Melinda K

I am looking at the 2019 GLS 450 to replace a 2006 Armada to tow a 2 horse straight bumper pull trailer. I haul on flat, paved roads (city/freeway) mostly 20-80 mile round trips ( no road warrior trailering Is this a safe
vehicle for towing a horse? Approx loaded weight with horse and tack is 4000#. I would be trading my 2017 AMG E 43 to downsize to one vehicle and want to make sure I make a good, SAFE choice. Any input or
experience in pulling with the GL would be great!

redcarrera

I pull a 5,000 lb boat behind my '17 GLS 450. Granted, I only haul it from storage to the marina in June and back in September, but the truck never struggles.
Gas mileage goes from 22 mpg to around 14 mpg.

You'll be fine!

fabbrisd1

Let me say this - with factory towing package - AWESOME tow vehicle - the factory tow package when installed at the factory when hooked up "anti-see-saw" when the ETS system is notified you have a trailer when you hook up the electrical... really *****ing actually..

iridium18

Interesting timing with your question - I have an '18GLS450 and just acquired an 18' cargo trailer weighing 3,000# and rated at 7,000 gross ... just towed it with 200 mile RT with a gross weight of about 4,500 ... it performed well

I would say if I were to attempt towing up to the limit of 7,500 and had some sizable hills I would strongly consider the GLS550

IMPORTANT - if your trailer has electric brakes you will need to find a speciality hitch shop to install an electric brake controller - my dealer did not provide this - previous MB owners recommended TEKONSHA brand - a local hitch shop performed the install for me and it worked great for me - no wire splicing - literally plug and play

Good luck Steve

c4004matic

I echo your recommendations. Though both the 450 and 550 are rated to tow the same amount, the 550 will tow a lot better at the higher range. The tow rating is limited by chassis dynamics, if it weren't, the 550 would be rated in the 10k+ range, thus, it can tow anything in its rating with ease.

iridium18

Melinda K - ?? so, just curious, what vehicle did you decide upon and have you purchased / towed with it yet ??