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I've seen comments about the same vehicles in Europe towing heavier loads on a regular basis. I got a 2" hitch from trailer world.com. You can also go to Uhaul and they can get the same hitch and install it. You should add an electronic trailer brake controller and get a trailer with brakes. This will offset a heavy trailer pushing a lighter vehicle when stopping. If you're dunking a boat trailer in salt water those brakes won't last long though. I suppose another option is to up grade the vehicles rotors and pads but that's not the same as trailer brakes.
.I have the factory receiver and rather than using a 1-1/4" to 2" adapter, I'm using a 1-1/4 ball mount with a 2" ball. With the low-end torque of the diesel, the GLK easily tows quite well as long as you stay within the tow and GVWR ratings. I would hazard a guess that with a 4500 lb boat and trailer, you might also be exceeding the GLK's GVWR and so not only do you risk the safety of yourself and others, but you may be in for expensive repairs. The GLK's independent suspension doesn't make for a particularly heavy-duty tow setup.
If you're dead set on a boat and trailer in that weight category, you may need to step up to a 1/2 T truck. It's not only about tow rating but combined GVWR including occupants, cargo and tongue weight.
My boat and trailer, all-in is 3000 lbs but if I'm also hauling the family and luggage, the GVWR is exceeded and so I'm forced to use my 1/2 T truck.
I've seen comments about the same vehicles in Europe towing heavier loads on a regular basis. I got a 2" hitch from trailer world.com. You can also go to Uhaul and they can get the same hitch and install it. You should add an electronic trailer brake controller and get a trailer with brakes. This will offset a heavy trailer pushing a lighter vehicle when stopping. If you're dunking a boat trailer in salt water those brakes won't last long though. I suppose another option is to up grade the vehicles rotors and pads but that's not the same as trailer brakes.
I would be towing a sailboat with keel - not able to ramp launch, so no brake problems. It would also just be from marina to home and back during winter. Could probably get away with it (flat terrain) by adding 2" ball drawbar. Not going to buy a boat that needs a bigger truck Putting the one I was looking at on back burner!
You can crib a larger (Class III or Class IV) ball on the Class II receiver but it's unsafe. None of the reputable tow companies, U-Haul, etc, will upgrade the receiver because their insurance dis-allows it. The risk of a loss is much greater and they won't insure them for this.
It is possible to go a bit over the 3500 lb rating but with caution and on flat ground with low traffic, etc.
I bought a 20 yr old F-150 for $4500 for just this kind of towing
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Putting the one I was looking at on back burner!
