Will a Trailer Hitch Interfere with the Foot Tailgate Activation on a 2018 Mercedes GLA 250

Question

Question:

Thanks Jon, So it will still work you just need to adjust where you aim your foot. Great. I will be using the hitch for several applications, 1) bike rack , 2) small utility trailer with kayaks and possible bikes 2 each. About 600lbs total. 3) I will be towing the GLA on a 17 1/2' Featherlite trailer behind my motor home. There is on occasion the need to maneuver the trailer once we get to a campground & the motorhome does not provide for such detailed maneuvering so I would use the GLA with the Curt hitch to move the trailer. This trailer weighs 1250lbs. Not sure of the tongue weight. But as I stated I will only be moving the trailer into a parking space if needed. In 3 years of towing this trailer full time I have only had to move it 2 times.

asked by: Dan

1

Helpful Expert Reply:

Installing a trailer hitch, like the Curt # C13197 that you referenced, on a vehicle like your 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLA-250 with the foot activated tailgate will slightly interfere with the activation.

Typically you will wave your foot right where the hitch receiver sits. When you install a trailer hitch you will simply need to kick straight out to the left or right of the receiver openening to activate your tailgate.

Installation instructions have been attached for you to reference, but this is a pretty involved installation so unless you are pretty experienced with working on vehicles it would be best to have a shop install it.

If you let me know what you will be using the trailer hitch for I can make some recommendations for you.

expert reply by: Jon G

1

Dan

11/30/2017

Thanks Jon, So it will still work you just need to adjust where you aim your foot. Great. I will be using the hitch for several applications, 1) bike rack , 2) small utility trailer with kayaks and possible bikes 2 each. About 600lbs total. 3) I will be towing the GLA on a 17 1/2' Featherlite trailer behind my motor home. There is on occasion the need to maneuver the trailer once we get to a campground & the motorhome does not provide for such detailed maneuvering so I would use the GLA with the Curt hitch to move the trailer. This trailer weighs 1250lbs. Not sure of the tongue weight. But as I stated I will only be moving the trailer into a parking space if needed. In 3 years of towing this trailer full time I have only had to move it 2 times.

Reply

Jon G.

11/30/2017

To complete your towing setup you will also need a ball mount and a hitch ball plus wiring for your trailer lights. The Curt Class III Ball Mount with 2" Ball - 2" Drop # C45036 is a very popular option that also includes a hitch pin and clip. You will want to check out the attached ball mount article though to see if this is correct for your towing application. Since a trailer weight is typically 10-15% of the weight of the trailer this hitch and ball mount should allow you to safely maneuver your 1,250 lb trailer. For wiring I recommend either going with the Tekonsha # 119147KIT or the Tekonsha # 119250KIT. The first kit requires hardwiring while the second kit uses a specialized clip that doesn't require hardwiring. If you do not already have a bike rack then I highly recommend the Kuat NV 2.0 which comes in Metallic Black # NV22B and Gunmetal Gray # NV22G. Since it sounded like you have 2 bikes this would be a great solution for you. The NV 2.0 is an aluminum bike rack that secures 2 bikes up to 60 lbs each by their wheels. The wheel mount means that it can accommodate any bike that does not have a front fender. This bike rack has the tilting and folding features as well as bike rack and bike locks built-in to help secure your equipment. This is also the only bike rack that I know of that comes with a bike repair stand which makes bike repairs on the road much less of a hassle. For an option that is more economical we have the Kuat Sherpa which comes in Black # SH22B, Gray # SH22G or Pearl # SH22P, and has the same features minus the bike repair stand. I have attached some additional videos on these products for you to check out.

Reply