Recommended Hitch for a 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLE43 AMG Coup  

Question:

Expert Reply:

Hey Nick! I wouldn't be too concerned with tongue weight on either hitch. It looks like your 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLE43 AMG Coup's tongue weight tops out at 500 lbs. Both the Curt item # C13294 and the Stealth Hitches item # SH25QR are going to exceed that capacity but you'll need to go off of the lowest number which is your AMG's 500 lbs.

Out of the two hitches, I recommend the Stealth Hitches Hidden Trailer Hitch Receiver w/ Towing Kit item # SH25QR. You can't beat the cleanness of how this hitch installs. The main crossbar will be hidden behind your rear bumper and the ball mount is completely removable. You won't even be able to tell you have a hitch installed when you're not towing.

Additionally, the item # SH25QR includes all the necessary wiring needed to add a 7-Way connector to your Mercedes. The only other thing you would need to add is a brake controller, which you will definitely need.

Installing a traditional brake controller like the Redarc Tow-Pro Elite Brake Controller item # RED44FR you were looking at is going to be a bit more difficult with your Mercedes' wiring set up. There is no plug in adapter and you will also need to purchase the Wiring Kit for 2 and 4 Brake Electric Brake Controllers item # 5506. This will provide the power source and ground for the wiring for the brake controller. You will need to test the wires from the brake pedal switch of your vehicle to find a circuit that has voltage when the brakes are applied and none when not applied. This will be the circuit you will run the red wire to.

You will also need to run a length of 10 gauge wire item # 10-1-1 from the brake output circuit of the controller to the brake output circuit of the 7-way (blue wire). The item # 10-1-1 is sold by the foot so you will need to order a quantity of the amount of feet you will need.

Another option is to just use the Autowbrake item # 3430001 which attaches to the trailer. Since you would already have the power for the charge line it would not require any additional wiring on your Mercedes.

I have linked a review video below so you can see the functions of the Autowbrake demonstrated. If you have any additional questions feel free to leave them in the comment box below.

expert reply by: Jerred H

0

Jerred H.

10/30/2025

Hey Nick, how did things go with the Stealth Hitch and brake controller setup on your GLE43 AMG? Did the wiring process work out smoothly with the extra kit and wire you needed? Your update could make it easier for others towing with the same vehicle.

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