ddruker

I'm getting ready to move from my GL350 to a GLS580.

I use the GL to tow a 28 foot airstream, with a GVWR of about 7,000 pounds.

Has anyone towed a large trailer with a GLS configured with Active Curve suspension?

The dealer knows nothing about towing - so could not answer my questions about whether active curve is disabled when towing, or if it either increases or decreases stability when towing.

Any thoughts or experiences to share?

jbattan

I have towed an 18' trailer with my GL550 with Active Curve. I use Trailer mode on the selector dial, but I frankly forget what all that engages. I also tow a horse trailer and a utility trailer regularly. It tows well.

doug1220

I have a 2020 GLS 450 that I tow a 6500 boat and trailer with across a wide range of conditions in the foothills of the Allegheny mountain region of southwestern PA, northern Maryland, and eastern Ohio (flat turnpike, hills, curves, etc.). At 'thoughtful' towing speeds and maneuvering, it tows very nicely and E-ABC with active curve makes it a comfortable experience. The vehicle doesn't change angle that significantly and the ball seems to rotate fine within the hitch as designed. If you have concerns with more severe conditions you could use a lower active curve setting or disable it for difficult stretches.

CRinker

I’ve read all my manuals and this very informative thread about the active trailer assist features. I bought my 2019 GLS450 used and it has aftermarket hitch and 7-way plug (connective with the Telonsha zero contact 4-pin). When I plug in my trailer, there is no indication of any trailer assist and all driving assist function remain. What triggers thee “trailer mode” on thee GLS? Is it possible Mercedes factory tow has some other sensor to tell it a trailerr. Is hooked up? Is the zero contact tekonsha that only senses active wires (and no wire splicing) makes my GLs not detect the trailer?

thanks in advance for any assistance!

c4004matic

The system should not be engaged when towing a trailer. The "trailer" mode is comfort.

chassis

All MB SUVs are solid towing and off-road platforms. The manual says nothing about Active Curve while towing. There are comments about E-ABC while towing - the manual says nothing about deactivating the system.

Start reading around page 278.

https://www.mbusa.com/en/owners/manuals

c4004matic

It says you should tow in Comfort mode. In comfort, the curve mode is off. The other parts of the system continue to operate (road scanning).