Installation of Trailer Hitch and Trailer Wiring Harness on 2013 Mercedes GLK 250 Bluetec

Question:

I recently purchased a sailplane and trailer. Total weight apx.1700 lbs. Contacted dealer, who quoted $1150 for only a class 2, not including wiring or labor. Checking other local businesses that sell trailers and hitches, incl. U-Haul and others, they all refused to do it, based on the Mercedes Benz being very prone to computer modules going crazy. Today, I talked to the M-B service manager where I purchased my vehicle. He said the last one they did, using their parts, was a major clusterf***! The tech manual says 21/2 hours to do full install, the tech required 1 1/2 days to do it. Had to track down all the affected modules, and finally got it to work. They will do it if I want, but even the service manager told me he agreed with me that their price was ridiculous. I would like to have a class 3 hitch with a full install including the wiring. I want it done by someone who knows how, and will take responsibility if things go south. Can you recommend an installer somewhere in my area, which is Montgomery, NY. 12549. within 100 miles is fine. Any other advice would be welcome.

asked by: Richard H

Expert Reply:

The Curt # C13155 Class III hitch is a confirmed fit for your 2013 GLK250 BlueTec. I don't have any specific recommendations I can provide for your area, but any trusted local mechanic should be able to handle the hitch installation, which isn't terribly difficult. You an take a look at the instructions for yourself by clicking the provided link.

The wiring installation is a bit more involved. I'd recommend the Tekonsha ZCI Circuit Protected Wiring Harness # 119250KIT. Because this converter isn't a vehicle specific item, there aren't vehicle specific installation instructions, but we do have a video showing the wiring being installed on several Mercedes-Benz vehicles, these and other European vehicles are well known for their very sophisticated wiring systems, so if you don't feel comfortable attempting the install yourself, you'll need somebody who knows what they're doing to install the taillight converter. The install isn't terribly difficult, but the procedure for testing the wiring in the harnesses feeding the taillight assemblies can be.

Having the dealer install this could be prohibitively expensive, but there might be another option. There are lots of independent shops that specialize in Mercedes vehicles specifically or European vehicles in general. If you have such a shop in your area, they'd likely be less expensive than the dealer, but still knowledgeable about how to work on sophisticated vehicles.

expert reply by: Mike L