Trailer Hitch For A Mercedes-Benz GLS 450

Updated 08/18/2020 | Published 08/13/2020

Products Featured in This Question

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

(21)

$481.43

Curt Towing Starter Kit for 2" Hitches - 2" Ball - 3/4" Rise, 2" Drop - 7.5K

(781)

$76.37

Question:

Im looking for a trailer hitch for my GLS 450, and the Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver # C13190 seems to be a perfect fit except for its Not rated for use with weight-distribution systems, as I see in the specs https://www.etrailer.com/p-C13190.html. Does it mean that I cannot use a weight-distribution system on this hitch? The trailer I plan to tow has UVW of 3000 lbs, maybe I dont even need a weight-distribution system?

asked by: Leon

Expert Reply:

The Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class III - 2" Item # C13190 is a perfect fit for your GLS Class Mercedes-Benz. This hitch has a 900 lb tongue weight, a 7500 lb towing capacity, 2" by 2" receiver tube opening so it will accommodate a lot of different hitch mounted accessories when not towing your trailer.

You are correct, this hitch is not rated for weight distribution and with the trailer only weighing 3000 lbs, the GLS 450 having a 7500 lb towing capacity you don't need it. As long as your GLS is properly equipped for towing, it already has trailer stability assist which helps minimize sway on the trailer.

Sway is caused when a trailer moves off center from the vehicle that is being towed on a ball mount. As the trailer moves off center to one side, it pulls down on the ball and causes that side of the vehicle to drop because the suspension is being compressed. The trailer at this point is now way off center. By the time the suspension reacts to push that side of the vehicle back up it pushes the trailer to the other side of the vehicle. This is how a sway situation happens on a trailer.

The GLS has a system built in that works together with sensors on the electronic stability control program to help monitor sway on the trailer. If the vehicle detects sway on the trailer it will automatically apply the brakes as needed to correct the swaying motion.

I also recommend Curt Towing Starter Kit for 2" Hitches - 2" Ball - 3/4" Rise, 2" Drop - 7.5K Item # C45534. The ball can be placed in the rise or drop position to get the trailer as level as possible. This kit comes with a regular pin a clip and a locking pin with 2 keys to secure your ball mount to the hitch receiver. It comes with a bag to keep your ball mount, pin and clip and locking pin contained when not using them and a receiver tube cap. When you are not towing the rubber cap can be placed in the receiver tube opening to keep dirt and debris from getting inside the receiver tube opening.

I have provided a link to a video to help walk you through the instillation of the hitch