Aftermarket Tow Hitch
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Junior Member
Joined: Nov 2011
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From: MA
ML350 Bluetech 2012
Aftermarket Tow Hitch
I have a new ML350 Bluetec with the Panaroma Sunroof (didn't know the sunroof's affect towing) and wanted to add a trailer hitch. I plan on only light towing (and attaching a rack/extension for tailgating).
Any thoughts on a aftermarket vendor? Also will attaching to the wiring be an issue?
Any thoughts on a aftermarket vendor? Also will attaching to the wiring be an issue?
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From: Lake Oswego, OR
2020 GLE 450; 2023 BMW M2 Coupe
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Nov 2011
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From: MA
ML350 Bluetech 2012
I was told that the sunroof changes the structural integrity and may not work (e.g. it might crack) with a tow hitch. I doubt this but was told that hidden hitch's notes state that it doesn't work with 2012 with the panorama sun roof.
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From: MA
ML350 Bluetech 2012
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From: Lake Oswego, OR
2020 GLE 450; 2023 BMW M2 Coupe
I dooubt very much the one addtional roof hole makes any subsantive difference. You can still get the factory hitch with the panorama.
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Joined: Mar 2011
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From: Near Niagara Falls, Canada
2013 ML BLUETEC JULY 31
So an aftermarket hitch may cause a crack in a panorama roof as its near impossible to mount the same way. MB can mount afterword but its not the same hitch or class.The factory hitch also has a switch to tell the computer a trailer is attached and uses an anti sway program. Why we continue to buy aftermarket items to save a $100 or $200 is beyond me. Resale nightmare in most cases and you loose what you saved and then some.
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From: Lake Oswego, OR
2020 GLE 450; 2023 BMW M2 Coupe
Hitched
Two things folks the factory hitch mounts direct and not easily and if you have been underneath you will know what I mean. So an aftermarket hitch may cause a crack in a panorama roof as its near impossible to mount the same way. MB can mount afterword but its not the same hitch or class.
The factory hitch also has a switch to tell the computer a trailer is attached and uses an anti sway program. Why we continue to buy aftermarket items to save a $100 or $200 is beyond me. Resale nightmare in most cases and you loose what you saved and then some.
So an aftermarket hitch may cause a crack in a panorama roof as its near impossible to mount the same way. MB can mount afterword but its not the same hitch or class.The factory hitch also has a switch to tell the computer a trailer is attached and uses an anti sway program. Why we continue to buy aftermarket items to save a $100 or $200 is beyond me. Resale nightmare in most cases and you loose what you saved and then some.
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From: East Texas
2004 Volvo XC70; 2012 GLK 350 4matic
Even ordering the factory hitch doesn't buy a working towing system in the case of the GLK. The unknowing buyer is on his own to find a tow ball, pin & lighting adapter. My dealer was clueless about what was or was not included in the GLK hitch package.
Off topic, but hopefully useful to someone.
Wayne
Off topic, but hopefully useful to someone.
Wayne
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From: Lake Oswego, OR
2020 GLE 450; 2023 BMW M2 Coupe
Tow package
Even ordering the factory hitch doesn't buy a working towing system in the case of the GLK. The unknowing buyer is on his own to find a tow ball, pin & lighting adapter. My dealer was clueless about what was or was not included in the GLK hitch package.
Off topic, but hopefully useful to someone.
Off topic, but hopefully useful to someone.
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From: East Texas
2004 Volvo XC70; 2012 GLK 350 4matic
I know that. My dealer knows that. We checked a 2012 ML the day we took delivery of the GLK. We both assumed, incorrectly, that the GLK would arrive with similar equipment. NOT! The Owner's Manual tells me to select M-B approved items to make the hitch work. Find a list of those items. If you do, please let me know where that list is.
No worries. I found a Curt 2" tow ball, locking pin and 7-4 electrical adapter at two auto parts stores back here in the woods. My dealer reimbursed me. MBUSA was not involved.
Wayne
No worries. I found a Curt 2" tow ball, locking pin and 7-4 electrical adapter at two auto parts stores back here in the woods. My dealer reimbursed me. MBUSA was not involved.
Wayne
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From: Lake Oswego, OR
2020 GLE 450; 2023 BMW M2 Coupe
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From: East Texas
2004 Volvo XC70; 2012 GLK 350 4matic
I said my mini-rant was I am talking about the GLK. Ordering the factory trailer hitch gets you the fixed bits attached to the GLK and the electrical outlet for attaching a 7 pole to 4 pole lighting adapter that accepts the 4 pole connector from the trailer. One more time: From the factory, the GLK hitch is non-functional.
GLK GLK GLK
Not ML.
Wayne
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2012 ML 350 BlueTec
I said my mini-rant was I am talking about the GLK. Ordering the factory trailer hitch gets you the fixed bits attached to the GLK and the electrical outlet for attaching a 7 pole to 4 pole lighting adapter that accepts the 4 pole connector from the trailer. One more time: From the factory, the GLK hitch is non-functional.
GLK GLK GLK
Not ML.
Wayne
So if I understand you correctly you are talking about the GLK? :-)
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From: Lake Oswego, OR
2020 GLE 450; 2023 BMW M2 Coupe
I said my mini-rant was I am talking about the GLK. Ordering the factory trailer hitch gets you the fixed bits attached to the GLK and the electrical outlet for attaching a 7 pole to 4 pole lighting adapter that accepts the 4 pole connector from the trailer. One more time: From the factory, the GLK hitch is non-functional.
GLK GLK GLK
Not ML.
Wayne
Member
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 119
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From: Indianapolis
car
Just for the record, of the numerous vehicles I've had that came with factory receivers, and of all the vehicles I looked at while shopping, the ML is the only one that includes a ball and adapter. Never seen that before.
So I understand someone being upset if that was promised, but it's certainly not the norm.
So I understand someone being upset if that was promised, but it's certainly not the norm.
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From: East Texas
2004 Volvo XC70; 2012 GLK 350 4matic
To add insult to injury, the MBUSA web page lists the GLK hitch as Class III. Wrong! One of several typos on the web page.Just for the record, of the numerous vehicles I've had that came with factory receivers, and of all the vehicles I looked at while shopping, the ML is the only one that includes a ball and adapter. Never seen that before.
So I understand someone being upset if that was promised, but it's certainly not the norm.
So I understand someone being upset if that was promised, but it's certainly not the norm.
Wayne
Chilled in Texas.
Last edited by venchka; Nov 27, 2011 at 07:56 AM.
Thread Starter
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From: MA
ML350 Bluetech 2012
Group Buy
I'm in if anyone else is for a group buy. But the issue seems to be the wiring harness, and the fact that none of the standard manufactures seem to have an aftermarket hitch for the 2012 ML.
What hitch did U-haul install?
What hitch did U-haul install?
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Nov 2011
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From: MA
ML350 Bluetech 2012
Bumping the thread as I haven't seen any aftermarket hitches available, anyone have a recommendation?
Before we go down the buy it with it from the factor, I bought off the lot and didn't have the option.
Thanks.
Before we go down the buy it with it from the factor, I bought off the lot and didn't have the option.
Thanks.
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MY17 E43 Matte Selenite/Macchiato Beige, MY16 GLE350d Tenorite/Crystal Grey, MY17 B250
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2000 Mercedes-Benz
There is a trailer hitch made for the 2011 Mercedes ML350 bluetec, but it hasnt been confirmed on the 2012 yet. The part number for the 2011 is 13102.
http://www.hitchweb.com/product/88/1...-Benz-GL-Class
http://www.hitchweb.com/product/88/1...-Benz-GL-Class
