Trailer Hitch and Weight Distribution Recommendation For 2007 Mercedes Benz ML350

Updated 07/02/2020 | Published 07/01/2020

Products Featured in This Question

Ultra-Fab 2" Trailer Hitch Receiver for Trailer Frames

(110)

$311.84

Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class III - 2"

(22)

$278.66

2-5/16" Hitch Ball - 1-1/4" Diameter x 2-3/4" Long Shank - Chrome - 12,000 lbs

(2634)

$19.00

2" Hitch Ball - 1-1/4" Diameter x 2-5/8" Long Shank - Chrome - 10,000

(3909)

$20.94

Reese Steadi-Flex Weight Distribution System w/ Sway Control - Trunnion - 10K GTW, 1K TW

(239)

$786.79

Question:

Looking to tow TrailManor 2431 with our SUV and not sure about which hitch to get. I see your class III ones for this vehicle have a max towing capacity of 3500 or 4000 with distribution?. According to specs, Dry Weight lbs 3140, Load Capacity lbs 1595 for the newer models, so may be slightly different for the 2005 model I am looking to buy. Which hitch would you recomment? Thanks!

asked by: Cesar

Expert Reply:

Both hitches share the same basic design and the same capacity, but I'd personally choose the Curt # 13342 over the Draw-Tite # 75376 because I feel that Curt does a better job with their powder coat finish.

To realize the full capacity of the hitch, you'll want to use a weight distribution hitch, and because travel trailers are pretty vulnerable to trailer sway caused by crosswinds and oncoming and passing traffic, I'd recommend going with a system that includes an effective sway control component.

If you're towing it right at the 4000 limit of the hitch (which I don't recommend exceeding), your tongue weight will be between 10-15% of the trailer's loaded weight, or from 400-600 lbs. If your fully loaded tongue weight is greater than 500 lbs which it likely will be, I'd go with the Reese # RP66559 Steadi-Flex which is designed for trailers with tongue weights between 500-1000 lbs. This system provides proven weight distribution with an excellent sway control component. For a 2 inch trailer ball, you'll need part # A-90 or # 19286 for a 2-5/16 inch ball.