Parts Needed to Tow Utility Trailer With 2008 Mercedes-Benz E350 Wagon

Updated 12/07/2025 | Published 09/23/2025

Products Featured in This Question

Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class I - 1-1/4"

(31)

$291.59

Curt Powered Tail Light Converter with 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector

(1673)

$73.32

etrailer Ball Mount w/ Pre-Torqued 2" Ball - 1-1/4" Hitch - 3-7/8" Rise - 3,500 lbs

(375)

$48.54

Universal Installation Kit for Trailer Brake Controller - 7-Way RV and 4-Way Flat - 10 Gauge Wires

(3397)

$121.27

Redarc Tow-Pro Liberty Brake Controller w/ Universal Wiring Harness - Dash Knob - Proportional

(2505)

$217.00

Question:

I have a 2008 Mercedes E350 4matic wagon and would like to install a hitch for a ball to be able to tow a utility trailer so will also need wiring for brakes. Do you supply all of the appropriate parts I will need and, if so, could you provide a shopping cart list for me? Thank you!

asked by: Michael W

Expert Reply:

Hey Michael! We do have all of the parts you need to tow a utility trailer. For a hitch you can use the Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver # C11701. Then for trailer wiring to power the lights the Curt Powered Tail Light Converter with 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector # C59236. Does the trailer have electric brakes or hydraulic surge brakes?

If I had to guess it is probably hydraulic surge brakes so you won't need a 7-way or a brake controller. If it does have electric brakes you will also need the # ETBC7 to upgrade to a 7-way and then a brake controller like the Redarc Tow-Pro Liberty # RED52VR. More than likely you will need a ball mount with a rise like the # e47DR but you might want to measure for rise/drop to make sure you're level before picking up the ball mount. Check out the article linked further down on this page which explains how to measure.

expert reply by: Robin H

Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver
(click to enlarge)

Robin H.

10/22/2025

Hey Michael, how did things go getting the Curt hitch and wiring set up on your E350 wagon? Were you able to confirm whether your trailer uses electric or surge brakes? Your update could make it easier for others planning a similar towing setup.

Michael

12/6/2025

@RobinH Apologies. Not sure I ever got back to you on this information. I found an interim solution to the problem I was trying to quickly solve and then put this out of mind. I do want to purchase the necessary parts for a hitch. I should tell you I am about a 2 out of 10 in terms of what I know about trailering. My interest is being able to pull a small utility trailer, perhaps 5'x8', that only needs to be capable of transporting a 550 lb motorcycle. So I don't think brakes on the trailer are necessary. I would also like to be able to install a motorcycle carrier straight into the hitch. Here is a link to the product I have in mind: MotoTote | m3 Motorcycle Hitch Carrier The carrier would be used for a smaller bike weighing in at under 400 lbs. And, obviously, these events would not occur simultaneously :-) Please provide me with a revised shopping list of components based on the above or let me know of any follow up questions. Thanks so much! Michael

Robin H.

12/7/2025

@Michael brakes probably aren't necessary at that weight but it really depends on the overall weight of the trailer. Best to check the owner's manual (some vehicles require trailer brakes at a certain weight) and local laws on trailer brakes. The Curt # C11701 is going to be your only option so you're limited to the towing capacity of your vehicle, or the 2,000 lb capacity of the hitch, whichever is lower. The carrier won't be possible. The hitch can only handle 200 lbs of tongue weight. You didn't give an exact weight on the other bike but, I'm guessing the weight of the carrier itself and the bike is over 200 lbs. It doesn't matter if that carrier is rated for 500 lbs, you're limited to the lowest rated component. Even if a hitch with a higher rating existing I'm 99% sure your vehicle can't handle that much tongue weight.

Michael W.

12/6/2025

I also want to note the vehicle was not purchased with the optional trailer prep package and would like to confirm that does not disqualify the installation of a hitch at this time. Thank you