Determining Ground Clearance for Curt Trailer Hitch on 2013 Mercedes-Benz GLK 250

Question:

Hello! I need a 2inch receiving hitch to carry 2 mountain bikes on the back of my Mercedes GLK 250 Blutec. I understand the CURT Class 3 Trailer Hitch #13155 is the only after market hitch available for my car, but I am concerned with the loss of ground clearance. What will be the ground clearance with this hitch installed? Is the supporting bracket required for the 250, I feel like the bracket really s down low and negates the whole reason I got a higher clearance car. Open to suggestions, but would prefer not to mount my bikes on the roof since its such a pain. Thank you,

asked by: Alfhild A

Expert Reply:

The Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver # C13155 referenced in your question is confirmed to fit your 2013 Mercedes-Benz GLK 250 Bluetec. I spoke with my contact at Curt and he stated that from the top of those brackets that will be attached to the frame of your GLK 250, to the bottom of the trailer hitch receiver, there is a distance of 10.39 inches. I recommend going to your vehicle and measuring out that distance from the frame where the hitch will attach so you can see exactly where the bottom of the receiver will sit.

For your GLK 250, you will need to utilize the brackets mentioned in your question for proper installation.

If you are concerned about the ground clearance, I recommend looking at a hitch-mounted bike rack that features a rise in the shank, such as the Swagman XTC-2 2-Bike Platform Rack # S64670. This carrier provides a shank with a 3 inch rise for improved clearance and can hold up to 2 bikes at 35 pounds each. I have attached a video demonstration on this rack as well as a link that will take you to our available selection of hitch bike racks for you to look through.

expert reply by: Chris R