GLK350 - Factory hitch install or aftermarket?
#1
GLK350 - Factory hitch install or aftermarket?
Hi,
I am looking to install a hitch to my GLK350 to tow a couple of motorcycles.
I have been quoted $1200 plus at the dealer which apparently includes ‘sometimes a cooling fan’, hitch, ECU etc.
I have been quoted $400 at u-Haul and similar.
Has anyone done the aftermarket option. Does it do OK without the above extras?
Thanks
Sam
I am looking to install a hitch to my GLK350 to tow a couple of motorcycles.
I have been quoted $1200 plus at the dealer which apparently includes ‘sometimes a cooling fan’, hitch, ECU etc.
I have been quoted $400 at u-Haul and similar.
Has anyone done the aftermarket option. Does it do OK without the above extras?
Thanks
Sam
#3
Super Member
Does the $400 include electrical modulator for the lights? (Doubt it) If you are only towing cycles, you probably can do without the extra cooling.
I'm pleased with the Curt Hitch and electrical I installed which you can check out at
https://mbworld.org/forums/glk-class...asier-way.html
I'm pleased with the Curt Hitch and electrical I installed which you can check out at
https://mbworld.org/forums/glk-class...asier-way.html
#4
u Haul
Thanks - very helpful.
The U Haul includes a "Trailer Power Module, 4-way flat plug 3 to 2 powered tailight connector' I assume this is all that is needed...
Excuse my ignorance but I am just used to splicing into brakelights - are these lights on a CAN or something?
Is the MB cooling upgrade transmission or engine?
I will be towing a light trailer with about 800lbs of bikes, hopefully the stock cooling wil be OK.
Full list is in link.
http://www.uhaul.com/Locations/Trailer-hitches/834021
The U Haul includes a "Trailer Power Module, 4-way flat plug 3 to 2 powered tailight connector' I assume this is all that is needed...
Excuse my ignorance but I am just used to splicing into brakelights - are these lights on a CAN or something?
Is the MB cooling upgrade transmission or engine?
I will be towing a light trailer with about 800lbs of bikes, hopefully the stock cooling wil be OK.
Full list is in link.
http://www.uhaul.com/Locations/Trailer-hitches/834021
#5
Super Member
Well, you need to check this carefully. I don't know how your GLK is wired, but it likely does not have simple separate wires for the brake, tail and turn lights like in the "old days." U-Haul may not realize this, or perhaps they do. ONE wire is used for BOTH the tail and brake light functions using ONE bulb.
The Curt 59200 "Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) Stop/Tail Powered Circuit Protected Tail Light Converter With Surface Mount Technology (SMT)--Includes Wiring Kit" solves this problem.
There are other posts on t he PWM you should search. Make sure U-Haul understands this and has a solution to accommodate this design.
Here is the description of the setup on my 2010 from my referenced post:
"My '10 GLK and perhaps later model years has one bulb connected to a wire that carries what measures about 4 volts DC (it is actually an PWM signal) for tail light and also carries 12 volts DC to the same bulb for brake light. There is also a separate tail light that has a 12v line, but you have to use the Converter to separate out the brake light. (There is probably an option to send the PWM line to a trailer light which, just as on the GLK, could serve both functions, but the trailer brake light would be on all the time that the GLK's tail lights are on.)
The Converter takes the PWM signal and creates 2 separate lines -- both 12 volts, one for a trailer brake light and one for a trailer tail light. The turn signals are on separate lines.
On my '10, here are the color of wires on the driver side tail light assembly:
Brown: Ground
Blue/Grey: Reverse (used on my ultrasonicn backup alarm posted separately)
Black/Red: tail light only bulb
Green: ?? Not sure -- fluctuates with turn signal, but use the Black/White below
Black/White: Left Turn
Pink: PWM tail and brake bulb
On the passenger side the turn signal is Black/Green."
#6
MBWorld Fanatic!
Does the $400 include electrical modulator for the lights? (Doubt it) If you are only towing cycles, you probably can do without the extra cooling.
I'm pleased with the Curt Hitch and electrical I installed which you can check out at
https://mbworld.org/forums/glk-class...asier-way.html
I'm pleased with the Curt Hitch and electrical I installed which you can check out at
https://mbworld.org/forums/glk-class...asier-way.html
My thinking as well.
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hoglaw (01-01-2019)
#7
Super Member
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#9
Been using my DIY install for two years now, works great.
Write up here: https://mbworld.org/forums/glk-class...g-savings.html
Write up here: https://mbworld.org/forums/glk-class...g-savings.html
#10
Newbie
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: Mississauga, Ontario
Posts: 11
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2012 GLK 350
Check out this site. Trailer hitch completely invisible unless hooked up. Cost is about the same for the hardware but I'm sure install price cheaper since it will not be at the dealer.
http://execuhitch.com/tow-hitches/
http://execuhitch.com/tow-hitches/
#11
Junior Member
Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: Vancouver, BC
Posts: 60
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2010 GLK 350 4MATIC
Check out this site. Trailer hitch completely invisible unless hooked up. Cost is about the same for the hardware but I'm sure install price cheaper since it will not be at the dealer.
http://execuhitch.com/tow-hitches/
http://execuhitch.com/tow-hitches/
$700 vs $250 for a Curt hitch, guess it just comes down to how much you are willing to pay for having the hitch hidden when not in use.
Edit: Just watched their Youtube video, wow, that is a complicated hitch... controlled by a cpu LOL.
Last edited by Kevin R; 10-21-2012 at 08:53 PM.
#12
hitch installed from UHaul
Did my research and finally went with U-Haul for my hitch installation on my 2011 GLK.
Called the local dealership. Quoted $1600 for the hitch and install.
Was looking at aftermarket Curt hitch for $200. The local Curt installer quoted installation charge of $200.
U-Haul's charge on the hitch was $160. The install took an hour at $60/hour, for total of $240 after tax.
Called the local dealership. Quoted $1600 for the hitch and install.
Was looking at aftermarket Curt hitch for $200. The local Curt installer quoted installation charge of $200.
U-Haul's charge on the hitch was $160. The install took an hour at $60/hour, for total of $240 after tax.
Last edited by scrippsbruin; 04-06-2013 at 02:19 PM.
#13
GLK Hitch
How is this hitch working out for you? Any glitches?
Did my research and finally went with U-Haul for my hitch installation on my 2011 GLK.
Called the local dealership. Quoted $1600 for the hitch and install.
Was looking at aftermarket Curt hitch for $200. The local Curt installer quoted installation charge of $200.
U-Haul's charge on the hitch was $160. The install took an hour at $60/hour, for total of $240 after tax.
Called the local dealership. Quoted $1600 for the hitch and install.
Was looking at aftermarket Curt hitch for $200. The local Curt installer quoted installation charge of $200.
U-Haul's charge on the hitch was $160. The install took an hour at $60/hour, for total of $240 after tax.
#14
I installed this hitch last summer. It was pretty easy. My son just helped hold it up while I bolted it in. Took 30 mins to install.
https://www.etrailer.com/Trailer-Hit...leid=201315503
https://www.etrailer.com/Trailer-Hit...leid=201315503
#15
Junior Member
I bought the Curt hitch as well. It came with the modulation and wiring. Mercedes told me 'directly', "your warrenty will be voided if you use aftermarket module wiring harness". I was forced to buy the MB trailer hitch as a 'package' that included the wiring harness. $800 (plus installation. I didn't mount the MB hitch, but did use the wiring harness. So now, I have an extra MB trailer hitch.
I have a 2015 with a warranty that goes to 2021 (unlimited miles). I didn't want to ruin that.
Anyone need a MB GLK350 trailer hitch?
I have a 2015 with a warranty that goes to 2021 (unlimited miles). I didn't want to ruin that.
Anyone need a MB GLK350 trailer hitch?
#16
Junior Member
I bought the Curt hitch as well. It came with the modulation and wiring. Mercedes told me 'directly', "your warrenty will be voided if you use aftermarket module wiring harness". I was forced to buy the MB trailer hitch as a 'package' that included the wiring harness. $800 (plus installation. I didn't mount the MB hitch, but did use the wiring harness. So now, I have an extra MB trailer hitch.
I have a 2015 with a warranty that goes to 2021 (unlimited miles). I didn't want to ruin that.
Anyone need a MB GLK350 trailer hitch?
I have a 2015 with a warranty that goes to 2021 (unlimited miles). I didn't want to ruin that.
Anyone need a MB GLK350 trailer hitch?
#22
Junior Member
#23
Thanks for your prompt reply. Unfortunately, I am not in Massachusetts; I am in Miami, FL. However, shipping is not "the end of the world". Please let me know how much $ you would like for the hitch and the work required to package it, and how much the item to be shipped weights. With this information I would be able to make an educated decision regarding whether it makes sense to buy your hitch.
Many thanks for your help,
Infante
(305) 216-1649
Many thanks for your help,
Infante
(305) 216-1649
#25
Hello Guys, so I went with the eTrailer 3Point connection hitch, and the Tekonsha Power Module (119191). The hitch was a breeze to install, on the other hand, the wiring is kicking my but. Does anyone have wiring diagrams, or color codes for a 2015 GLK350? Please let me know.
Your help will be much appreciated.
Your help will be much appreciated.