retro02

Hello
I am looking to install a hitch to my GLK350 2015.
Don't need any wiring and cooling stuff.
Only for bike rack.
Hitch for 2014 will feet 2015?
Any recommendation?

Thanks

mjhawkins2346

Are you getting a new 2015 GLK but passing on a new factory installed hitch?
Maybe not your best choice. All the OP's I've read have a lot to say about the difficulty and cost of getting a hitch receiver properly fitted to the frame of a GLK. It's a big pain.
You, also, might get a hitch put on without an electrical connection but I think installers would be very reluctant to do this. You don't need it for your bike rack but the hitch would not be legal, at least not here in Cali, without the wiring and any operator of the car would find themselves frozen out of trailer use opportunities. Not a good possibility.
Everyone installing a hitch receiver seems to be spending more for less than the factory offers. Myself? I wouldn't get one without the $525 factory hitch option. Just my .02
Both hitches (2014 & 2015) are 1 7/8" from what I know - my best guess.

retro02

Thanks.
I have hitch in my Acura MDX.
Installed by myself for 1 hour.
Here,in CT no problem to have a hitch without electrical connection if you use only for bike rack.
And I don't wont to pay MB 600$ for hitch and labor.
Hitch cost for me 230$ and i can install for free.

dano0726

If you factory-order your GLK with the trailer hitch, doesn't it come installed with the wire harness included?

brianhogg

It depends on GLK250 vs. 350. We've got the 250 and it's a pain / expensive to get it done, as there's a lot involved with the adblue tank in the way. You can see some notes here:

http://www.etrailer.com/hitch-2014_M...=GLK250+models

"Drilling required for installation
Exhaust must be temporarily lowered for installation
Use only an approved T-One connector or see dealer for trailer towing wiring harness installation information
Per Curt warranty requirements, all non-trailer loads (bike racks, cargo carriers, etc) must be supported by stabilizing straps, such as 18050, sold separately"

I believe certain protective pieces underneath are permanently removed during install.

vs. 350:

http://www.etrailer.com/hitch-2014_M...=GLK350+models

"No drilling required for installation
Use only an approved T-One connector or see dealer for trailer towing wiring harness installation information"

Since no one except Mercedes would touch it we just opted for the roof rack system, especially since here in Ontario there's issue with covering your license plates with a bike rack.

stocky

The GLK 350 has three point after market hitches available and easy to install.... The GLK 250 BT .....is not so do the tank that holds that blue gold stuff...


Had to search to find the right 250 BT that had a factory trailer hitch installed

bigmaho

Hi Guys, I'm new to this forum and to Mercedes (Have always been a jeep guy, but my trusty 2006 Liberty diesel just blew up), so long story short, now have a 2014 GLK250 blutec. I need a trailer hitch for very occasional towing of my work trailer. It's a little 5x8, fully loaded weighs 2500 lbs tops. QUESTION. Uhaul says they can install a hitch and wiring for $600. Mercedes wants approx $2000. I'm sure the Mercedes will look better, but can I go with the Uhaul? What do I lose. I've had hitches installed on numerous vehicles without a hitch (sorry for the pun) but from what I'm reading the GLK install seems pretty tricky. Anyone with 3rd party hitch experience?
Thanks,
Billy

super7pilot

I have a 2014 250BT, I had a Curt hitch installed and had the wire taps installed. Zero can bus issues. The trailer I pulled with my Caterham super 7 on-board weighed about 1900 Lbs. & was a double axle. I always made sure that the load was balanced to the point i could pick up the tongue (about 100Lbs) Pulls just fine & I get in the high 20's MPG while towing. The curt clamps around the subframe and has a third mount point in the center diff area. At least this was the design when I bought mine two years ago. It is rated for the factory 3500 lbs. I have also pulled my new 2000lb car trailer with the GLK that the GLK sits on when I pull the GLK behind my motor home.

So I would ignore all "the sky is falling" nonsense. The reputable hitch companies DO NOT want law suits because their hitch failed and caused a horrible accident. And Curt is a reputable hitch. the hitch, Wiring & installation was around $600 or so installed by an experienced installer & took about 2-2.5 hours. I posted a link to a photo of the GLK and trailer.

https://www.flickr.com/photos/130801546@N06/20939531361/in/dateposted/

bigmaho

Nice rig, and thanks for the response. Glad it all worked. Looks like the Mercedes hitch will be prettier but can't see the extra $1500. I'll go with the after market.
Thanks,
Billy

slmskrs

My '13 GLK250 came with a 2" custom hitch the PO put on (welded--I assume for bikes since there was no wiring harness). I pulled the rear bumper and welded additional supports just to be sure; it isn't going anywhere. That said, the 3rd party hitches from eTrailer, etc. looked fairly straight forward, even the ones for the bluetech tank. I suspect I (or someone that does DYI) could have installed it in no more than a couple of hours. I did order the light harness from eTrailer which also includes the reverse light wire (I have a surge brake reverse lockout solenoid as well as back up lights on my trailer). The wiring took more time since you have to run a line under the car to the battery. But the instructions (video) they have on eTrailer made it pretty simple. I'm very happy with the setup, and the 250 pulls my 3,500# boat with no problem whatsoever.

GLK250 >20MPG (overall) with 3,500# trailer. Best overall tow vehicle I've ever had!

slmskrs

A spot was cut out in the chrome cover to accommodate the 2" receiver. Other than that, it is invisible.

bigmaho

Going to have a local guy install the Curt for me. I once spent hours under a Jeep Cherokee. I'll pass on that pleasure again :-)
Btw, did check out my M/B dealer. He told me Mercedes no longer sells a class 3 hitch, only a class 2. They wanted $675 for the hitch, $1800 for the install, and neither of us were sure if that included a wiring harness. The Mercedes guy told me, go third party. Nuff said. Thanks for the feedback posted here! Just drove the little beast from NYC to Taos NM, averaged 34 mpg and I wasn't driving slow. The last 500 miles I faced strong headwinds and a steady uphill grade (Taos is at 7600 feet and went over a couple of 9000+' passes to get there). Very impressed with the GLK except WHERE IS THE FREAKING DASHBOARD DIMMER SWITCH? At 4AM the display was way too bright.

B737

its hidden behind the cruise control stalk on the instrument panel sticking out toward the driver from the trim. look over the cruise stalk straight down.

CERNICALO1

Hello Guys,

Has anyone experienced crackling noises coming from the hitch area when accelerating the car kind of hard in 1st and 2nd gear? I suspect the minor warping of the body which may occur in these circumstances may cause some rubbing with my aftermarket 3 point hitch. Any thoughts would be appreciated.

Schneb

I have a OEM factory hitch for the GLK available for sale if interested. Please let me know. I am located in Danbury, CT. The hitch is in perfect condition.

Schneb

Here is the factor OEM Hitch I have for sale. Perfect condition. Local pickup in Danbury preferred. Price $550


Comes with all mechanicals and Hardware