Ball Mount Recommendation for a 2012 Mercedes GLK 350 with Class II Hitch
Question:
What is the correct ball mount for a 2012 Mercedes GLK 350 Class 2 11/4 x 11/4 hitch?
asked by: Don R
Expert Reply:
Your Class II hitch should have a weight rating of 3,500 lbs, check the hitch specifications to be sure. In this case we would recommend using a Class II rated ball mount, that has the proper drop or rise for towing your trailer. I added a link to all of the Class II ball mounts that we carry for you to select from.
Normally trailers are set up with an 18 inch coupler height, so if you do not have a trailer to measure you can select a ball mount based on 18 inches and be very close with most trailers. To determine the correct rise or drop needed, measure from the ground to the top of the receiver opening on the hitch. Then subtract 18 inches from that measurement for the drop or rise. If 18 inches is shorter than the receiver opening you will need to select a ball mount with a drop and if 18 inches is higher than the receiver opening you will need to select a ball mount with a rise.
The least amount of rise or drop that allows you to tow a trailer level is the best option for your vehicle.
Another thing to consider is that the closer to the back of the vehicle the hitch ball is placed the better. Measure from the center of the hitch pin hole in your receiver to the farthest out part of the rear bumper. Compare this measurement to the measurement from the center of hitch pin hole to center of ball hole on the ball mount you select to keep the ball as close to the rear of the vehicle as possible. This helps eliminate excessive torque on the hitch that is created by a long ball mount.
We did a Class III hitch install on a 2011 GLK-350 and the measurements were 14 inches to the bottom of the receiver opening and 5-1/4 inches to the rear bumper, see video link. If this measurement is the same for your Class II hitch then the Class II Drawbar, # 36071, would be a good choice, used in the rise position for an 18 inch trailer coupler height.
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Drawbar for 1-1/4" Hitch - 2-5/8" Rise, 3-1/4" Drop - 7-3/16" Long - 3.5K
- Trailer Hitch Ball Mount
- Fixed Ball Mount
- No Ball
- 3/4 Inch Ball Hole Diameter
- Steel Shank - Gloss Black
- Drop - 3 Inch
- Rise - 2 Inch
- Fits 1-1/4 Inch Hitch
- 3500 lbs GTW
- Class II
- Draw-Tite
more information >
Featured Help Information
Miscellaneous Media
Continue Researching
- Shop: Trailer Wiring
- Shop: Trailer Hitch
- Q&A: Easier to Install Trailer Hitch Recommendation for 2012 Mercedes GLK350
- Search Results: curt wiring harness
- Search Results: c45070
- Video: Choosing the Right Trailer Wiring
- Shop: Curt Ball Mount for 2" Hitches - 4" Rise, 6" Drop - 9-1/4" Long - 7,500 lbs
- Shop: etrailer 2-3/4" Rise or 4" Drop Ball Mount Kit - 7,500 lbs
- Shop: Curt 4-Way Flat Trailer Connector with Circuit Protected Powered Tail Light Converter
- Shop: Pin and Clip for 2" and 2-1/2" Hitches - 5/8" Diameter x 3-3/16" Span
- Shop: Drawbar for 1-1/4" Hitch - 2-5/8" Rise, 3-1/4" Drop - 7-3/16" Long - 3.5K
- Shop: MaxxTow Adjustable-Height Ball Mount - 2" Hitch - 7-1/2" Drop, 6-1/4" Rise - 5,000 lb
- Shop: Curt Powered Tail Light Converter with 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector
- Search Results: hitch
- Search Results: reciever
- Search Results: 119190kit
- Search Results: mount
- Article: Brake Controller 7- and 4-Way Installation Kit (ETBC7)
- Search Results: 44649
- Q&A: What is the Difference Between a Class II and a Class III Hitch?
- Article: Trailer Wiring Diagrams
- Q&A: What is the Difference Between a 4-Way and 7-Way Trailer Connector
- Video: Choosing the Right Brake Controller
- Q&A: Wiring a Camper Shell Third Brake Light on a 2017 Chevrolet Silverado
- Shop: Brake Controller
- Video: Lippert Solera Slider Slide-Topper Review
- Shop: Fifth Wheel Hitch
- Article: How to Measure for Trailer Hitch Drop
- Video: Tow Ready 4-Pole Mounting Bracket Installation
- Q&A: Replacement Hub Needed for Lippert 122093 Hub on 5,200 lbs Axle
on Trailer Hitch Ball Mount
