Experience with a hitch cargo box?
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Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 381
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From: Cincinnati, OH
2021 GLS580 all black. 2014 GLK black (kids car). formerly: 2014 GL550 Palladium Silver (US)
Experience with a hitch cargo box?
Does anyone have experience with a hitch cargo box with your GLS? We have a ‘21 580 GLS with a hitch and already use a roof box for travel but we might opt to take more people which means less cargo space.
I’m guessing the rear camera wont be operational and we’ll have to deal with the license plate.
I’m guessing the rear camera wont be operational and we’ll have to deal with the license plate.
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Joined: Oct 2025
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Does anyone have experience with a hitch Cargo Boxes with your GLS? We have a ‘21 580 GLS with a hitch and already use a roof box for travel but we might opt to take more people which means less cargo space. I’m guessing the rear camera won’t be operational and we’ll have to deal with the license plate.
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Joined: Jun 2017
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2020 GLS450 (wife) / 2024 Ford Bronco (mine) / 2014 VW Tiquan (son)
Do you need to disable the parking sensors? I’d think the car would be fooled into thinking you’re about to hit something and slam on the brakes. Ours did that once when backing out of a parking space. System went wonky for a second and though we were about hit something (nothing there) and slammed on the brakes. Scared the crap out of us.
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From: Colorado
G550
Theft can be a problem if you will be parking overnight at hotels/motels. Use a locking hitch pin, secure the box to the rack as best you can, park where there's good illumination, and don't pack valuable items in it. The tongue weight limit applies, so don't overload it.
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From: Colorado
'21 AMG53 wDPP & ARC, 19 GLC300 - Former-03 C240,2 ML BlueTecs,20 GLE450 E-ABC,15 Cayenne D,17 Macan
Theft can be a problem if you will be parking overnight at hotels/motels. Use a locking hitch pin, secure the box to the rack as best you can, park where there's good illumination, and don't pack valuable items in it. The tongue weight limit applies, so don't overload it.
You probably have around 900 - 1,100 lbs total, including passengers and cargo.
You can disable parking sensors easily.
If you use a 7 pin connector, either a dummy one or to operate lights on the carrier, it disables the sensors and also blind spot warning. (And remaps the engine/tranny for towing.)
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GLE 580
Also watch the total load capacity of the vehicle, posted on the drivers door pillar.
You probably have around 900 - 1,100 lbs total, including passengers and cargo.
You can disable parking sensors easily.
If you use a 7 pin connector, either a dummy one or to operate lights on the carrier, it disables the sensors and also blind spot warning. (And remaps the engine/tranny for towing.)
You probably have around 900 - 1,100 lbs total, including passengers and cargo.
You can disable parking sensors easily.
If you use a 7 pin connector, either a dummy one or to operate lights on the carrier, it disables the sensors and also blind spot warning. (And remaps the engine/tranny for towing.)
Super Member
Joined: Aug 2017
Posts: 520
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From: Scottsdale AZ
2015 SL550 & 2012 S550 4matic
I am looking to add a hitch and bike rack to my 2018 GLS 550, and having difficulty because I have Active Driving stability (ARS code 468). Does your GLS have this? In your research did you see any restrictions?
Thanks for sharing any information.
Thanks for sharing any information.
