Joined: Jan 2009
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From: Northern NJ
GLK 350 / Porsche 993
I can post what my factory hitch looks like if you want.
I think i have connector with a cap. There is a plastic cap and no ball or anything. That stuff you buy separately depending what you use hitch for.
I think i have connector with a cap. There is a plastic cap and no ball or anything. That stuff you buy separately depending what you use hitch for.
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Sep 2011
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From: East Texas
2004 Volvo XC70; 2012 GLK 350 4matic
That is criminally ignorant. nor was it disclosed during the buying process. I will extract the missing bits from the dealer. I have the part where the towing bit goes and I have the part where the lighting bit goes.
Wayne
Wayne
Super Member
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 520
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From: Tromsø, 69° 41' N
2010 GLK 220CDI 4M BlueEFFICIENCY
GLK European OEM Tow Hitch
Even Daimler AG can do it, note another thread with regard to the subject: https://mbworld.org/forums/glk-class...g-savings.html
You just have to move over, live with the Euro (€) crisis and be happy with the European Trailer Hitch.
You just have to move over, live with the Euro (€) crisis and be happy with the European Trailer Hitch.
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Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 1,522
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From: East Texas
2004 Volvo XC70; 2012 GLK 350 4matic
I would love to live in Europe. I can't afford to. I guess ci will muddle through.
Another case of non-full disclosure on the part of the dealer.
Wayne
Another case of non-full disclosure on the part of the dealer.
Wayne
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Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 437
Likes: 2
From: Florida
2013 E550 Coupe
I had ordered my OEM trailer hitch "after" delivery, and installed it myself. It sounds like you're missing the control unit. This has to be turned on/programed by the dealer, as it uses the ESP. The hitch did not come with a tongue and ball (cheaper to buy somewhere else)... but I did get a cap!
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 452
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From: Tyler, TX
2025 Mazda CX70 Turbo S, 2015 G550
Hey Wayne,
Thats cool that Volvo supplies all that, but I have bought five different vehicles that have had the "Towing Package" in the sales price and non of them included the receiver, ball,or pigtail. I am pretty sure that on MB's website it lists what's included with the trailer hitch. But ya know it really should be a part of it, I'm sure it would just cost more.
Thats cool that Volvo supplies all that, but I have bought five different vehicles that have had the "Towing Package" in the sales price and non of them included the receiver, ball,or pigtail. I am pretty sure that on MB's website it lists what's included with the trailer hitch. But ya know it really should be a part of it, I'm sure it would just cost more.
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Joined: Sep 2009
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From: Old Dominion
2015 VW GTI.S4; 2016 Audi Q3 Prestige
In this day & age when companies can't even get their left hand to talk to their right hand *cough* owner's manual *cough*,I minimize the assumptions before the big purchase & not even blink an eye afterwards. Managed expectations.
Last edited by MBNA109; Nov 20, 2011 at 03:08 PM.
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
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From: East Texas
2004 Volvo XC70; 2012 GLK 350 4matic
OK. I get it. Lack of communication. I didn't know to ask. They didn't know I was spoiled & used to a complete, vehicle specific towing package WITH a cover for the fixed part of the system. The least they could do is provide a list of stuff that will work within the M-B universe.
Wayne
Wayne
Super Member
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 527
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From: Old Dominion
2015 VW GTI.S4; 2016 Audi Q3 Prestige
I stopped assuming these companies can keep all their promises or make logical policies.
Thus, it has given rise to these LIY (learn it yourself) type of forums over the years.
You mocked @ Toyota's appliances? Their forums makes our looked boring.
Point being, even a given is not a given these days considering how complicated things are mechanically, electronically, & customer service -ly.
Thus, it has given rise to these LIY (learn it yourself) type of forums over the years.
You mocked @ Toyota's appliances? Their forums makes our looked boring.
Point being, even a given is not a given these days considering how complicated things are mechanically, electronically, & customer service -ly.
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 1,522
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From: East Texas
2004 Volvo XC70; 2012 GLK 350 4matic
On the theme of too much is not good...simple may be better:
Leaving the grocery store earlier, a prisitine 1956 or 1957 Chevy Bel-
Air coupe pulled in alongside of us as I was about to get in the GLK. The driver's window was down. Very quietly I said, "Wanna trade?" The Chevy driver freaked.
Wayne
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 1,522
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From: East Texas
2004 Volvo XC70; 2012 GLK 350 4matic
Rednecks to the rescue! Lisa & I went to Gilmer, TX this morning. After doing a bit of Christmas shopping at the western wear store, we went across the street to my favorite kind of small town store: Dry goods, feed & seed, auto parts, hardware and Stihl weapons! "If they ain't got it, you don't need it." Locally owned too. As luck would have it, they had a European model, 2", 3,500 pound widget that fit the receiver on the GLK. In fact, it is very similar to the Volvo trailer ball gizmo. Added a locking pin and I'm good to go for attaching the trailer. My luck ran out in the electrical department. They were out of 7 pin to 4 pin pigtails. I will get that sorted out soon. I found the page in the manual showing the plastic cover. I will get that when I order the cargo liner.
ps: You have to love a store where you can buy German import auto parts and Dusseldorf mustard from Fredericksburg, Texas.
Wayne
ps: You have to love a store where you can buy German import auto parts and Dusseldorf mustard from Fredericksburg, Texas.
Wayne
Last edited by venchka; Nov 21, 2011 at 10:16 PM.
