Towing Capacity and Towing Set Up for a 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC300
Question:
I have a 2021 GLC 300 and Im looking at options for a hitch. The listed capacities for the Curt C84ER hitch are: Maximum gross trailer weight: 6,000 lbs Maximum tongue weight: 900 lbs Is that actually what the GLC can tow with this hitch? The factory hitch is only a class 2 with a max capacity of 3500 trailer weight. I just want to make sure I know the limitations of this hitch if I were to install it. Thanks!
asked by: Chad W
Expert Reply:
I would be happy to help you find a hitch for your 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC300 and answer your capacity questions. I'll start by saying that the Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver item # C84ER you referenced is confirmed to fit your GLC300 if you have the SUV. The capacities of the hitch are never what you want to go by. You always want to refer to your owners manual or call your local Mercedes dealership and give them your VIN and they can tell you your vehicle's towing capacity. The different trim and towing packages can offer a wide variance in capacity and it is always recommended to verify what your vehicle's capacity is before towing. The lowest rated component is what you want to base your vehicles capability on and it is almost never the hitch.
In order to tow a trailer and control both its lighting and braking functions you will need a 4-flat connector for the lights and if you are towing a trailer over 2,000 lbs you will need a 7-way connector to control the brakes. There isn't one harness for your Mercedes that will add a 7-way so you will need to start with the Curt Upgraded Modulite Vehicle Wiring Harness Kit w/ 4-Pole Trailer Connector and Installation Kit item # C59236. This will add a 4-way vehicle connector that will only control your trailer's lighting functions.
The second harness you will need is the Universal Installation Kit for Trailer Brake Controller - 7-Way RV and 4-Way Flat - 10 Gauge Wires item # ETBC7. The kit includes a pre-wired 7- and 4-way trailer connector that mounts easily at the rear of your vehicle with an included bracket. This kit is designed for use on a vehicle with an existing 4-way flat trailer connector and plugs directly into it.
To control your trailer's brakes you will also need a brake controller. The Curt Echo item # C51180 is a personal favorite and one of our most popular brake controllers. It plugs into your 7-way and connects inline with your trailer's connector. This eliminates all the hassle of hardwiring a brake controller and having the bulky control unit at your knees.
To round out your towing setup I recommend the Curt Towing Starter Kit for 2" Hitches item # C45534. This towing kit will provide you with a 2" ball and a fixed ball mount with a 3/4" rise and 2" drop. It also includes a hitch pin and clip, hitch receiver lock with keys, hitch cover, and a storage case.
The correct hitch for the GLC 300 Coupe is the Stealth Hitches Hidden Trailer Hitch Receiver w/ Towing Kit - Custom Fit - 2" item # SH64GR.
Products Referenced in This Question
Curt Towing Starter Kit for 2" Hitches - 2" Ball - 3/4" Rise, 2" Drop - 7.5K
- Trailer Hitch Ball Mount
- Fixed Ball Mount
- 2 Inch Ball
- One Ball
- Steel Ball
- Steel Shank - Gloss Black
- Drop - 2 Inch
- Rise - 0 Inch
- Fits 2 Inch Hitch
- 7500 lbs GTW
- Class III
- Ball Mount Kit
- Pre-Torqued
- CURT
more information >
Curt Echo Wireless Brake Controller - 7-Way Plug Mount w/ Bluetooth App - 1 to 2 Axle - Proportional
- Trailer Brake Controller
- Proportional Controller
- Hidden
- Up to 2 Axles
- Smartphone Display
- CURT
more information >
Curt Powered Tail Light Converter with 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector
- Custom Fit Vehicle Wiring
- Trailer Hitch Wiring
- Converter
- Universal Fit
- 4 Flat
- CURT
more information >
Universal Installation Kit for Trailer Brake Controller - 7-Way RV and 4-Way Flat - 10 Gauge Wires
- Accessories and Parts
- Trailer Brake Controller
- Installation Kits
- etrailer
more information >
Stealth Hitches Hidden Trailer Hitch Receiver w/ Towing Kit - Custom Fit - 2"
- Trailer Hitch
- Custom Fit Hitch
- 350 lbs TW
- 3500 lbs GTW
- 2 Inch Hitch
- Completely Hidden
- Stealth Hitches
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class III - 2"
- Trailer Hitch
- Custom Fit Hitch
- Class III
- 900 lbs TW
- 6000 lbs GTW
- 2 Inch Hitch
- Concealed Cross Tube
- CURT
more information >
Featured Help Information
Instructions
Continue Researching
- Shop: Trailer Wiring
- Shop: Brake Controller
- Shop: Curt Powered Tail Light Converter w/ 4-Way Flat Trailer Connector and Install Kit
- Shop: Universal Installation Kit for Trailer Brake Controller - 7-Way RV and 4-Way Flat - 10 Gauge Wires
- Shop: Bauer Products 4-Way Trailer Plug Holder
- Article: Trailer Wiring Diagrams
- Article: Wiring Trailer Lights with a 5-Way Plug (It's Easier Than You Think)
- Article: Brake Controller Installation: Starting from Scratch
- Search Results: 3 to 2 taillight converter
- Shop: Vehicle Tow Bar Wiring
- Q&A: Installing A 4-Way Connector To A 2022 Mercedes GLC300 So I Can Tow A Utility Trailer
- Shop: Towing Kit w/ Ball Mount and Trailer Wiring for Stealth Hitches Hidden Rack Receiver - 2" Ball
- Shop: Curt Towing Starter Kit for 2" Hitches - 2" Ball - 3/4" Rise, 2" Drop - 7.5K
- Shop: Curt Powered Tail Light Converter with 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector
- Shop: Curt 2 to 3 Wire Tail Light Converter
- Article: Brake Controller 7- and 4-Way Installation Kit (ETBC7)
- Article: Wiring Trailer Lights with a 7-Way Plug (It's Easier Than You Think)
- Video: Curt Echo In-Line Wireless Brake Controller Review
- Video: Curt Echo In-Line Wireless Brake Controller Installation - 2016 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
- Q&A: Recommended Brake Controller for 2020 Mercedes Benz GLC 300 Towing Airstream Trailer
- Search Results: 44649
- Q&A: What is the Difference Between a Class II and a Class III Hitch?
- Shop: Trailer Hitch
- Video: Choosing the Right Trailer Wiring
- Search Results: 25580
- Video: Choosing the Right Brake Controller
- Q&A: What is the Difference Between a 4-Way and 7-Way Trailer Connector
- Q&A: 10k Dexter Replacement Hub for a 8-415
- Search Results: 68149
- Article: How to Choose the Right Trailer Hitch Class
on Trailer Hitch
