fju2112

I am looking at a GLS580, MY 2021, no tow package. Has anyone added a tow hitch, looking for a good option, possibly even stealth, willing to pay extra for that, but wanted to know if anyone here has done that?

mercedesmax

I've sent several people to stealth hitches
https://stealthhitches.com/products/...md_gls-580-suv

jkaetz

What/how much are you planning on towing? The factory hitch also gets you some other towing related things most notably changes to the ESC and likely the drive/suspension modes when a trailer is connected.

fju2112

I could foresee towing a trailer but honestly not sure how much it would weigh. Currently I don't have that option, but would love the ability to do so. It's unlikely I'd be coming anywhere near close to the max ability of the vehicle to tow weight-wise.

That's the thing about the factory option; seems impossible to retrofit if the vehicle didn't already come with it. For the most part, initially, it would be a hitch mounted bike rack, which is easy enough. But I'd get the 2" option and would want to keep my options open for towing heavier items.

jkaetz

The stealth hitch should be fine for that stuff. I didn't see capacity ratings when I glanced at it but you don't need a lot of capacity for bikes. I would have a hard time trusting that connection setup with a trailer of any significant weight though. Maybe it's not an issue but my brain doesn't like it. As with towing anything, high speed stability, stopping, & cornering are going to be your biggest concerns. Take it easy until you know how the rig behaves when loaded and you should be good. Personally I'd look for one with a factory hitch if I was going to tow more than 2 - 3k lbs.

Richard Nummi

OK so the MB OEM Hitch is installed with OEM reinforcement parts by my local indy. Ordered all the parts from MB via info gleaned from this forum. Also acquired the OEM wiring harness and tow module. Fully understand that I'm ultimately going to have to go to MB to have it coded. That being said, does anyone have access to a wiring diagram that shows the correct plugs (i.e which goes where). This would be the harness running from under forward dash (green plug) under carpet to rear exiting with rubber grommet then to the actual 7 pin? Any assistance appreciated. 2020 GLE580 w airmatic etc. I had this done once before with a 2017 GLS. The lions share of the labor cost is/was pulling the interior to lay the harness. I actually went to dealer (with the 17 GLS) and watched from the view gallery while they did the work. This go round I opted to DIY. the 17 did not have the harness. Have heard rumors that the harness may be present in ALL of the post 2020 models whether OEM hitch installed or not (at least its anecdotally there in ALL post 2020 Metris's). If You've got access to wiring diagram could you send a copy (or point me towards the right online source) to assist in my install.

Also saw above I had been referenced in the HD Spring comment. The HD springs are obviously ONLY in the non-airmatic suspensions. My 16 GLE400 had the OEM tow pack but did NOT come with the OEM HD Springs (or Air-Matic). There was a dramatic reduction in vehicle sag after the HD Spring swap.

mikapen

If all you're trying to do is make your brake controller work, skip the factory wiring and get a Tekonsha RF brake controller. Tekonsha engineers claim it's their best performing controller, and I agree, having run their top wired controller and the RF.

I don't believe the 7-pin activates a tow-haul mode as it did in the 166 cars.
However, it may generate a light out warning, but I had a light out on a recent U-Haul trailer and I didn't get a signal with my 167.

Did your hitch kit come with chassis reinforcements?

wildta

If you're looking for this, it's tucked away nearby the OBD2 port. The panel covering the OBD2 port has to be removed and this green plug is tucked away nearby.