Parts Needed for Towing a Boat Trailer with a 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLE 350

Updated 01/31/2023 | Published 01/29/2023

Products Featured in This Question

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

(26)

$213.94

Modulite Circuit Protected Power Converter w/ 5-Way Flat, Hardwire Kit, and Tester

(2)

$83.64

35 Ft 4-Way Trailer Wiring Harness - Wishbone Style - 42" Ground

(847)

$23.05

40 Ft 5-Way Trailer Wiring Harness - Wishbone Style - 30" Ground - 5' Auxiliary Wire

(176)

$34.36

Curt Mounting Bracket for 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector

(817)

$5.94

Curt Trailer Connector Adapter - 4-Way Flat to 5-Way Flat - Vehicle End

(103)

$17.00

Curt Easy Mount Bracket for 4- or 5-Way Flat Trailer Connector - 2" Hitch

(96)

$17.46

Curt Powered Tail Light Converter w/ 4-Way Flat Trailer Connector and Install Kit

(141)

$164.32

Question:

Bought a Mercedes Benz GLE 350, no hitch package, want to tow a boat with surge brakes. I am lookin at the following items, C13294 C59496 A35W42B C42CR My problem is the boat trailer I want to tow has surge brakes and power from the reverse lights is needed to lock out the brakes when backing the trailer. As far as I can tell the above electrical wont have that ability. I dont think the led back up lights have enough power to wire direct to the trailer. What options do I have?

asked by: Willy P

Helpful Expert Reply:

The Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver # C13294 is a great choice for your 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLE 350. The receiver has a 2" square opening and is rated for up to 750lbs of tongue weight and a trailer weight up to 7,500lbs. Be sure to not exceed any weight ratings given from Mercedes on your GLE.

Instead of using the Curt 4-Way # C59496 I recommend using the Tekonsha 5-Way Flat # 119177KIT. This kit allows you to draw power from the vehicle battery for the tail lights and reverse lights unlike the Curt which would require a separate Adapter # C57187 and draw all the reverse light power on the factory wiring. Also the Curt Easy Mount Bracket # C58001 will allow you to secure the 5-way end on the receiver. The Bracket # C42CR you found will only hold a 4-way flat connector.

I see you listed the 35 Ft 4-Way Trailer Wiring Harness # A35W42B but feel the 5-Pole Flat Connector # A40W5B will be a better option if you are replacing the trailer wiring.