GLS 450 Payload Weight




The M-B website is generic, and would be correct for a base car with no options.
It's good that you are checking the payload, especially if you are towing. Most people think that they can tow 7,700 lbs, but that is usually not the limiting factor. The payload is the limiting factor for most people.
For example:
1312 lbs max combined weight of occupants and cargo
- weight of all occupants, dogs, etc. Be honest with the occupant weight. For example if there are 4 x 225 lb people, this removes 900lbs of payload. Something to think about.
= remaining payload weight available for lunches, beach towels, beach chairs, luggage, bikes on the roof rack, etc.
sorry, had to delete my earlier comment, still willing to share the spreadsheet for towing.
my GLS 450 is relatively basic (equipment wise) and i specifically chose the 450 over the 550 due to its higher payload rating. the 1,312 is rather disappointing now.
a full tank of fuel makes around 150 lbs of an impact, so that alone can't be it.
the tire weight ratings could be a limiting factor, however, the ones on mine aren't...
curious to find out what the conclusion could be.
Max axle 1 weight + max axle 2 weight = max vehicle weight, also known as Gross Vehicle Weight Rating, GVWR
The tires, brakes, suspension and transmission don't know what's in the vehicle, or what is connected to it.
Read the owner's manual carefully and repeatedly. There is a fair amount of space dedicated to this topic in the book.
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ATIC,
GLS 550 4M
ATIC and
GLS 350 d 4
MATIC
Permissible trailer load,
braked (at a minimum gradient-
climbing capability
of12%from a standstill)
7500 lbs
(3402 kg)
Maximum drawbar noseweight
(the drawbar noseweight
is not included in
the trailer load)
600 lbs
(272 kg)
Gross rear axle weight rating
when towing a trailer
3968 lbs
(1800 kg)
out of the manual.
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hit the scale first time for setup / status quo fully loaded, passengers, cargo, fuel...
second round with WDH disengaged
third round tow vehicle alone (loaded)
this will allow you to figure out the perfect setting on the hitch.
then i always hit the scales before heading out for a trip . extra insurance (if you ever have to argue with your insurance) and at $12.50 good for peace of mind.
luckily i have a CAT scale right where i hit the interstate. and with their mobile app, i don't even have to leave the vehicle to get the results.
Last edited by BBPhil; Mar 30, 2021 at 09:09 AM.
individual results may vary. here is the blank sheet overview with some GLS450 numbers

your results will vary.
but that number reflects a hooked up trailer without weight distributing bars engaged. when engaged and hooked up properly, the example shows 657 lbs on the hitch.
a 7500 lbs trailer will have 10-15% of that weight on the tongue (depending on where the load in the trailer is positioned).
the WDH will take some of that off and put the weight towards the trailer axle and the tow vehicle front axle.
i don't know what Mercedes' position is regarding WDH's but there is no other way to tow a heavier / longer camper safely without a WDH. (and an anti-sway bar)
here is an example of a WDH:
https://www.etrailer.com/Weight-Dist...All%20Products
Last edited by BBPhil; Mar 30, 2021 at 12:08 PM.

your results will vary.
but that number reflects a hooked up trailer without weight distributing bars engaged. when engaged and hooked up properly, the example shows 657 lbs on the hitch.
a 7500 lbs trailer will have 10-15% of that weight on the tongue (depending on where the load in the trailer is positioned).
the WDH will take some of that off and put the weight towards the trailer axle and the tow vehicle front axle.
i don't know what Mercedes' position is regarding WDH's but there is no other way to tow a heavier / longer camper safely without a WDH. (and an anti-sway bar)
here is an example of a WDH:
https://www.etrailer.com/Weight-Dist...All%20Products






