dminahan

So I have searched the forums but I am no clearer on this answer.

Is there a difference (besides cost) of factory installed tow package versus dealer installing on 2010 or 2011 ML. So salesman at the dealer had told me what they charge to install the trailer hitch but said you can tow 7200 lbs with factory installed but only 5000 lbs with dealer installed. Is that true?

If it is the same trailer hitch is there something else done via factory install that gives it better towing capacity?

Thanks.

Vernl

sounds like the salesman doesnt know what hes talking about...assuming you are using the MB hitch

troymir350

I can't confirm this as a fact with our vehicles (as I have never investigated), but typically a factory installed tow package includes more than the hitch and wiring harness. You will likely not see the transmission oil cooler, a high output radiator fan motor system, and likely a larger battery and/or alternator, but they are there. That is the reason for a higher tow rating.

I have had vehicles with factory installed tow packages, and anyone I know that is considering a hitch I suggest they get the factory package for the aforementioned items.

roadrutz

I don't think the factory hitch includes anything except the hitch and the wiring.

soapy

I had a trailer hitch installed on a 2006 ML 500 at the dealer. The kit included the hitch as well as a new computer program for the ECU and a transmission cooler.

lkchris

Hey, you're confusing "chebbie" experience with Mercedes.

ALL the heavy duty stuff is on EVERY ML, regardless whether tow hitch is factory installed or not.

troymir350

Never owned a "chebbie" as you put it, even though I live in Michigan.

It may well be a fact that "all the stuff" is included on every ML, and I stated that I had never looked. I do know that some business counterparts at Siemens were doing work a couple years back on a new fan motor system to compensate for heat issues with vehicles that were towing. There was a discussion about a different fan system and heat exhanger system, even though the standard fan is around 850W, which is very high output.

So no, not confusing anything in my mind.

mikapen

For what it's worth, here is a photo of the hitch dataplate from my 2010 ML350 Bluetech factory hitch:

Note that the weight-distrubuting load is the same as the weight-carrying rating. Not all hitches are mounted well enough to use a weight-distributing hitch.