Determining The Correct Ball Mount For A 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLS 450 Towing A Boat Trailer

Updated 05/06/2024 | Published 05/05/2024

Question:

Hello I have a 2018 Mercedes GLS450 with the factory trailer hitch option. Vehicle has a 7,500 pound tow capacity. I will be towing a boat and trailer with gas with a weight of 4,853 pounds. Can you please recommend options for a trailer hitch ball mount? Thanks so much.

asked by: Russ

Expert Reply:

Hi Russ,

There's a few things that you'll need to check in order to get the right ball mount for your setup. First you'll want to check the coupler size of the trailer. With the boat/trailer weighing in round 5,000lbs you likely have a 2" ball coupler.

From there you'll want to level the trailer and measure from the ground to the bottom of the coupler. Next you'll measure from the top of the trailer hitch receiver tube opening on your GLS to the ground. When you compare these two measurements if the trailer coupler height sits below the vehicle trailer hitch height then you'll need a drop and if it sits above you'll need a rise.

We offer a large variety of fixed height ball mounts as well as adjustable-height ball mounts that I would recommend if you tow multiple trailers to avoid having to purchase multiple ball mounts. If you want to take those measurements and let me know I'd be happy to get you exactly what you need.

expert reply by: Kevin C