Everything Needed to Tow with a 2011 Mercedes Benz ML350

Question:

What would the best and least costly tow setup for 2011 MB ML350 brake controller, hitch, hitch ball and WD to pull a fully loaded 17foot Casita Spirit Deluxe trailer? Is there an installation video? Is this a DIY? What tools would be needed?

asked by: King

Expert Reply:

First let's start with a hitch for your 2011 Mercedes Benz ML350. If you have a non BlueTec you would want the part # 13342, if you have a BlueTec you would want the part # C13102.

Since you wanted to do some towing you might be interested in etrailer ball mount kit # 989900. It comes with 2 ball mounts; one with a 3/4 inch rise or 2 inch drop and one with a 2-3/4 inch rise or 4 inch drop. It also includes a 1-7/8 inch ball, 2 inch ball, hitch pin with clip, and a storage bag.

If the ball mount kit does not include a ball mount with the right rise or drop to tow the trailer level, check out the link I have included that explains how to measure to choose a ball mount to tow the trailer level.

You will need to start with a 4-way (if you do not have one). For that you would want the # C59496.

From there you would need to convert the 4-way to a 7-way so that you can install the brake controller. For that you will want the Brake Controller Install Kit and 7-Way Adapter part # ETBC7. I attached installation instructions and an install video for this product as well.

For a brake controller I would recommend the Prodigy P2 Brake Controller part # 90885. This is our best selling brake controller because of how well it works and how easy it is to setup. This is a proportional brake controller that senses the amount of braking the tow vehicle is applying and applies a proportionate amount to the trailer brakes.

The best way to pick out a weight distribution system is to base it off of the loaded tongue weight of the setup when it is loaded and ready to tow. This figure also includes the weight of any cargo behind the rear axle of the tow vehicle. I attached a help article on determining tongue weight for you to check out as well. You will want the loaded tongue weight of your setup to fall right in the middle of the tongue weight range of the system you use.

Everything I have mentioned is easily installable with basic tools and mechanical skills.