Installing a Trailer Wiring Harness on a 2010 Mercedes-Benz GLK350 AWD

Updated 06/25/2014 | Published 06/23/2014

Question:

I am shopping for a trailer hitch for a 2010 Mercedes GLK350 AWD. The dealer said that some software changes may need to be done to the rear module for the wiring harness. Do you know of any issues with installing the wiring harness for this vehicle. I appreciate your help.

asked by: Kevin

Expert Reply:

We have not had a chance to install a wiring harness on a Mercedes-Benz GLK350 yet, but I know some vehicles will require a reflash for a trailer wiring harness to work. Installing a trailer wiring harness on these vehicles without going through the proper installation process can throw dash codes or mess with the vehicles electrical system.

For a wiring harness that will not require you to splice or cut into your GLK350's taillight wiring system, I recommend the ZCI Zero-Contact Wiring Harness # 119250KIT. This wiring harness uses sensors that surround the factory wire to identify current passing along the wire. Since the ZCI harness does not cut or splice into the factory wiring, there will be no feedback, interference, or power draw on your factory wiring from this wiring harness. The installation instructions for the ZCI are linked, and for the 2010 GLK350 you will want to use the BT wiring code installation.

As far as a trailer hitch is concerned, you will not need to worry about any computer or electrical system interference. You can simply bolt the hitch up to the vehicle. The trailer hitch that I recommend for your 2010 GLK350 is the Draw-Tite Class III Trailer Hitch, # 75774. This hitch is easy to install and comes with a 2 inch receiver that is compatible with most hitch mounted accessories such as bike racks or cargo carriers.

expert reply by: John H