Determining Towing Capacity for a 2011 Mercedes GL350

Published 01/13/2015

Question:

We have a 2011 MB GL350. It is rated to tow 7500# and the payload label says around 1150# but the MB website specs indicate closer to 1500#. Our concern is with the hitch weight limitation stated in the manual, which is 600#. If the tongue weight should be 10-15 of GVWR, it would be 750# minimum. So 600# seems very low. Everyone we talk to says that MB is VERY conservative in the numbers they post on their vehicles, and the real numbers are higher. So is the hitch weight limit really 600#? If so, we need to get rid of either the vehicle or the TT, both new. Thank you.

asked by: Margaret

Expert Reply:

The lowest rated component in a towing setup is the overall capacity. If the hitch on your 2011 Mercedes Benz GL350 has a 600 lb capacity then I cannot recommend you exceed this figure even though it would seem like it should be 750 lbs since typically the tongue weight capacity for a vehicle is 10 percent of the total trailer weight it can tow.

You might check to see if there is a second hitch capacity that is higher listed for when using a weight distribution system. I attached an FAQ on weight distribution systems for you to check out as well.

expert reply by: Jameson C