Trailer Brake Options
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 11
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2014 ML350 BlueTec
Trailer Brake Options
One of the reasons we bought our ML350 is to have a vehicle that would be our daily driver and then could tow a small trailer. Well we have the ML and are now shopping for the trailer. So we need to get the brake control issue handled.
I have read various threads here about trailer brake controller installations in MLs. I am looking at either a Prodigy 3 connected to the ML's wire harness or a Prodigy RF wireless. I am leaning to the Prodigy RF as I am somewhat reluctant to have anyone drilling or working on the dashboard of my new ML.
Two questions.
First, does anyone have a photo of the installation where they use a "beanbag-type" mount on the dashboard and simply place a Prodigy 3 on the top of the dash? I believe some here have done that and it sounds like a no-modify way of doing it that could be hooked-up as needed and then removed.
Second, is there any inherent "systems" advantage to using a brake controller that is connected to the ML's wiring harness? Does using the harness provide any special features via the ESP system or any of the other onboard ML systems?
Thanks for your help.
I have read various threads here about trailer brake controller installations in MLs. I am looking at either a Prodigy 3 connected to the ML's wire harness or a Prodigy RF wireless. I am leaning to the Prodigy RF as I am somewhat reluctant to have anyone drilling or working on the dashboard of my new ML.
Two questions.
First, does anyone have a photo of the installation where they use a "beanbag-type" mount on the dashboard and simply place a Prodigy 3 on the top of the dash? I believe some here have done that and it sounds like a no-modify way of doing it that could be hooked-up as needed and then removed.
Second, is there any inherent "systems" advantage to using a brake controller that is connected to the ML's wiring harness? Does using the harness provide any special features via the ESP system or any of the other onboard ML systems?
Thanks for your help.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 6,130
Likes: 1,117
A gaggle of MB's
Before jumping ahead too far - please understand in many states you can operate a small trailer without resorting to a brake controller for proportional brake control.
Check witha hitch/trailer expert in your area.
You have the factory hitch - which is great value - which gives you stability control built-in - and appropriate plug-n-play at the hitch.
Proportional controllers are needed for control of large/heavy trailers..
Keep the beat !
Check witha hitch/trailer expert in your area.
You have the factory hitch - which is great value - which gives you stability control built-in - and appropriate plug-n-play at the hitch.
Proportional controllers are needed for control of large/heavy trailers..
Keep the beat !
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 11
Likes: 0
2014 ML350 BlueTec
Before jumping ahead too far - please understand in many states you can operate a small trailer without resorting to a brake controller for proportional brake control.
Check witha hitch/trailer expert in your area.
You have the factory hitch - which is great value - which gives you stability control built-in - and appropriate plug-n-play at the hitch.
Proportional controllers are needed for control of large/heavy trailers..
Keep the beat !
Check witha hitch/trailer expert in your area.
You have the factory hitch - which is great value - which gives you stability control built-in - and appropriate plug-n-play at the hitch.
Proportional controllers are needed for control of large/heavy trailers..
Keep the beat !
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 6,130
Likes: 1,117
A gaggle of MB's
The rear hitch electrics will trigger electric brakes... a controller gives you proportional control.. the trailer determines if you need a brake controller, 3500 lbs not really a "big" deal depending on "mountain" travel .. a good hitch/trailer guy in your area will know/understand how to wire in or RF a controller if you need one.. depends on the trailer braking system..
