I am considering buying a boat with a trailer...the trailer is a single axle with disk brakes on it.

Question, once I install the MB tow hitch, will the ML power the brakes on the trailer too? I know, it will do the brake lights, but don't know, if the brakes get hooked too..does anybody know?

 

If the brakes are electric, you can wire the electric controller to the trailer harness in the rear and power will be supplied thru that large socket plug in the rear. I installed a Prodigy unit on my ML.

 

Some time back, I had seen some advertised on eBay, but I would be a bit weary of buying any after market stuff especially for something that critical...is there any other place to consider besides the dealer?

 

Occasionally I tow 6500 pounds with my ML350 from the boat yard to the launch ramp. No problems at all.

 

Boats often have surge brakes, so an electric brake controller might not be necessary. The wiring for the hitch is obviously separate from the hitch itself and Draw-tite (sp?) also sold a hitch (years ago when I looked.) If it does have electric brakes, you will have to get a brake controller, since the electric signal will lock the electric brakes without the controller.

The (MB) wiring harness is easy to plug in and you will probably need to use a 7 wire to 4 wire converter (if that is what the boat trailer uses.) 4 wires would also indicate surge brakes (or no brakes).

 

You will have no promblem. The ML hitch is a class 3. The vehicle is rated for 5,000 lbs. Normally boat trailers have surge brakes. No electrical connection will be needed other than the normal brake light / turnsignal lights.

 

Yes, when he said disk brakes, he meant surge brakes...so I should be fine...and the boat weighs in at 2600 lbs dry weight with the trailer so my ML320 should be able to tow it rather easily...

 

You wont even feel it back there!

 

Oh man...I'm sorry, I just couldn't let this post go! It has too many sexual inuendos to pass up!!!