Aftermarket Trailer Towing Equipment vs. OEM Tow Package for 2012 Mercedes-Benz ML350  

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The reasons towing equipment can cost so much more from an auto dealership are that sometimes these OEM packages do offer some cosmetic benefits, e.g. the dealer-installed hitch (that can cost up to several multiples of the cost of aftermarket hitches we sell) may require fewer cosmetic alterations to the rear bumper cover; and also of course, because a costly tow package that can be financed along with the cost of the vehicle does not appear such a bad deal when one is already ponying up the price of a new auto.

Aftermarket hitches, related towing components and trailer brake controllers offer at least comparable, if not superior performance and value, to OEM products. You will lose nothing in capacity or safety by using aftermarket towing equipment, but you can potentially save a lot of money.

So long as your ML350 does not have the Active Curve System you can install Draw-Tite hitch # 76141 or Curt # C13117, both 2-inch Class III types. An installation video for the Curt hitch is linked but the process will be the same for either brand. If you need a 4-pole wiring harness for your trailer lights you can use the ZCI harness # 119250KIT which uses snap-on clamps for connection, allowing you to avoid the anguish of cutting into your Benz's wiring. It also allows you to easily move the harness to another vehicle in the future. An installation video is linked too.

I also suggest our Ball Mount Kit # 989900 which includes two different ball mounts, 2 hitch balls and a pin and clip, all together in a handy storage bag.

If your trailer has brakes you will also need a trailer brake controller set-up. Once you install the 4-pole harness noted above, all you'll need to add is the controller itself, I recommend the reliable and easy-to-use Prodigy P3 # 90195, and our all-inclusive install kit # ETBC7 which has all the parts needed. An installation video is linked for the controller and install kit.

expert reply by: Adam R

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