Recommended 7-Way Connector for a 2016 Mercedes Benz GLE

Updated 04/30/2025 | Published 04/15/2025

Question:

I need a 7 pin trailer connector/kit for 2016 GLE Mercedes Benz. Dont need the stealth hitch already have hitch with 4 flat need the 7 pin for electric trailer brakes.

asked by: Bryce J

Expert Reply:

Hey Bryce. Since your 2016 Mercedes Benz GLE already has a 4-way connector you'll need the Universal Installation Kit for Trailer Brake Controller item # ETBC7. The kit includes a pre-wired 7- and 4-way trailer connector that mounts easily at the rear of your Mercedes with an included bracket. This kit is designed for use on a vehicle, like yours with an existing 4-way flat trailer connector and plugs directly into it. It includes all of the wiring, circuit breakers, and connectors you'll need to get it set up.

You will then connect the blue wire to the blue wire on the brake controller, connect the black wire to the positive post on your Mercedes's battery, the white wire to ground, and the yellow wire to vehicle's reverse circuit if applicable. This will provide you with the ability to control your trailer's brakes and also provide you with a 12v power wire for you trailer's accessory lights.

If you have any additional questions go ahead and throw them into the comment box below.

expert reply by: Jerred H

Bryce J.

4/17/2025

Jared I don't have a trailer brake controller. I had a 2013 GLE with I think was a factory hitch and 7 pin connector---no under dash conroller. I bought the 2016 and it didn't have the factory hitch--got hitch and a 4 flat installed--Uhaul bad decision!! If I abandon my current 4 flat and want a 7 pin what do you have--I will tear out the 4 flat and only use the 7 pin with external 7 pin to 4 pin adapter if ever needed. Thanks.

Jerred H.

4/18/2025

@BryceJ You'll need the item # ETBC7 and a brake controller to tow a trailer with a 7-Way connector and brakes. Additionally, you're also going to need to keep that 4-way connector you got from Uhaul. It plugs into the item # ETBC7 to provide the controls for the tail lights. Other than that Stealth Hitch option you referenced not needing item # SH98QR, there's no option to just install a 7-way without first having a 4-way connector. As far as a brake controller goes, by far the simplest option to install one on on your Mercedes GLE is to use the Curt Echo Wireless Brake Controller item # C51180. The Echo plugs directly into the 7-Way connector and allows you to control the settings through an app on your phone. The Echo is a proportional brake controller that slows or stops your trailer when your Mercedes decelerates. It uses Bluetooth to communicate with your phone so you will never have to worry about losing signal. If your phone dies it automatically uses the default settings you program in. When you install the item # ETBC7 you will not need to run the blue brake controller wire. You can just cap it off. The Echo item # C51180 runs off of Bluetooth not the signal this wire provides from a standard brake controller. What kind of trailer are you pulling and does it have brakes? It's hard not to make the assumption that a trailer with a 7-way connector doesn't have brakes but it's been known to happen.

Bryce J.

4/19/2025

@JerredH Towing a 21' 1961 Century Coronado wooden boat, hull weight with engine 2200#, with trailer barely breaking the 3500# limit for needing brakes (aluminum trailer likely will buy). I have already towed it with the original trailer (900 miles with non functioning brakes) and the GLE more than handles it, but with the new trailer I need to be legal. Doesn't look like i can send a picture. I will study your newest suggestions--might be just what I need. The factory towing pkg must have some hidden controller--i will ask Benz. My 2013 I towed a 19' enclosed trailer with 4-5000# loads and I know the electric brakes on the trailer worked. Thank you for your help.

Jerred H.

4/21/2025

@BryceJ Thanks for the information and you're welcome! You can email me the pictures directly if you need me to take a look at something for you. Go ahead and take a look at those parts and let me know if you need anything else.